15 Months

My beautiful and bold boy,

Life with you is never a bore.
I'm learning so much from you.
You want to take the world by storm. You want to take every moment by storm.
You want to touch and understand everything. You are a miracle.
When you meltdown I either rise above, finding compassion and patience, or I sink down with frustration. I'm sorry that I cannot rise above every time.
We are still laughing our butts off everyday with and at you.
Thank you for being you, Phee.

Love You!

March 30, 2013
This morning we went to Jacqui's house for a very fabulous bruncheon. Jacqui is quite the host, and we were so impressed with her delicious, simple and elegant meal and her beautiful home. We got to hang with Auntie Val and Titis Townhouse, too! We are going to start a monthly bruncheon and we are hosting the next one in May.

After naptime we went to celebrate Miss Logan turning one! It was a lovely, mellow party. You and your buddies were so content to explore, snack and play in the Tiddes' amazing backyard. We got to watch her blow enjoy her cake and I think she had a really nice time. The two of you were very into chalk, mostly eating and some drawing. You were happy to see Bandit and Miles, and it's always nice to get our group together.

March 31, 2013
Your face is a heart,
My heart is a smile,
Our laughter, hugs and limbs make a perfect pile.

April 3, 2013
We had a wonderful visit with Grammy T! We played and hung out and had some good quality time. She got to see you at Baby College with some of your buddies, and we even made a handprint memorial thingy for her. She wants to put it in the backyard as a stepping stone.

April 6, 2013
We had a nice brunch with some of the Manhattan 7 this morning. It's always good to have some lady/baby time :) They say good friends are hard to find, my Squirrel. So treasure your buddies, because love is the greatest gift.

April 10, 2013
Today your Ma went to help Sophia & Matt welcome baby Frankie into the world. It was truly amazing to witness the journey and be in the presence of new life. You and Daddy had a great time while I was gone. Being a doula makes me reflect on your entrance to the world, and so I watched your birth videos again. I wonder if I'll ever get sick of watching those things. Your entrance to the world is a miracle. You are a miracle.

April 11, 2013
We went on our first preschool tour this morning. Wowsa. Preschool looks fun. They teach Spanish, French and yoga, and the munchkins play all day! We have some more tours set up and we will just have to see where we are living when the time comes....I'm seriously considering doing a co-op preschool with some of our Mommy and Baby friends. We'd save thousands of dollars ;)

April 14, 2013
Yesterday you hung with Daddy all day while I was prepping for and playing at Daniela's baby shower. You guys had a great time, and you came to visit all the ladies after the shower ended. Your Pa got you dressed up in a hilarious get-up, complete with leather jacket. We had many belly laughs, and Auntie Daniela gave your dad an A+ for styling you. You got to meet lots of new ladies, and you really enjoyed playing with baby Renesmee's YaYa, Ellen. She came in town to spend time with the parents-to-be. Auntie D had a lot of friends and family celebrating her pending arrival. It's beautiful to see community, and feel all the love that new life brings.

April 24, 2013
We toured a great preschool nearby this morning, while you stayed home and hung with Uncle B. We really liked the space, it's homeyness and ample outdoor space were appealing. The director is a sweet and bright woman, and we got general good vibes from the meeting. It's still soooo early, and who knows where we'll be living this time next year, but I'm glad we've started exploring your preschool future. There's a couple more schools I'd like to check out, one co-op and one montessori. We're touring lots of different types of places to see what jives with us, but as you grow and develop we'll have a better idea of what style of school you will connect with.

April 25, 2013
You live for the outdoors. Inevitably you start to get antsy after an hour of being inside. You start to fuss and cling. We know what that means. Take the squirrel OUTSIDE! You thrive and explore and become so independent and curious once the sunlight hits your face. You find your requisite stick, we call it your "Harry Potter wand" and walk around poking things with your stick. You like to play ball and run the dirt through your fingers. You like to overturn Violet's water bowl and splash around in there. I typically try to intervene when this happens, but you are crafty and you usually make contact with the water bowl, proud and satisfied, covered in doggy water :) Your Dad finished the frame of your sandbox long ago, and we will hopefully get it filled for you soon! I think you're going to love it.

April 27, 2013
You had your swim evaluation today, and it was a blast! You were a little tentative when you first got in the water, but you eventually relaxed and we had a lot of fun. You floated on your back with assistance from me and your instructor, Richard. You were even smiling and laughing by the end of class. We signed up, and I'm so excited, not only for you to have an awesome new activity, but for you to learn water safety. You've gotta be able to ride the mellow Mediterranean waves in the South of France someday soon!!!

You also helped me cook today. It was very sweet. You were curious about the cookie dough I was making, so you watched me measure out all of the dry ingredients, and you helped me whisk them together. In true Phee-style you turned up the volume by whisking wildly, and we shared a smile when you got flour all over the counter. To be expected. I do dream about the day that we cook and bake together, for real; can't wait to share my love of food with you!

April 28, 2013
Your Dad built you a treasure chest. It's "indestructible." Okay, by indestructible I mean you will have to be much older and crafty to break into it. Your Grandpa Tom won a whole bunch of silver dollar coins, and those are the first deposits you made!