There are days when I feel like I’m letting life slip by. My daughter is getting bigger and smarter and there are time when I just look at her and think “Where did my baby go?” I don’t mean for this to sound depressing, it’s just hard to believe that my child is growing up so fast. She’s a full blown toddler now. Walking (and running) around the house, talking up a storm, exploring the world around her… It’s such a unique experience to watch her learn new things and grow into such a little person!
As I write this she is 18 months old… halfway to 2! I can’t believe that in 3ish months I’ll have to start planning her 2nd birthday party. It seems unreal. She has such a cute personality. She’s happy (for the most part), always waves at strangers, smiles and shrieks when she sees any animal, loves being held by Mommy, dances every time she hears music and is ALWAYS up for an episode of Yo Gabba Gabba.
She is still quite the picky eater. It’s taken a while for me not to stress out about what she isn’t eating and focus on what she is, which isn’t much some days. She goes through what I’m assuming are growth spurts where she literally can’t stop eating to days where I look at her and wonder how she’s not starving. For now, it’s just who she is. She’s not a human vacuum like some kids are and I have to just accept that.
It’s so cool to interact with her on a whole new level now that she knows several words. She definitely knows what she wants and when she wants it. Lately she’s been telling me when she’s ready for a nap or bedtime. Most kids fight sleep at this age but for now she loves her naps (just like her Daddy). I try not to give in to every little whimper and whine but it’s hard. I know that these times pass way too quickly and someday she won’t want me to pick her up or want to sit on my lap while she watches TV. Some day she won’t wander around the house saying “Mommy?” when I’ve just gone into the other room for a second.
She is such a blessing and I can’t believe that this awesome little girl is all mine.
Life is flying by so quickly. My stresses and worries today will seem silly 5 months from now. I need to just breathe and realize that my little girl won’t be little forever. I want to remember every little thing about life, RIGHT NOW. My life with a 14 month old.
Miss Eisley Bean,
As cliche as it sounds, you are the light of my life. Every little smile you give me and every time I kiss your face I realize why God put me on this earth. You are such a spunky little girl. I love watching you just be you. You carry on conversations with yourself. If you hear music you stop what you’re doing and “dance”. You have become quite the little parrot, with every noise I make you try to copy. You know who strangers are and cling tight to me when you feel nervous or unsure of someone. You are attached to my hip and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I wish those moments you lay on my shoulder, like you did when you were a newborn, would last forever. You love holding my hand. Whenever and wherever is convenient for you, I’m there… even if I have to drive one-handed. I love how your little hand fits perfectly around my finger. Don’t ever stop. I always want you to have that comfort of having mommy by your side.
I love watching you around other kids. You know they are just like you. In your music class, you love giving hugs and kisses to any baby that’s in your field of view. You are such a happy baby. Don’t ever change. Whether it be a picture or an actual child, your face lights up when you see another little you. You squeal “Baaaay-beee!” and wave. It’s the sweetest thing ever.
With this age comes quite a bit of attitude. Some days I let it stress me out too much. I know, you are just a baby. You’re trying to communicate with me in the only way you know how. I’m trying to be more patient. I’m thankful you won’t really remember everything about this time in your life, because there are days when I look at you and say “I don’t know what you want, Eisley!” while you continue to grunt. You are teaching me patience. I’m trying to push my stubbornness and control issues aside and realize I’m not perfect and you aren’t here to drive me crazy. This is life with a toddler.
Have I mentioned how smart you are? I may be biased, but I think you are just a genius 
You understand so much. I’ll ask you to get something and most of the time, you’ll get it. I’ll ask you if you’re ready to go bye-bye and you nod your head yes. It’s precious. You love hanging out with your Daddy. As soon as I hear the garage door open I say, “Daddy’s home!” and your face lights up and you run to the kitchen to wait for him. I love the relationship you two have. It’s grown so much since you’ve got older. I can’t wait to see it blossom even more.
You are getting older everyday. I feel like you are becoming such a big girl. You are getting better at using utensils now, all though still quite messy. You don’t want me to hold your hand in the car anymore, which I used to find difficult I now miss. You would rather walk sometimes than be held. You are just growing up too fast. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy every minute with you but I can’t help to be sad just thinking of how little you used to be. That tiny helpless newborn is now an outgoing loving toddler. It’s sick how fast life has goes. But I am so thankful to be your mom. I could go on for days how much I love you, but I’ll stop here.
Love you stinky face!
