Eighteen Months

Dearest Little Lena-

You are eighteen months, just one month shy of Emmeline's age when you are born. My goodness! You are our little sprite still, but you abound in energy and charm.  You've changed so much in this last month and have gone from being entirely baby-like to toddler observations and a love of books. You ask to 'reeg a boop' almost every other hour. Your other all time love is dancing, in princess skirt, to Country Fiddle Music. Emmie is so tired of it but you are unstoppable in your efforts to persuade her of the wonder of dancing to this particular old record that skips. We break out the pots and pans and wooden spoons some nights and have a regular percussion section. I thought you liked to do everything your big sister did before, but you've taken this to a new level this month. You are so tiny but have such courage. If she brings a kitchen chair to the island to help cook, then you drag one over too, grunting and pushing all the way. You want to eat what she eats, drink tea like she does and yet sometimes she is your mortal enemy.  Sweet girl, you are strong willed and determined, smart as a whip and tender as could possibly be. You cry even if you think you've disappointed Momma or Papa.  You count to five sometimes and know two colors. You've also discovered a love of coloring.  Your favorite foods haven't really changed: sausage, cheese and yogurt are your all time favorites but soup is also high on the list now. You are such a messy girl and love to baste your hair with breakfast.  You despise being strapped in: high chair, stroller, grocery cart, car seat. You love rain boots and Bernard, tractors, trucks, airplanes and the cats. You love to smell things and are fascinated by (unlit) candles. You still amaze us by how much you eat.  How we love you and are blessed to have you in our lives!