Dear Emilie

Dear Emilie,

My sweet little girl. You are now 17 whole months old. I got an e-mail update yesterday reminding me that in just one month you will be a whole year and a HALF old. I got angry and closed my e-mail. I didn't want anyone to remind me that you are getting older with each passing day. I am reminded every day of how independent, opinionated and amazing you truly are.

You walk, run, climb, talk, throw tantrums, hug, kiss, snuggle. Every day is a new discovery. It's truly amazing getting to see the world through your eyes.

You now have 16 teeth! No more feeling your gums with my fingers to see what teeth have come through the gums. We now have to hang you upside down and tickle you to see! You are so ticklish!

You are obsessed with your cousin Josh's toy cars and trucks. Every time you see a car or truck you yell out "car car!". The other day I had put the Olympics on the tv and you saw the cyclists on the screen you pointed to the screen at the car cars. Everything with more than two wheels is a car! Your favourite game is playing peek-a-boo with Josh and all of your friends. I love seeing the excitement on your face as you hide yourself and then pop back up. You could listen to the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" about 5 million times a day. You've also made up your own sign for it. You start putting your index fingers together with this sly little smile on your face until someone breaks out in song (complete with actions).

This summer has been so fun seeing you wander around the green space outside. Pointing to the birds, and climbing up and down the hills outside looking for your newest adventure on the other side. You love playing outside.

I used to wonder what you would be like as a toddler as I rocked you in the middle of the night when you were just a little baby. Never in a million years could I have imagined how exciting this time with you could be.

I can't wait to see what new adventure you have planned for tomorrow.

Love,

Mama