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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Not a Baby anymore...


Can you believe that Mara is 22 months old today?

She is growing up so quickly, and I cannot get a handle on the fact that she will be two in just two months.

She is, however, letting us know. Both her and Analese agree. Mara is not a baby, she's a toddler. They remind me of this every time I call them my babies.

Everything to Mara these days is "MINE!" Everything. From the cats to the television show to the van outside. "Mine, mine, mine"

Her favorite activity lately has been to go through the toy magazines that are bombarding our household. She will sit and point to every other object, screaming-you guessed it "Mine! me me. Mine!" until you come over and comment on it. I find this so funny because Analese has never put the connection together that the toys in these magazines are ones that she could own. Well, she didn't until Mara showed her....

Her language skills are exploding, and every day we are surprised at all she knows. Tonight she was cooking dinner with Daddy, and he was counting spoonfuls with her. He got to seven, and Mara screams out "EIGHT!" We both just looked at each other and laughed.

She has also quickly discovered just how to get under big sis's skin, taking her toy and running like the wind down the hall. My easy-going baby isn't quite so easy going anymore, and Analese does not quite know what to do about it!

For me, it's refreshing to see. Mara is becoming her own person, out from under the wings of her big sister. She is developing her own likes and dislikes, her own wants and desires.

It makes me smile to see her assert herself, to make her opinions known to the world. I will admit to always being a bit worried when it comes to Mara..after the rough time we have had with diagnosing her food issues, it's hard not to worry about her development. I remember her nutritionist telling me that we had to catch Mara up before the age of two, because if we did, chances are good that she will not be mentally affected by the months of malnutrition (in her defense, she was actually telling us this to be reassuring). That comment has stayed in the back of my head, and as she approaches the ripe old age of two, I can't help but wonder...is she caught up? Have we succeeded?

Every new word, I feel a victory. One small reassurance that my child is heading in the right direction.

Maybe one day I can stop this worry.

Maybe.

8 comments:

Maude Lynn said...

Adorable picture!

I had a preemie, so I know what that "is she catching up" worry is like. It never really stops (at least for me it hasn't), but I hope the coming months ease your mind.

Peace is every step said...

I can't believe how fast she is growing. I know I haven't exactly been where you've been with Mara, but I've had the constant worry with Nevie and her development too, from all her fevers, infections, tests and hospitalizations.

We can only do everything we know how and let it be what it is, trusting it will be how it's meant to. Easier said than done, I know.

But your girls are blessed with an AMAZING mother and have wonderful opportunities to grow and flourish in their development. She looks adorable!

Lorrie said...

I can't believe she will be two soon! I love the picture, she is just adorable!

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

What a cutie! (sorry to say, she does look more like a toddler than a baby, mom :) ) That's a good thing! It's so hard not to worry, but she sounds very bright for almost two, and no difficulty keeping up with her older sister! Whatever you're doing, it must be right! Thanks, by the way, for the nice comments you left me and for reading my post. I appreciate it! Lizzy

Julie B said...

thanks everyone! It is definitely hard not to worry, especially when you have had cause to in the past, isn't it? But she continues to surprise us daily, so I just have to focus on that and try to keep the fear at bay. Last night she wanted to dance, and I asked her what she wanted to listen to..she said as clear as day "Beck" :)-

Lizzy-thanks you for stopping by, and also for YOUR kind words :)

My Lifesong said...

You're right, she isn't a baby anymore,sniff,sniff, and happy she is beginning to master some language skills. She is very bright, and eager to learn everything around her.

Jen (Mama's Magic Studio) said...

Happy bday, Mara! That's hysterical about wanting to listen to "Beck." Amazing how they truly become their own individuals. She sounds like an amazing little person (and her sister, and mommy, too for that matter!)

Julie B said...

thanks Jen! That was very sweet :)