one and one-half years...

Dear Merit Fey,

Happy 18 months! I do not even know where to begin. With each new phase you enter, I think, "Oh, this has been my favorite." And, here I am again, thinking that we have had the most fun yet, but I am positive that tomorrow, and the next week, and the month after that, you will prove me wrong with your ever-growing cuteness.

A lot has happened since your first birthday in March.

In April, you had your second Easter. The year before, you were a day old in the hospital on Easter, so it was fun to watch you find your Easter basket and to go to church with you this year.

In May, we made a visit to Texas and to see your great-grandparents in Oklahoma. We also made the first trip to the pool for the summer. The pool picture confirms that you look mostly like your Daddy.

In June we made another trip to Texas, and you got your first pair of Chucks.

In July, we celebrated the Fourth of July with the Harrisons in Franklin, and you discovered your love for coloring with markers and crayons.

August brought another trip to Texas (you have flown 10 times in your 18 months), as well as a trip to the Wilson County Fair. Again, there you go looking like your Daddy. Biting your bottom lip and everything!

This month, I have noticed more than ever how you are no longer a baby, but a little girl. And a girly-girl at that.

You love babies of all kinds...in pictures, on TV, at the park in strollers ("beh-byyyy!!!")... but you especially love your own. You have been pushing them around in your stroller and will stop every once in a while to tell them you love them ("iiiiii la YOU!"), and then give them kisses. Such a good little mama.

This month you got to see all four of your great-grandparents at once while we were in Jackson at your Grammy and Popsy's house. You are one blessed great-granddaughter!

Your joy is contagious, and I am actually learning so much from you. You are beyond friendly. At your 18 month check-up, when Dr. Brooks was leaving, you reached out for him to hold you, and you didn't want him to leave. It absolutely made his day, and he said that he didn't think that had ever happened with any of his toddler patients before, and he has been a pediatrician for close to 20 years. You truly have such a loving spirit.

We are so proud of you, Merit girl. I am amazed at how quickly you are learning these days, and I love hearing the new words you pick up each day. We hear you say "Wassat?" about 100 times a day, but it is so cute that we don't mind. You love books and letters, and you like to "name" the letters you see. Yesterday morning we found you reading a book when we went in to get you. Here you are naming some letters, as well as asking your favorite question...

So, Happy Half Birthday, baby girl. You'll be two before we know it! Know that your Mama and Daddy love you more than we ever thought possible. You are truly beautiful inside and out!

much love,

your mama