Dear Zealand at 13 months

Dear Zealand,

Two weeks after you turned one years old your walking really took off. We were in Tahoe at the time and it was just momma and ami (grandma). Something about the wide open space of the cul de sac in front of the cabin must have urged you to get off of those knees. You wore us out by climbing the stairs in front of the cabin over and over again upright while we held your hands. You would also take one of our hands while you led us around the court and over to the trail through the woods. In between all of this you would push your big green truck around and throw rocks from the porch. All of this culminated in you taking sustained independent steps. The explorer side of you is loving this newfound ability.

You have discovered the power of throwing rocks into the water. You love taking one of our hands and walking to the edge of a river, stream, or ocean and grabbing a clump of dirt, rock, or sand so you can then throw it into the water. You will do this until someone stops you - over and over again never tiring of it. This is definitely the month of walking, rocks, and water. The oohs and ahs of your existence have become even louder.

If your personality was a type of music it would be opera. You continue to greet the world with shrieks of excitement, big tears when you are sad, silly laughs, and lots of drama all around. It is very easy to tell what you are feeling. Ever since you were a small infant and let the world know with huge groans whenever you felt a gas bubble you have let us know what you feel. You tend to wear your heart on your sleeve. Sometimes you will break into tears when we are laughing at something funny you did. I sense a deeply sensitive side to you. At the same time you are very much out there - funny, silly, and very goofy.

You have very definite ideas about what you want to do and where you want to go. We generally follow you and let you create your own world. You continue to love going up and down stairs. When we are walking on our sidewalks the minute you see stairs you will head straight over to climb them. As you walk you look as though the world is your oyster. So happy and carefree are you as you waddle down the street.

When you spot something of interest you point your wrist (with limp hand) toward whatever it is you see and exclaim loudly, "ooooh, oooooh." In Tahoe on the beach in the morning you spotted for the first time the still visible moon. You love anything with wheels and/or an engine. Flags are a favorite and you say "dada" whenever you see a bike. You associate your dad with bikes since you love riding with him. Dogs and cats still get a great excited rise out of you as do birds.

We love to watch the sheer thrill you get out of everything. Everything has a huge exclamation point for you. What a treat for us to be around such a vibrant being. Right now there is very little you are afraid of. And, being on two feet has only made you bolder.

We love you little man.

Love,

Mama