Dear Zealand, You have officially entered the phase where you are interested, and sometimes determined at all costs, to do things all by yourself. Although, you still ask "mama carry you" - your take on carry me from all of the times I ask if you would like me to carry you, and you still need lots of care and attention. It is a wonderful combination of growing independence alongside absolute dependence. In the photo above you had spilled all of the beans for the bean soup we were making and wouldn't allow me to clean it up. Every time I reached for the broom you would say your signature phrase, "Z Z dooo it." Which is fine, except you don't really do it. Each time I reached for the broom you would shriek out a protest.
I am doing a pretty good job at being patient and allowing you to explore your new desire to do as we do and exercise your independence. We have also worked out some good negotiations - I will take off part of the key chain for you to hold (after allowing you to try and open the car with the key for five minutes) so that I can finally drive us home. Once we get home the new ritual is for you to stand outside our apartment door for a good five minutes, sometimes ten, trying to open the door with the key. You want the door closed and then after a few minutes you will say "mama ope door." I open the door and then you shut it for some more fun. In the meantime I am usually unloading groceries or kicking my shoes off.
Lest I give the impression that we are most of the time pretending that you are doing certain things, I must add that you can now really can do a lot on your own. You have become quite adept at putting your own train tracks together and maneuvering a long string of trains along the tracks you build. In the airport on the way home from Maui you pulled along your own car seat on a set of wheels designed for the purpose much to the amazement and amusement of fellow travelers. This might have been your favorite part of traveling. You now put away all of your own toys (most of the time) and usually always when we ask. You know where everything goes, a separate basket for train tracks, trains, etc. You seem to enjoy this task very much and are very proud of yourself.
You now walk up and down stairs holding the rail with such skill that increasingly I am comfortable allowing you to do so without hovering. You throw balls well, and as evidenced by the picture above, have learned the art of the fake smile. I suppose a good as skill as any. You now count to ten (we think you learned this from doing sit ups with your da da), and can sing at least three songs. You can say/sing a good deal of the alphabet - although that is hit or miss, and you recognize lots and lots of letters.
And, language for you has really, really taken off. I feel like I say this each month but each month feels like a milestone in this regard. You now regularly speak in 3-4 word sentences. It started, I believe, with your skillful use of prepositions. We were driving a few weeks ago and you noticed a fire truck down the hill from us. You said "firetruck down there." I was surprised because we haven't really worked on this with you. It is easy to forget how much you pick up on through conversation and through all of the books that you like to read each day. I know your mind is constantly picking things up and storing them. What a delight when we first hear what is inside! You now regularly explain where things are - "ba (pacifier) in the bag," "ow wee down there" - you love to share that you got an "owee" and when we say where you either say "down there" or "over there."
I have been so pleased with your communication. Not with the number of words you know, although we are impressed, but with how active and creative you are with language. I have yet to experience a phase where I feel uncertain as to what you are trying to say. You are very good at explaining your needs with whatever words are at your disposal. I often would say to you "you don't need lamby" as we left the house. You then began to say, "Z Z need lamby," and now that has expanded to everything you want. "Z Z need milk, Z Z need mama," you name it. I love experiencing the development of your mind and the mirror of that process - your language. You are our own clever and unique little guy who never ceases to amaze. Lately your da da and I have regular moments where we say, "did he just say that?" and shake our heads. You are popping right now with new words and concepts. Looking out of the airplane window you said, "airplane wing." We don't remember pointing out the wing of the plane but there you have it. Right now you are quicker than our memory of what we have explained to you.
Oh, and before I forget, another delightful development, you have learned to say "thank you mama." Music to my ears... Usually you say this at dinner time while you are eating. You cock your head to the side and say those sweet three words. I am pretty sure you connect food with thanks as your da da often says thank you at dinner time for the food on the table. As they say, the way to a man's heart..
You are one sweet boy. We continue to marvel at all the ways in which you are growing - emotionally, cognitively, and physically. Already you are one well rounded kid. Your father and I might deserve some credit for this - but you make it seem so natural and easy for you, as if we are just here to watch and beam with young parent pride. I do give most of the credit to you - you have made our job as new parents very easy so far.
We love you Z Z!
Love,
Mama
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