Hello dearest Rhino!

You’re now fifteen months old and just as sweet as ever! Your personality is so silly lately and you have such a fantastic sense of humor. I love playing with you all day – you laugh so much! You find the silliest things so funny – putting a bucket on your head like a hat, then on my head, then laugh so hard; wrapping yourself or your head in play silks and running around the room; playing peek-a-boo with a stuffed animal from behind a chair or in the car; shutting any door I just opened (even if it’s the pantry door or the refrigerator and I’m still using it!) – you laugh all the time! I love it so much and you make me laugh most of the day, too!

You had to say goodbye to some of your friends this month. Samantha (your “girlfriend”) moved away, so we had a couple get-togethers so you two could spend some time together. We went over to her house so you could play with all her toys, sit in her little tent, drink from her cup, chew on her playing cards, and chase her around! We also went out to lunch with her and her parents, where the two of you sat across the table from each other trying to share food and napkins but just couldn’t quite reach (so you tried throwing things at her!) Your buddies Josh and Aime moved away this month also. We had them over before they left and they loved playing with you in your room and your bus tent. You’ve grown more fond of them over the months and are fascinated when they come over, always wanting to do what they do. It was sad to see everyone go (I know you weren’t sad – you have no idea!) but you received a bunch of hand-me-down toys that they didn’t want to move (lucky you!)

You still aren’t really talking consistently, but you have a couple new words that you use occasionally. You’ve stopped pronouncing “bye” as “die” and now actually tell people bye as you wave! You’re also sometimes saying “hi” when they arrive. You do wave at people all the time, though! Every day when Daddy is getting ready for work, gets his keys and badge, you know what’s coming and start waving at him or asking for a kiss.

You’re developing some cute habits that I just adore! Whenever I sit cross-legged on the floor, you come over to me, turn yourself around, and plop on my lap. When it’s time to read a book, you bring a book to me and take your place in my lap without me doing anything anymore! When we lie down together on the sofa or in bed, you squirm until your back is against my chest and your head right under my chin and snuggle with me, either to watch some TV or fall asleep. We pretty much only use your high chair at the table for dinners and often you have your breakfast, snacks, and lunches in your little rocking chair. You know when I’m in the kitchen getting food ready that it’s almost time to eat, climb into your little chair, and fold your hands patiently! We didn’t try to train you to “pray”, I guess you’re just copying us and know that folding your hands is something you just have to do before you eat! It’s so cute and sometimes you bow your head (but usually you’re just staring at the food or us throughout the prayer) and you usually say your version of “amen” (which doesn’t sound anything like amen, but you’re usually on cue and always very excited!)

You’re getting friendlier with other people, which is wonderful! I hear that you have a great time in nursery now (you just don’t like being dropped off your picked up, so I figured you were crying the whole time through as well!) You talk to people, dance for them, laugh at them, and are generally a big ham! Every now and then you’ll want some other lady to hold you instead of me (well, at least for a little bit.) If someone has food for you, you two are buddies for the day! I love that you’re getting more comfortable with people other than Daddy and I.

We’ve had such fun this month and I love watching you grow and change so much! Thank you for making my days so enjoyable, patting me on the back when you give me hugs, offering me kisses, sharing your toys with me, feeding me your goldfish crackers, and making me laugh. I am so thankful to be your mother!

I love you,
Mommy