But I did not want to miss one tradition very dear to my heart. I had so much to say about my first-born as he turned 18 months old that I just had to write it down. I was 8 months pregnant with lots of feelings. And little did I know then, my heart would swell for each of my next baby boys in the same big, overwhelming, impossible to describe way. But now they each have a letter from their mommy, trying to put into words how much I love them every day, but specifically at 18 months old. Here is Colby's...
My sweet Colby,
You
turned 18 months old today! And like the perfect little brother that you are,
you spent most of it outside at both of your brothers’ soccer games. I had to move your nap up by 2 hours- and
then wake you up an hour in, and like the champ you are, you woke up sweet and
smiling. You have been today- and every day- such a JOY.
There
are so many important things about you, Colby.
Today I will pick a few to write down so that you always know and
remember how loved you have been from the very start.
In
my 18 months of knowing you, I have noticed that you feel and express in big
ways. For the most part, that is really
happy or really excited or really surprised.
You are one happy guy. But as we
near the true toddler years, I’ve seen that you will show me when you are
frustrated, mad, or disappointed with plenty of expression, too. I have to stop
from laughing when you poke out your bottom lip because it is one of the cutest
things I have ever seen.
You
love big, too! You have recently been giving the best, big, strong, snug hugs I’ve
ever had. When you are in the Ergo (less often lately), you reach out and give me
such a good, strong squeeze; it makes me think we should use it a lot more
often after all. And you are known for your kisses. You will give the sweetest
kisses when we ask. Plus, you lean out
and give a good pucker and “mmm” to any new friend who notices how wonderful
you are. You win so many people over with your bright smile and friendly “HI!”
and then you seal the deal with trying to plant a wet one on ‘em.
You
are unique in a lot of ways already, but a big part of what makes you special
is being part of the “Ives boys.” You love books and balls, and you already
know 6 or 8 alphabet sounds, which all reminds us of your biggest brother. You
also love to play with cars-including the noises, or dinosaurs, and you hint at
being left-handed, and that makes us think you are so much like Brady. You like to color a lot. I think you may just be an artist.
You
are funny! And you know it. You certainly do things just to make us laugh. You
will close your eyes at us with a big smile until someone notices, and then you
burst out laughing. You think it’s so funny to wear your shoes on your hands,
or a shirt on your head, and you make us laugh throughout each day.
I
love to cook (or order, ha!) for you, because you are most likely to enjoy
whatever it is. Most meats, fruits, vegetables, and certainly snacks or sweets
are a safe bet with you. Favorites lately are chicken, bananas, corn on the
cob, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, noodles, chips, and anything sweet. I am impressed
with your silverware skills, and you are enjoying more independence.
With
your big brothers in preschool and our little cousin Easton still taking good
naps, you and I have gotten a lot more one-on-one time lately. We like to stack
blocks and knock them down, or roll balls through tubes, or read books, or ride
on your Thomas train toy. Sometimes we steal a show because you love to snuggle
and watch Mickey, and I love to watch you sing and dance along. Your favorite
books right now are “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” or “Baby Bear…”
or “Polar Bear…” You are very opinionated about which book you want to hear and
shake your head Yes or No at me with great conviction. This reminds me of both
of your brothers, actually.
You
love your grandparents and great-grandma, and you love spending time with them.
You have lots of friends at church, but that is about the only place that I
have to drop you off, so for quite a few months now you cry for a few minutes
when I do. We just like to be together, and we are so lucky that we almost always
get to be.
It’s
hard to fit all of the best things about you on one page, and I know I left so
many good things out. But let me say one more time- you are special. Your joy
is contagious. You love others so well. You are learning what it is you want
and how to get it. You are smart. You are funny. This world, and especially our
family, is so lucky to have you.
Love
always, always, always,
Mommy
WE are soooo lucky to have amazing Colby. One of my favorite things is how he says (and has said this for several months now) thank you whenever you give him something. He is a very polite sweet boy!
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