Checking in

Usually when Annabelle exhibits a new behavior I can either

a) rationalize it in my own head
b) go to one of my many child resources to research if this behavior is “normal” and get an explanation of what is really going on in that mind, as that is my goal in life, to figure out how that brain ticks and always be one step ahead.

Lately though, there is a new action this little girl has been exhibiting that just does not make any milestone chart I have found. She steals things. In order to put my parental spin on it “she redistributes assets”. She does not keep the stolen items; in fact she is in quite a hurry to get the hot goods out of her little hands. I know this is coming when I see her running toward me, curls bouncing, with her arm outstretched saying “you have it”. I am usually rewarded with Nana’s cell phone, Daddy’s brush or even the cat’s rubber ball. A recent visitor at our home was recently presented with a bowl of freshly opened cat food, although they were not exactly thrilled at the smell.

Last week while in the waiting room at the doctor’s office I turned to pick up a magazine Annabelle had thrown on the floor and as quick as a wink she reached into my purse, removed my urine sample, ran across the room and handed to another expectant mother serenely reading her magazine. “You have it” Annabelle announced. As the mother lowered her magazine while simultaneously holding her hand out to receive her gift I held my breath, she graciously smiled and said “Thank you honey, why don’t you give that back to your Mom?” Annabelle came trotting back to me repeating “thank you honey”

Having my very own modern day Robin Hood is proving to be quite an adventure.

This is our thing in the morning, we eat our ceral then split a muffin before I leave for work. This time of singing and talking about our day feeds my soul until I get home to be with my Annabelle once again. This picture was taken on Annabelle's 18 month birthday. I plan on reminding her of this time when she is 16 and fighting to stay in bed a little longer before school. Remember this? You used to love our morning muffin time. I know I did.

September 18, 2008

My Dearest Annabelle,

Happy 18 month Birthday! I hope you enjoy it; this is the last half birthday you get. Sorry to break the news, but after you hit 2 you only get 1 birthday a year, it is just part of growing up. But this birthday – your 18 month, year and a half birthday is just so amazing I am finding it hard to put into words. You are a dynamo!! So much has changed since your 1 year letter, in 6 short months you have grown up, and this breaks my heart while it makes me so very proud. Just last night Daddy checked on you as you slept, he reported back that you were so big stretched out in your crib, I could tell he was fighting back tears thinking of 15 short months ago telling me the bed was too big for you.

You are walking – more than walking, running! You announce “Chase Chase” and take off running, your blond curls bouncing as you go. Sometimes you slow down a bit to let us catch you so we can give you a million kisses, which makes you squeal before you take off again. This is the most fun thing ever.

You talk a blue streak! It is amazing to everyone how clear your speech is and how much you say. You are a little parrot that repeats everything. Even the doctor told us yesterday how advanced your speech and memory skills are for your age. You know your colors, count to 12 and can repeat the ABC’s. You are so proud of your skills and clap whenever you finish. Sometimes your Dad, Nana & I just look at each other in amazement at the things that come out of your mouth. My favorite is always “Love you Mum Mum” or “Hug Mum Mum”. Those expressions melt my heart every time.

A big change coming into our lives before your next birthday is the arrival of your little brother. After being told we would never have children, having 2 in 2 years awes your Dad & I at our extreme blessings. There is no way we could have ever imagined having a second baby if you had not been the sweetest, most loveable joy we have ever known. You have enriched our lives more than we ever could have imagined, and for that I thank you. Sometimes I am taken back by the sheer strength of the love I feel; you make me so very happy and grateful every day. Appreciation for the good things in life is one quality I hope to instill in you as you grow, as you have shown me this enlightenment changes your entire outlook on the world and makes it a wonderful place to be.

Happy Year and a Half Birthday my wonderful sweetheart. Know how very much you are loved by so many, not just your Dad & I but your Nana, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, God Parents, and even friends. The sunshine that radiates from you is reflected right back through the eyes of all these people. You are and continue to be the greatest blessing I have ever known.

With all my love,

Mum Mum

We believe we have a new strategy for the Steelers to win, in addition to Mum making Chili in the crockpot, Annabelle must wear her Steeler T-shirt designed by Aunt Jeanne. So far we are 1-1 with this game plan.

The season is looking so bright, Annabelle has to wear shades.