Letter 35

Dear Children,
It has been exactly one month since my last letter. I suppose I could let myself feel guilty about this, but truthfully, I know it will likely happen again. Plus, you two have been wearing my out so much during the day, that I just kick my feet up and snuggle with papa or a pillow as soon as you two are tucked away for the evening; and I'd take that over a letter any day. There is so much to tell you both though, I couldn't let any more time lapse.

Shea! You are walking. everywhere. The first week of August you started taking a few steps every few days. By the first week of September, you were up to 13 steps and the day of your b-day party (a week before your actual birthday) you were at 30+ steps. It has been so fun to watch you become independent. A week after your birthday (gosh this is a lot of calendar marking! Ha. I suppose I'm trying to make up for not having filled in your first year baby book... oops.)you walked outside for the first time. Yesterday, I kept finding your paci in the living room. Which, was odd because you only use it during naps, so it's always in your crib. After picking it up for the third time, I decided to put on my detective coat and solve the mystery of the moving pacifier. It didn't take long. A few minutes after I put the paci back in the crib I saw you walking down the hallway toward your room. You usually help yourself to toys and books so I didn't think much of it. But as I rounded the corner I saw you with your hand deep through the crib slates feeling around for something. Seconds later you had your pacifier in hand. You turned around and seeing me, raised your hand as if offering some special sacrifice. Then you walked right past me back into the living room and threw it on the ground. Such a silly girl!

Lincoln, you are growing in every possible facet; language skills, sweetness, height and even mischief. Yesterday, you managed (to my horror) to get into your medicine box and take everything out. You lined every q-tip and band-aid into a straight line across your bedroom floor... all during your nap time. Oh brother! But, you made up for it this morning when I woke up sleeping beauty style. I was lost in deep sleep when all of a sudden I feel something wet and slobbery on my face. I open my eyes and your adorable face is inches from mine. You had kissed me. I smile. "Come on Mama. I want some milk honey."

The two of you are SO much work and SO worth it.

As I'm writing this, I've realized that spending time telling you both about how you are such a delight to me, is not only good for you (down the road), it also brings nourishment to my soul. After disciplining and training all morning, it's good to soak in the precious moments of life that you two bring.

For all the affection in recollection,
I love you!