EIGHTEEN

Dear Lila + Lincoln,

Eighteen. Eighteen months ago you were born into our family. Eighteen months ago, to the day, is when we officially became Team Swish. Which makes you 1 1/2. Which makes me a little sad, and a lot proud of how much everything has changed since then. Today when we were driving home from your doctor appointment, I just stared at your sleepy little faces. I told Daddy that sometimes I feel like I might just explode into a million little pieces because my love for you is like. growing. by. the. minute. I also remember telling Daddy, (18 months ago to the day and on our way to the hospital), that I knew that I loved each one of you, but it was just so hard to comprehend it because I hadn't officially met you. And then out you came, and just like the freaking Grinch, my heart grew 2 sizes on February 3rd. And my heart keeps on a-growing. Seriously, you guys better stop being so damn precious because I'm not that big and at this rate, I might literally explode. And that would not be good, because who would do all of these jobs then. Yeah, you pretty much still need me.

Lila Pearl, we sure chose the right name for you because you are a gem. A true gem. I don't know how it happened that something so sweet came from me, but God truly has knocked my socks off with your sweetness. And you're so beautiful. As much as daddy + I would love to take credit for your beauty, you just look like you! Maybe a little of us here or there, but mostly you just are perfectly, uniquely you. And we love that. You are starting to learn to sing, you love to dance + you speak so clearly. Some of my favorite things you say are: 'No Kinky', 'No, no Jez', 'Dada at wurk', 'luh you Mama', 'kank you', 'snacks', and 'rock baby'. You march to the beat of your own drum, and we hope you stay that way forever. You are everything I wanted in a baby girl, and I hope you know you have the coolest mom ever. Ok, the funniest.

Lincoln, you are one cool dude. You are sweet and rascal all poured into one tall, extra-lean frame. Your gigantic eyes, and even bigger personality have drawn people to you for 18 months. We recognized something special immediately in you when you were born. You are just a rad little guy. You will stop in the middle of some serious playing, run over to me, give me a kiss, and run back to play. Ahhhhh! Your vocabulary is huge, and you cuddle up with me and listen to stories forever. You love Jez, your blanket, dancing, yelling, kicking the ball, digging, bees, trucks, sissy + daddy and blueberries. You crack me up for days and I love everything about having a son.

Alright turds, Happy 18 months. Your daddy + I love you very much.

Love,
Mama