Evalynn is 18 Months

Our precious Evie is a year and a half old.  Isn't it amazing how quickly the time has flown?  This time around, even when the nights are long, I know exactly how fast it's going to go, and I've tried really hard to keep my mind and heart right and remember that "this truly doesn't last forever."

Evalynn is adored by every single one of us.  She's rotten and we all know it.  Mom is working so hard to shape and mold her into a sweet tiny human so she doesn't become a willful tyrant.

At 18 months, Evie walks, runs, climbs, and has been trying to "mump" (jump) from a standing position.

She throws a ball, loves the sand, chases the cat, and loves to color on paper and outside with sidewalk chalk.

She likes shoes and boots and "pretty hair" and wearing jewelry.  She plays babies, builds blocks, loves books, and races cars with her brothers.

She eats decent meals but really loves "shnacks" and I can get the most fruit down her by placing a grazing bowl on her little table and letting her munch.  Her vocabulary is exploding and she has the sweetest little voice.  She's starting to string two words together and will say "ni-night, Mama" and "love oooo, dada." 

When she needs an escape from the chaos she turns to Natalee who will read her a story or take her refuge in the girls' room and let her play on her bed.  When she needs help with something she goes to "Buddy" (Xavier) and bats her eyes to get what she needs or wants.  When she wants to do something fix-y or girly, she'll run to Mia who will indulge her with a bracelet, a ring, or a necklace or some sort of big girl treasure.  When she wants to be wild and rough house, Zayden is her accomplice and they make a great deal of romping ruckus.  Daddy is her pal for tickles and climbing games, for midnight snuggles, and 3 a.m. bottles (don't judge us - we know), and for carrying her around as his little accessory.  Mama is best for anticipating her needs, keeping her off the roof, and making sure she remembers she's just a baby and needs snuggles and kisses to grow properly.

So you see, 18 month old Evie is doing quite well for herself as a precarious, precious little darling.  Often I wink at Mike and remind him, "it's Evie's world, we're just living in it."

What a privilege it is, to be your mama, Evalynn.  I love you so very much.