Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Nineteen Months

It has finally happened: Meg has reached the age where she wants to do everything by herself.

See that balloon? The blue one? Yeah, that one. That is the balloon I tried to help her hold, but she would have none of it. Wouldn't even let me tie it on her wrist. She had to be in control and hold it herself. She did a good job too. I was sure it would slip through her grasp reducing her to a pile of rage and tears, but she held onto that string tight, looking up at her beautiful blue prize, whispering "mine."

Meg has also decided she doesn't want any help eating any more. That's fine when it's something like crackers, or fruit, but a little trickier when she wants to eat yogurt. So far we've managed that by giving her the little squeeze pouches, which she handles with very little mess, but I know the day when nothing but a spoon will do is coming soon. She's already working with utensils to eat less splattable things -- like peas -- so I am hoping her skills will have greatly improved by then.

Meg's cousin Luke continues to be her hero, and she wants to do everything he does -- by herself. If he walks up the stairs, she wants to walk up the stairs. If he plays the drums, she wants to play. If he is eating a sandwich that isn't cut into pieces, you better believe Meg wants hers whole. Meg also wants anything that Luke has, and will follow him asking for "bites" if it is food, or "have it" if it is something else. Luckily, Luke adores Meg and is always willing to share. When I think him for being so great with her he always shrugs and says "she's my cousin." What a great kid.

The most heartrending sign of independence is that Meg no longer wants me to put her to bed. Now when she is ready to go she let's me carry her into her room, but then points at her crib rather than letting me rock her to sleep. She still let's Ryan rock her though, probably because she still fits on his lap. After all, she is already half my height.

So, today it's climbing up in chairs, and wanting to take off her shoes herself. Tomorrow it will be borrowing the car and picking out clothing that I think is ridiculous, but she says is "cool." I just hope time slows down a little between now and then. I can't believe it's already been 19 months.

Oh, how we love our girl.

22 comments:

Kelly said...

She looks very proud of that blue balloon, as she should be. I love the whispering of, "mine." So sweet.

I just love Meg.

BugginWord said...

I've just hit this phase of my life, too. Gimme a balloon.

Wanna Bee said...

she is awesome!!

Tracy Lynn said...

I loved it when my nieces and nephew were this age. So much fun. And screaming.

Amanda said...

Thanks Lib, he is a great kid - and it is fun to watch him interact with your great kid.

I did laugh long & hard about her defiance when she was saying dammit. Even when being a devil, she is irresistible.

Leslie said...

I used to work in a day care room of one year olds, and it was so cute and hilarious watching them maneuver peas on a spoon. They would get like 4 peas on the spoon, and by the time it got to their mouth, one was there. They would eat that one and be uber proud of themselves.

Erin said...

Did you delete the post right before this one...? :-) It's showing up in my reader but not on your blog. I wanted to comment because I am someone who is "peeing on everything" and taking my temperature and month after month: nothing. It amazes me when my friends get pregnant, especially the ones who are supposedly trying not to get pregnant, which I admit actually makes me want to punch them in the face.

LL Cool Joe said...

She is such a sweetheart.

Yes, cherish this time because it goes so fast Libby, it really does. Although you love the fact they are gaining independence, it's still so hard to let them go.

You have a while yet though, so enjoy every moment.

Kim said...

She'll be picking out her clothes way before the teen years-- Megan is almost four and already has a shoe collection to rival Imelda Marcos. Given your penchant for plastic footwear, I'm thinking this will be a saving grace for her.

G. B. Miller said...

Great milestones in the young lady's life.

She is definitely kewlness personified.

Riot Kitty said...

What a great picture! "Mine!" I love it!

for a different kind of girl said...

I think I totally want to hang out with Meg and eat peas and yogurt. I'm not a big balloon fan, but I promise that if we come across some, she can have mine. In fact, I'd ask for one just to give it to her because that independent little face you've pictured there is amazing! What a joy you so clearly have!

Dual Mom said...

19 months, wow! It was just last week we were reading about you taking her home.

Libby, she's absolutely breathtaking. She gets more beautiful every day. How is that possible?

Me, You, or Ellie said...

She doubles in size every day.

And I *love* the mess a spoon and yogurt cause -- go for it! It's free entertainment!

Ellie

VEG said...

The look on Meg's face in that photo? The same look I get on mine when I open the fridge and there's CAKE.

Kate said...

what a great pic of her...she looks so pleased with herself!...time goes by too fast...i agree

Unknown said...

Awe. What a great kiddo! It was always hard for me when my kids went through these stages. When they're sick, really cranky,or have hurt feelings... well, that's when all three want their mommy.

Jen said...

So beautiful Meg is!! I love these updates.

Anonymous said...

How delighted is she?? I love it. Souds like all is going well. I love Luke's sense of dedication and chivalry.

Rassles said...

Gawwwwww, PUPPY.

Three Cats and a Baby said...

Jayden was sitting in my lap as I read this. He always loves pictures of babies and young children, but I am pretty sure he was just flirting with the picture of Meg. He has good taste already.

She is becoming so grown up!! What a sweet guy Luke is. It's great that they have each other.

Samantha said...

19 months! How did that happen? I love that balloon shot. You are nicer than me to allow your child to have balloons. I will have to blog about my balloon problem. :)