big shoes to fill

Dear Monkey,
Today was a really busy day! The highlights are that we went to the park, and out to dinner, and then Old Navy. Grandpa Jim and Onna and the kids came over too, and you seemed to find them really hilarious today... you laughed the whole time they were here. You are so lucky to have so many people who love you.

Tonight at Old Navy, Daddy was trying on some clothes and you and I were walking around the store. This is the first time I have really felt safe letting you walk without holding your hand, but you seemed so sure of your self. You went over to the shoe rack (a girl after her mama's heart for sure), and pulled off a pair of shoes and put them on the floor, and then sat down and took off your own shoes to try on the big shoes. I laughed a lot - you are such a smartie! You always suprise me with the things you know how to do.

Someday, your feet will be much bigger, and will actually fill up those big girl shoes. Someday soon, you won't need me to hold your hand at all. Part of me is excited and part of me dreads it. You are growing up so, so fast and I know I will miss this part of your life so much - you have such a joy and exuberance about you and I don't want you to lose it. But, on the other hand, I know you are destined for such big, wonderful things, and that the light and spirit that makes you, you will continue to shine so brightly even as you get older.

Oh, also.... you have learned how to give kisses over the last few days and I would like to state for the record.... no kissing boys until your 30. Maybe.

I love you,
Mama

Dear Monkeymoo....

Dear Monkeymoo,
I have always wanted to do this, to write you letters and memories so that you will always have something to look back on. Today, I am at work and you are at home with Daddy, and I can't stop wishing I was there, so I decided I would just start this instead.

You haven't been sleeping well lately, and I'm pretty tired today. I'm not sure what's up with you, but you woke up last night at 1:00 and just couldn't go back to sleep, so you got to come lay in our bed with us. I'll admit, almost entirely for selfish reasons..... if you were going to be awake, and I was going to be awake, I at least wanted to be horizontal. All night, every time I moved, you would shift over in your sleep so you were litterally pressed right up against me. Every once in a while, you would open you eyes, look at me, smile, and go right back to sleep. You woke up this morning wide awake and happy. You are a delightful, wonderful, cheerful kid, and I love every day with you.

We went to the pool for the first time yesterday and you loved it! I can't wait to go to the beach next month.... I think you will be a water baby for sure. We also went to look at a day care for you for when Daddy starts his new job, and it seems really nice. I am insanely conflicted when I think about leaving you in day care, but I hope you'll like it, and that the kids are nice to you. I hope you don't get bitten, and that you learn to take longer naps. I hope you learn your numbers and colors, but you've got a little while for that. No pressure.

I love you, Monkey!
Mama