Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Teeth -- 15 months old.

Dear Lucy,
Wow. Yesterday dad was fishing, so I was alone with you for the first time since June. It was a lot of fun; I can't believe how much you've changed. I've noticed, of course, but it's different when I'm taking care of you solo. We'll be back to our solo schedule in a couple of weeks.
So you were screaming and crying and bucking in my arms. You were so sad and I couldn't figure it out. You've been teething -- a big molar has finally fully erupted -- so I gave you some teething tablets. I had noticed the beginnings of two more top molars...but I looked and saw that ALL FOUR of your eye teeth were coming in. Jesus. No wonder you were so sad! I gave you Tylenol and you took a nice nap. Poor girl! I can't believe you get all of your teeth at once. It's kind of nice knowing you'll get it over with fast, but still. You are an over acheiver, I think. You have 6 teeth coming at the same time, maybe more.
I love to watch you read your books and empty your toy boxes and laugh at the radio. You love to turn in off and on and find the NPR station. It cracks you up and that alone makes me laugh with joy. You love to throw your balls and make baskets, so funny. You sing and we think we've heard you say "thank you" and "banana".
Speaking of food, Lucy, you love to eat. It's great! Tofu pups. Avocado. Green beans. Bananas. Rice puffs. Japanese rice cakes. Pinto beans. Polenta. You like it all, especially the Gerber toddler food (but we are trying to decrease your dependence on that stuff). You also love corn and apples and mangos and plums. Of course a bunch of the food ends up in your plastic bib, on the floor and into the crevices of the high chair, but most if it ends up in your belly. Soon, you will use your little fork and spoon, we aren't too worried because you seem to have good coordination.
You were 15 months old on the 15th. You aren't walking yet, but you move around cautiously. We enjoy this slow start because we've been able to Lucy-proof bit by bit. You like to play with other children and recognize your little friends. You have a new doll, which I'll write about next time. We love you so much.
Love,
Mama

Friday, August 19, 2005

Play Date

Dear Lucy,
Today was so much fun, like so many of our days. The summer is winding down and while I am looking forward to Autumn already, I know you are in for a surprise when Dad goes back to work. I think you will miss him and that makes me sad. Whenever he leaves, you point at the door, saying his name. When you see pictures of him you point and say "dad". It's just so sweet.
Anyway, today we had lunch with our dear friend Matthew. We met at a sushi restaurant on Hawthorne and you were asleep in your stroller for a good while. Finally you woke up and had sticky rice, corn and some other finger foods. Those are your favorites and you are just so fond of rice! You aren't really letting us feed you with a spoon -- you would barely allow me to place the rice on your eating mat! You are so sure of what you want, pulling and pushing our hands to you and away. It's so funny watching you learn how to communicate with us.
After lunch, we went to a play date with Sophia and Elizabeth. You sat in the little pool for a long time, experimenting with the toys -- putting them in and out of the pool -- for almost an hour. Then you ate your very favorite rice crackers and had a nice time nursing. The weather was just perfect and I love to feel your soft skin while you are eating. You smile at me as I shake my hair around your face.
You slept in the car on the way home; we stopped at the store. You hummed through dinner and played on the floor cushion, which you love. You didn't cry too much at bedtime and only tossed a bit when I covered you with your blue blanket.
I can't believe how quickly time is passing.
There is a part of me that wants to write down every moment, every little thing you do, yet I know it is impossible. So here's one thing for today. Your hair -- it is curly in the back. It is actually much longer than it looks dry because of the way it pops up. You like to touch your hair, and mine and dad's. Your hair is still blonde, but it's kind of a dark blonde and I wonder how it will change in color and texture.
As always, I love you dearly. I know this will not change.
Love,
Mama