22 Months

Dear Anthony,

 Today you're 22 months, and it's happening in the midst of a chaotic season for me. I wish I could spend every single moment soaking you up because you're getting so big so fast that I'm almost scared to blink. You and I are probably a rare twosome that look forward to Mondays because that's when we get our time together. All week, just you and me for the most part.

 Today I had portraits to do, and when you woke up from your nap you flitted off to the second birthday party of the weekend with Dada. The hours you were gone that I was at home were miserable. All I wanted to do was scoop you up and love on you, and the minute you got home, that's exactly what I did :) You give the best hugs and kisses! You launched yourself into my arms, and you held on so tight as if you were afraid I would disappear.

 You're at such a fun age. Everything is an adventure, and you can communicate enough to cut back on a lot of frustration. You have funny noises (mostly that you learned from me), and you have a cute little sense of humor that just melts me! You have to run everywhere you go, and often times that leads to bumps and bruises. You're quite a stubborn little fellow! It doesn't matter how many times you fall down, how many times I ask you to slow down or hold my hand, you must run.

 We've developed a weekly routine that's lots of fun, but I'm going to shake you up soon with some additions to our educational time. I hope you'll enjoy learning as much as I do! Thanks to a tip from your Godmother, I may be adding a little "science and snack time with Dada" to your evening routine. You're basically a sponge right now so I have no doubt you'll absorb every little tidbit and try to repeat it back in your own way. Part of me longs to hear you say full sentences so I can know exactly what's going through your mind. The other part is enjoying your baby babble, knowing it's temporary, basking in its cuteness and simplicity. I love everything about you.

 I hope you'll remember one day how you hold me tightly and say "ooooh, mama" the same way you used to reserve only for our special blanket (Dee). I hope you'll remember snorting on me and pushing your forehead up against mine. Remember going in for a kiss and sometimes changing your mind and opening your mouth against my face to make monkey sounds! Remember how much you enjoy doing "butterfly kisses, eskimo kisses" with me. Remember how you go and find my cowboy boots and run up with your demanding little noises until I slip you into them (up to your hips!) and help you toddle around the house. There are so many things about this time in our lives that I hope continues and that you will remember and cherish as much as I do.

 I love you so very much,
Mama 
P.S. Here are some photos from Saturday. We got up early (along with Granny) to take you out to Sweet Berry Farm for some fun!