Hey Girl!

Dear Maizy,

It's been a while since I've written, but truly know I think about it everyday!! These are the thougths that come across my mind.  What should I write? Oh I should write this? Don't forget to write this down!

Well where do I begin!?!  I will start by telling you that you are growing WAY too fast!  I see pictures of babies and it's hard for me to remember you being that small, but you were.  You were only 5 pounds when I brought you home.  I still thank God for giving and trusting me with such a beautiful, precious gift and that's what you are - a gift.  You are a gift from God to your father and I.  You have blessed our lives with so much.

The other day I was maybe in a morbid mood of sorts, but I was watching you as you were sleeping next to me and it hit me like a ton of bricks.  I would die for you!  I can't think of anyone or anything else in the world I would do that for, but you.  I would do anything for you.  I am sure and don't want to think that I'd ever have to make that decision but if so, know I got your back. ; )

I can't believe what a big girl you are becoming.  You are very independent and are continuing to be each day.  Here is all the stuff that you are up to:

• You feed yourself and usually won't have it any other way.
• You refuse to lie still while I change your diaper.
• You like to eat your Desitin (diaper cream) out of the tube. Eeewwwww! I do hide it and put it out of reach but somehow you still manage to get it sometimes. 
• You LOVE books!  You have been chucking them at me to read to you. You don't have to go to that extent as I enjoy it, but you sure know how to get my attention.
• You say 20+ words and are saying new words each day.
• You try to dress yourself - I would like to add that it's quite entertaining to watch.
• You enjoy playing with your baby dolls - SO cute!
• You and your dad wrestle and play tough - you LOVE it!!  Dads are good at this!
• You brush your teeth pretty dang good all by yourself.
• You brush your hair and others - you tried to brush your dad's friend's hair the other day!! Ha ha ha!  He does have rather long, blonde hair.
• You are starting to get more cuddly!!  I LOVE it!  You won't kiss me, but you will give me hugs.  Hey, I'll take what I can get.
• You LOVE Grandma Shelly and your Grandma Donker.  When they are around - I'm chopped liver.  I don't take offense.
• Your sleep pattern has been super crazy lately!!  Someone told me that it could be a growth spurt that's causing this :(
• You weigh 20 pounds!!!! You are 4 times your birth weight!!! AAAAHHHHHHH!
• You clingy sometimes and I really like it.
• You LOVE other kids.  When we see them out and about you just stand there, point and smile at them and say "baby!" It's super cute!!
• You are so funny, beautiful and perfect.  

Thanks for being an amazing little 16 month old!!  16 months!?!  Can you believe it!?!

Love you tonz and tonz!!

Love,

mom