20 months

Dear Mabel June,

Today you are 20 months old. Every day you get closer and closer to being two, and I just don't think I can handle that.

This month you started asking "WHYYYYY"  although you don't really know what it means,  you're just mimicking your sisters (at least thats what I hope). You also have decided that saying "NO" is the most important thing you can say, like "no" when I asked if you pooped or "NO!" when it's time for bed. 



Even with your broken arm, you still rock toddlerhood. You think riding a bike with your sisters is the best thing ever. You can't yet reach the pedals, but you love to ring the bell and go anywhere they go. 

 

 

 

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You love your family SO MUCH, and we all love you. You are so funny and sweet and full of laughter and love. 

 

We went cherry picking! You mostly ate cherries that we picked, but you sure loved following your sisters and Grandma around. 

 

 

You also had a few milk stops while at the farm. You are still nursing as often as you can, but a while ago I decided night time was no longer the all night breastaraunt you had been used to. Some nights you sleep straight through, others you wake up and ask for milk, and 99% of the time I say no (sometimes I'm so tired I say yes before I realize what is happening).

One night, you got very angry and pounded me on the chest shouting "MINE MINE MINE!" which made me laugh, but I still said "No Mabel, it's sleepy time" to which you replied "NO! no sleep mama!"  Another night you asked for milk at 3 AM, when I said no, you shouted "FINE! BYE!" and rolled over in a huff and went back to sleep. I have to admit I laughed out loud for a moment before I too rolled over and went back to sleep. 

You desperately want to be one of the big kids. You've decided that you will be climbing all the playground equipment just like they do, no matter how much it scares the crap out of me. You also like to try and hang from the monkey bars, and have pretty much figured out running. You're growing up entirely too fast. 

 

Your buddy Flannery comes over once a week or so, and sometimes you guys get a little crazy. Here you are practicing for the World Naked Bike ride. 

 

We went on a 4 day camping trip with Nana and Grandpa and Grandma. Everyone had a great time, and you were thrilled to be playing in the dirt and eating camp food and sitting in your camp chair just like all the big kids. 

We went on hikes and bike rides and ate s'mores. You were held and loved and even got your sisters to share some of the crafty time with you (sort of)

Still, your favorite place to be is with Mama. 

 

On the 4th of July, we went to watch fireworks. You thought it was AMAZING for about 5 minutes then you were clearly overstimulated and went completely berserk, running around and trying to bite Lucy. 

 

The NICU where you spent your first 3 weeks of life had a reunion. We showed up late (hahaha, not how you started life) but we did get to see our favorite nurse, and she was SO happy to see you. 

During those 3 weeks she was so helpful, and supportive and treated you with so much love. We will forever be grateful for the job she did.

 

You've figured out how to get into the playhouse, despite my wishing you would wait a few more months. (remember this is how you broke your arm, climbing that ladder) On taco tuesday you and Flannery were pretty excited to be included in the big kid's play in the kitchen. I am pretty sure you ate a bowl of weeds but, hey, it's fiber.  

Speaking of eating, somedays you make the silliest expressions while eating. You are such an expressive, silly and interested kid. 

 

We had (yet another) trip to the zoo. You are the smallest of the bunch but you know how to hold your own. You wanted to get out of the stroller at every enclosure and check out all the animals. You are so curious about everything around you. 

Grandma was here for part of the month and you were so happy so see her every day. One morning you got out of bed, opened the bedroom door and went down the stairs shouting "GRAMMA!!!! GRAMMA!!!" and dragged her out of bed at 6:15. She doesn't seem to mind though, I think she likes you. 

My sweet baby Maybe, you are such a delight. I feel so lucky that you came into our family, and that you chose me to be your mama. Every day you learn new things and show us how mighty you truly are. I love you beyond measure. 

All my heart, Mama