We are about to celebrate our 18-month birthday. In some ways I thought we would be farther along in our development (and when I say “we” I mean all of us-Bry, me, Nori and Charlie) but we have grown in ways I never thought possible. I wait anxiously for them to take their first steps (I include Bryan here again) as they wait patiently for me to catch on to their wants and needs. Our second summer, but in some ways it always feels like the first (fill in the blank).
Nori babbles and sings a language that is mostly made up of variations on the words, “baby” and “daddy.” I think she lives in a musical where we all resemble Muppets. I like living there with her as often as I can. She is well on her way to being a triple threat and suddenly the mothers on Toddlers and Tiaras don’t look so crazy to me anymore. She has also taken to mirroring my mannerisms, like lifting her hands and arms as if to say, “I don’t know,” and pointing to things in books as she reads. She gives great hugs and she gives kisses with her forehead.
Charlie’s response to “what does the tiger say,” is as authentic as if I were watching the Discovery Channel. He can also vocalize a snake and Nori’s need scream. He can fit shapes into puzzles and turn the television off and on. He enjoys watching Sports Center with Bryan in the morning and reading Good Night Moon with me at night. He also loyally applauds for Nori when she accomplishes something and for me when I sing Twinkle Twinkles Little Star. He gives great hugs too, especially to all the moms in our weekly music class.
Every sing-song “hi,” and every wave “bye-bye,” feels like a miracle to me. When I feel a tiny hand using my leg for balance or a head resting on my shoulder breathing baby breath into my ear I think, “I can’t believe you are mine.” A hundred sleepless nights are trumped by one smile. Amazing.
