Dear Alyssa,
You’re twenty-three months old today! Girl, where has the time gone? Where has my little baby gone? You’re growing up so fast. Just yesterday you were sitting next to me on the sofa, and I couldn’t believe how big you looked sitting next to me. You’re getting tall… you’re losing some of that baby fat. With each passing day you look less and less like a little toddler and more and more like a little girl.
And when do you think you’ll grace us with your verbal skills? You’re content to babble away with only a recognizable word here or there – and “recognizable” is truly debatable. I know you understand us. You respond appropriately to questions and requests, and you eavesdrop on our conversations and react accordingly (getting a diaper when I mention that your brother needs to be changed; going and getting your sippy cup when I tell your father that you might want something else to drink, etc, preening and showing off when one of us remarks to the other how cute you look, etc.). But you won’t talk to us. A word may slip out here or there – and lately you’ve been consistent with waving and saying, “Bye” – but phrases? Sentences? New words? Nada.
I know all mothers will roll their eyes when I say I can’t wait for you to really talk, but I mean it: I can’t wait for you to talk. I know you’ll never shut up once you start, but you don’t shut up now. The difference is that I’ll be able to understand what you’re saying!
You’re still quite the little helper in regards to your baby brother. You dote on him – I can only wonder what goes through your mind when you’re tucking blankets around him, bringing him a toy, etc.
But you’ve been a hinder to me in other ways: How many times must I tell you that Mommy’s things are hands-off? This includes, but isn’t limited to, make-up, jewelry, hair accessories, lotions, perfumes, and of course, my purse.
Toddlerhood is certainly a fun – and busy – time. Right now there are days when I could cheerfully slam my head against the wall a few times, but I know in a few years I’ll look back and miss these chaotic times.
Love,
Mommy
I think its amazing that you have a beautiful young family. I’m waiting for my girlfriend of 2years and 8 months to finish university. You’re lucky.
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karl
Your daughter Alyssa is gorgeous! That’s awesome that you’re 22 and already have a young family. Seems like so much responsibility. I don’t think I’d be ready at that age… which would be two more years for me. I’m way too immature. But then again, how can you really tell your ready?
Hope you guys had an awesome day celebrating her 23 month old birthday! Congrats.
Cheers, Monica
Oh My goodness! one more month until she’s two! She’s a cutie-pie
Jenn, I LOVE this idea of these letters you do. I’m going to when i have children too, I hope you print them out and are putting them somewhere for when they get older to read.
She is so cute. And she seems really smart too. Good on you, woman!
My, how time flies. She looks so big!!!
She’ll be talking in no time. AJ has been saying new words almost daily (ok, maybe every other day, lol) and they just keep coming out. It’s always so cute when they say something new. hehe.
I too, can’t wait for my daughter to start talking in a way I can understand her. She tries. She’ll walk up to me and start doing her baby babble, and then get mad because I don’t understand her.
Ohh Alyssa looks so grown up. Each time I see a picture of her I think about back when you just had her and out her up as a “layout” – amazing to think it indeed is the same person.
I hope that she will start to be more undestandable soon
She will be eventually – and when that happen I bet you say “where did she learn to say this and that” those toddlers record and repeat everything :D
I can’t believe how much she’s growing up either. She’s almost two! Thats very scary.
thats so sweet. Oh well, we all need to move forward.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly they grow?? My youngest turned a year yesterday and I could not believe it! My toddler is also starting to look like a “little girl”. Where does the time go?!?!
As i have said before, remember when you found out you were pregnant? Remember when you debated if you were ready for a child, if you were going to have an abortion? I’m proud of your decision, and the beautiful family you have started, shes gorgeous, and is much less a baby, and much more a little girl.