21 months

Dear Gwenivere,
Another 1/4 of a year has passed and you are that much closer to turning 2. I can see it already, the fun and the craziness, because girl you have such a strong will!! I love that about you. While it can be frustrating at times now, I hope you hold on to that because it will serve you well when you grow up.

You are just the sweetest thing. In the past few months you've started saying "I Love You," not just when someone else says it, but on your own as well... you melt my heart! There is nothing better then getting you into your carseat in the morning and having you look at me and say, "I Love You!" Or watching you say it to your daddy when you tell him good night. You also love giving hugs and kisses, and will spontaneously kiss peoples boo-boos to make them better.

Of course, there are also the evening crankies... the times when nothing is exactly as you want it, so everything is WRONG and BAD. Those times can be rather trying... though I still crack up a little (when you aren't looking!) when you look at your Daddy, point your index finger at him, and give an emphatic, "NO Daddy, No."

Thankfully the good far outweighs the bad. And dealing with anything you throw at us is at least partially easier because of how much better sleep has gotten in the last three months. You went from needing constant attention to fall asleep, then waking once or twice a night, before coming to bed with us at 5 am -- to falling asleep on your own in your crib without needing me there, sleeping straight to 5 am, then coming to bed with us for another hour plus of sleep. And the best part, you did it on your own, when you were ready. That is exactly what I wanted.

A lot of people have seen this quote:

Nobody will ever know the strength of my love for you, after all you’re the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside.

But my friend E took it further, and I couldn't agree with her sentiments more:

I’m pretty sure my angel is very familiar with the sound of my heart... as she should be, since it beats her name.

Gwenie, you are my heartbeat. You make me want to do more and be better, so that I can be a good example, show you all you can be, and give you the best chance at life. You're going to have to fight for it on your own, my love, I can't do that for you. But I want to give you all the tools you need to be prepared for the fight. Lord knows you already seem to be developing the tenacity and strong will.

I can't wait to see where you go in life, Gwenivere, and what you chose to do. No matter what though, I'll always be here with open arms and an open heart for you.

Love you forever and ever,
Mama