A letter to Kendall at 18 months

Dear Kendall:

You turn 18 months old today. Gosh, how time flies. I can't believe that you've been with us for a year and a half now, but then again, it feels as if you've always been in our lives. We've been so blessed to watch you grow and change. In a lot of ways, it's sad to watch you leave babyhood behind. Dad isn't sad, but mom kind of is. Then again, I'm so excited to be a part of what lies ahead.

It's so neat to watch you're imagination run wild as you start to interact more with your toys. You love to feed your animals, and you'll always make sure that they eat before you take a bite. Stuffed animals are your favorite and you've gotten in the habit of taking one or more to bed with you every night. You just starting to really get into your Little People and kitchen sets.

I can already tell that you're one smart little cookie. I hear new words come out of your mouth every day now, and you're constantly trying to mimic things that we do. Speaking of cookies, you're starting to acquire a sweet tooth - asking for cookies for breakfast and digging into whatever dessert we may have in front of us. You like to brush your hair and your teeth, but I think you really just like eating the toothpaste. You also say "thank you" quite often, and at the appropriate times.

I love that you're so loving - you kiss EVERYTHING. Sometimes actual kisses, but sometimes you'll just blow kisses. I think that every one of your animals has been kissed a million times. I particularly love when you give me hugs and kisses.

You are also the funniest kid. Always looking for ways to make us laugh. You've developed an "evil laugh" that you'll break out every now and then. Sometimes it's when you're doing something that you shouldn't be doing, but it also just comes out when you're having lots of fun. You're also a daredevil - never afraid to scale a barstool or the end of our bed. You haven't yet discovered how to climb out of your crib, although I'm sure that you could if you tried.

Happy Half Birthday, Kiki! We love you more and more every day!