Fourteen months, how did we get here? Truly, the last few weeks seem like a blur. I will do my best to hit the highlights but I've had a 10 hour work day in addition to a few hours at home and some emotionally draining stuff so this one might be a little bit short.
One of the really great things that has happened in our lives in the last month or so is that your Papa Bass and Grams have moved right down the road to Salem! They have a beautiful home with lots of fun rooms for you to play in and a yard and great neighborhood for you to explore as you grow. Not to mention the church playground looks Ah-mazing! I can't wait to go play over there myself. Having grandparents close by means we have also gotten to visit with Uncle Ray and Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick who were here last weekend. I was very surprised, you almost turned down chocolate from Uncle Ray, but after a few bites from other people, you perked up a little and realized homemade cupcakes should never be turned down from family members. I think you have also learned that Grams is THE go-to for food, along with Beba. You will never hunger nor thirst in their houses. And, I think you and Papa Bass might be kindred spirits, you really just light up around him, always giggling and grinning. It appears that you may also be a Lord Of The Rings and Sci-Fi fan to bond with him in the future. You were pretty intrigued by "The Desolation of Smaug" the other night. Mert and Nick have got your number as a charmer I believe... they see your tricks for being spoiled! But they brought you an awesome TMNT piggy bank anyway! Let the penny saving begin! Turtle Power!
We also got to see Auntie Whitney and Laura for a little while when they were in town. You were quick to show off your walking skills. Auntie brought you a very cool wooden train with your initials in it. We don't let you play with it too much because it is so special we want to keep it in good shape for you to appreciate it. I also got some fantastic gifts on that day, and you did too, some pretty fun stuff from Auntie's trip to Tulsa! Speaking of Tulsa, you totally like to dance to Hanson, not making that up. And I am proud. Sorry, not at all sorry.
A few weeks ago Daddy and I had a date night and you spent the night with Papa and Beba. Always such fun to be had! When I came to pick you up you were chillin' on the porch swing with Papa Tate like you owned the place and didn't seem to have missed me at all. So strange, I woke up at 8;00 that morning ready to drive down and get you! Beba took some great photos of you. I just loooove them. They really show your sweet personality...and your new train mentioned above!
Last week we went for a follow up at UVA from your surgery back in May. The doctor seemed pleased with your progress. On our way home we came through Lynchburg and met Beba for lunch and went and visited Great Uncle Glen. Uncle Glen is very sick and he needs a liver transplant. I thought that maybe your visit would give him and Aunt Nita a boost in spirits. You were into absolutely everything! Glen and Nita have a cool house and back yard with so much to explore. I know that Uncle didn't feel well, but I hope your presence did his heart good. And I so hope that he can get better and spend more time with you. He is a gentle giant with lots of funny anecdotes and interesting stories to tell.
We are really pleased with your new school. I believe that you are learning a lot there already by interacting with other kids and watching them do things. Suddenly a few weeks ago you started giving us a "high five" when we asked for them. And clapping with glee. You get a little bit faster with your walking each day. You also end up with new bruises every day. Last week you sported bruises on your forehead so it looked like horns were trying to pop through. Some moments I think that is actually true. But not usually. Your smile is infectious. It lights up your whole face! I don't know how a baby smiles with their eyes but I know that you do! And your giggle smooths out the wrinkles from any day. You get a big kick out of us chasing you, and you chasing us around the house. You get the giggles if Daddy comes after you singing the "danger, shark approaching" theme music from Jaws. And you usually try to get away a little faster! You are always interested in what games Daddy might be playing, and you try your best to help him.
It is late, and this wasn't as short as I thought it would be! I need to go to bed, especially since you've been waking up between 6:00-6:30. Just 30 more minutes, please! :)
We are just like most parents. Adoring. Proud. Beaming. Tired. Happy 14 Months!
Love,
Mom
