:21 months:
You are a champion my little man. This has been an absolutely huge month for you, with more changes than you’ve ever had to deal with before, and you are coping like a champion.
Judah was born on September 30th and you’ve now had four weeks to adjust to having a little brother and having mama and daddy’s attention divided, in addition to having a house-full of guests for weeks on end now.
Nanny and Bop came for two weeks, Tiff visited from America, and now Gigi and Grampy are here for a three-week visit. You’ve so enjoyed having them here and having the extra attention and playmates, and yet it’s been hard for you too.
Your environment has changed drastically and you’re going through a major life change – of course the first of many. Some of the things we’ve noticed as you’re struggling to adapt are that you are clingier than usual, waking up more at night, quicker to tears, and more demanding and defiant. All of these behaviors are normal for older siblings (toddlers) as they adjust to having a new baby in the family, but that doesn’t make it any easier for you or for us.
It’s a challenge for daddy and I to know how to best care for you and discipline you through all the change. We’re learning as we go and I think we’re doing a pretty good job. You love us more than ever and constantly want our attention, even for little things like diaper changes and putting shoes on. (As much as you love playing with Gigi and Grampy, you’ve been very reluctant to let either of them “help” you with practical things. You’re insistant that I buckle you into your carseat, help you get dressed, make your snack, and other such things.)
You also climb all over me when I’m trying to nurse Judah and sometimes want “up” when I’ve got him on my chest in the wrap. You should see me carrying around my toddler (trying to honor your need for cuddles and attention) while also having a newborn strapped to my chest. It must be quite the sight! I’m willing though. As trying as it can seem in some moments, I also know that this will quickly pass and I might as well just enjoy the fact that you still need and want me.
My favorite time of the day at the moment is our nap/bedtime routine. I adore the moments alone with you – reading to you, singing to you, and having longer than “necessary” cuddles with you before putting you to bed. I sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “You Are My Sunshine” to you and you softly and sweetly sing along. It is incredibly precious and I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world. As hard as it is at times during our days recently, those moments before naps and bedtime more than make up for it.
I’m so in love with you little one – my first-born baby. I will always be so in love with you.
This month you’ve been talking even more – often saying words that we still don’t understand. It clearly frustrates you that we don’t always get what you’re saying. Some of the newer words that you do say often are “base” (you constantly want to go to the base), “jude” (you seriously picked that one up the day you met him – so fast!), “nack” (snack), and “key”. I don’t know how many other new words you have this month, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. You are a big talker!!
You love being outside – going to the park, being at the base, basically anything outside of the house. Daddy and Bop made you a new sandbox and you love playing in that. Of course you think it’s really fun to chuck the sand out of the box… such a typical little boy!
And of course you still love dancing. You have all sorts of moves - perhaps the funniest new move this month is "the cockroach". Daddy taught you this one (of course) and you lay on your back and put your legs up in the air and do a sort-of bicycle motion. Hilarious!
Again little one - little big one - you are our champion. We're so proud of you.
Love, your mama
