Kinley, You're 18 Months Old

Dear Kinley,
I've contemplated when exactly I should stop writing these monthly posts to you.   I've decided that this is not the month and that when it's time to stop I'll know.  The truth is, that the 23rd of each month comes faster and faster these days.   You're into everything and growing and changing at an alarming rate.   This past week I took you to see the doctor because I was concerned about a lingering cough you've been suffering through.  You were so cute when you stood alone on the big scale and weighed in at 22 pounds.  That's down a little since your last visit, but you've not been feeling well for a few weeks.   Turns out that your lungs are clear as a bell.  But your left ear looked pretty nasty and required some antibiotics.   Next time you're feeling so yucky it would be nice if you gave me some indication!   Everyone around you agreed that you certainly didn't act as bad as that ear looked.  I'm not really surprised though.  You're hilarious and challenging and loving all wrapped up into a cute little package.  You're reserved, though.  You definitely spend some time checking things out before you jump in.  
We all delight in you on a daily basis.  You make us laugh with your sweet little "hi" in the mornings and the way you say "hug" with open arms every night.     But my favorite is how you say, "Okay" in your cute little sing song way.   It melts my heart instantly.   Your strong willed side has been showing a little more lately.   Just this morning you didn't want to leave the library.  Since I couldn't let you stand there and scream, I scooped you up and carried you out into the lobby.   I knew you were extra upset with me when you began to tug on my necklace.  When I corrected you and reclaimed my necklace you went for my hair.   Lucky for you, and for me, you thought better of pulling my hair and began to calm down.    Good idea!   I know that as you grow you will begin to test the limits more and more.   I've been through this twice before you but I don't think it will make it any easier to go through it again.   My experience does tell me that we will all live through the difficult days and that this is just another season that I'll someday miss.

You remain loyal to Elmo, though you still affectionately refer to him as "La-La".  This morning you helped me go through some of our toys.   While I was putting some of your baby toys in storage I came across Tickle Me Elmo.  The very Elmo that Pappy Richard proudly brought home when McKenna was a baby.  You and I sought out some new batteries for Elmo and before we knew it he was falling on the floor laughing.   And you LOVED him!!!   You've hugging him and enjoying his giggles over and over all afternoon.  

 Silly times with Kenna and Coop

One year ago

I love you, my sweet girl.