Dear Charlotte,

It’s been a month since your birthday, and in that month, despite me being in denial at times, you have become a toddler. You are strong willed, have many, many opinions about everything, and are testing boundaries like crazy right now.

I will be honest, it’s been a tough few weeks. These days, I am exhausted at the end of the day, and sometimes you drifting off to sleep in my arms for the night feels like a huge relief. I am trying so hard to be consistent with you, to be understanding and loving and yet not let you get away with things that are unsafe or just obnoxious. It’s hard.

But despite all your crazy antics and epic meltdowns (over what, I’m never quite sure), you are sweet, and kind, and loving. You give the best hugs and kisses, especially to your brother. My heart explodes when I see you loving Grayson. We come downstairs in the morning and immediately you point to his room, ready to go say hi to him and give him a hug. You are always so excited to see him when we pick him up from school, saying “Hi G, Hi G” with a wave. Lately, I’ve seen his face light up when you hug him; I think he’s finally coming around to you, especially since you seem to understand now that you shouldn’t pull his hair or poke his eyes.

You aren’t walking yet, and really don’t seem to have any real interest in it. I really think you could do it if you wanted to, but crawling, or getting everyone to carry you everywhere suits you just fine. I’m excited for you to walk, but at the same time, want to hold onto these last precious parts of what’s left of your babyhood, so we’re just not going to be in any hurry for that.

Your third tooth made its appearance yesterday, and is slowly making its way through your poor gum. I’m going to blame a good percentage of your meltdowns so far this week on teething- sound good?

I weighed you the other night, and I can’t remember exactly, but you were still right at around 20 pounds. Your hair is growing, and you have the most precious wispy curls in the back. You wear size 12-18 month clothing, size 4 diapers and size 3 shoes.

You are still nursing several times a day and drinking 3 bottles a day. Your eating has stalled lately because you think it’s a good idea to throw all your food off your highchair tray onto the floor instead of putting it in your mouth. This is a phase I would like to fast-forward through please. Today, I warned your teacher at school what you’ve been doing and not to expect you to eat much of your lunch. When I picked you up, she informed me that you’d eaten your entire lunch- every last bite. Little Stinker. Of course, when I fed  you dinner, you ate 4 blackberries and your chicken and tortilla ended up on the floor.

Charlotte, you make me laugh, you make me crazy, and you make me see what is so good in this world. I love you so, so much and absolutely adore this adventure you and I are on. Happy 13 months, sweetest girl.

Love,
Mommy