My dearest friend Rachel lost her mother before she was two. For years she has told me the stories of how the journal her mother kept carries her through tough stuff. This encouraged me years ago to start a journal for all of my children. The first, Aniela Ysabel (my precious angel). Often I write about how she inspires me and other times I just write; which usually turns into information about her childhood. But Sunday I was writing, and I couldn't help but share the things I shared with Auni, with you. If you don't giggle, I will be surprised. Enjoy.
Dear Boogie,
I had to write a short blip tonight before I forget. This can not go without sharing. Amidst my admiration for the astonishing growth you continue to make each day, I find myself stunned, awe-filled, or admired (not quite sure which one) of how often the small things you do remind me of how little you once were and what you are already becoming.
I remember you used to army crawl long before you walked. You never did get up on all fours. You just used to use your arms to get everywhere. Tonight, and a lot recently, I've watched as you army crawl through the living room. You do it for a laugh, I am sure. And you get one. But for that small second in time, I am reminded of how precious you were to me in those days (as if they were so long ago), and still are. You know how to make me laugh, and somehow your humor amazes me that intellectually you know exactly what you are doing! Sometimes, I honestly feel like that is a small way you show you love me.
I mustn't forget your latest joke, ahh yes, the "let me whine and sound like I am crying, and see if mommy pays attention" act. Oh yes, in all truth at first I admired your act, but now you push your limits, and sometimes I can't help but laugh at you or ignore your efforts (which doesn't take long). LOL.
But perhaps the latest of your efforts might quite possibly be my secret favorite... not just because I belly laugh when you do it, but because you amaze me that intellectually you totally know what you are doing. You never amaze me anymore how after just one simple encounter with a behavior or word you can pick it up instantly. A while back you would "toot" while I changed your diaper and then you would laugh, belly laugh. :0) Actually, I would laugh... not you. Belly laugh. :0) And, oops, I would say that dreaded "F" word. Fart. I should have known better than to teach you that word; or say it. It just sounds too funny coming from your tiny lexical speech pattern. However, the inevitable has happened and you now purposefully "squeeze" and I mean SQUEEZE a "toot" out every time I change your diaper at night. I assume you learned fast that if you do that mommy will really laugh. And I do. Oh' do I laugh. Ps. I have now taught you to say "toot" instead of that "f" word.
I love you my precious angel.