Milestones...

To our little H,

You've had a big few weeks little Heidi! You are hitting new milestones every day... new words, new achievements and lots of smiles and giggles along the way. You are such a precious bundle and we love you. When Ava sees you in the morning, you beam at each other with big smiles as she smothers you in kisses. You like it for the first few seconds and then shove her away with a whinge. She is having to learn to hold back some of her affection!

I counted your words this week. Fifteen! You are making yourself heard and are our little chatterbox. Every piece of food is a "ba-na-na", every stuffed toy is a "ha-se" (bunny) and every doll is a "baby" but you are beginning to follow instructions and are able to communicate what you want to me. You have started saying your own name on repeat... "Heiiii-di! Heiiiii-di!" you repeat over and over.

You are our little joker. At church on Sunday, someone up front made a joke and everybody laughed. Just as the laughter died down, you decided it was time for you to join in and burst out with this deep belly laugh. You got a few affectionate smiles for that one. You sure know how to charm people!

Your favourite place at the moment is my larder. You love to take out the squash bottles and cereal boxes and have fun just moving things around. Sometimes, when I'm trying to make dinner and you're hanging round my legs, I just carry you over there, plonk you down on the floor and open the door for you. You beam up at me in delight knowing you're allowed to rummage away!

You are hitting physical milestones too. This week, you are suddenly able to climb the whole flight of stairs. If I try and carry you up, you wriggle away until I put you down and let you climb up yourself. You love trying to catch Ava and often make your lion noise as you go, chasing your big sister as she giggles and screams! When you get to the top, you sit back with the biggest grin on your face and give yourself a big clap. It is very cute! You are not walking yet, but you are cruising everywhere, and nearly took your first step last night.

This week your little friends have begun dropping like flies to chicken pox. I should feel terrified. The thing we have so long tried to avoid is all around us. And yet I feel such peace. I know God is in this with us... he has protected you so many times already, our little Heidi, and I know I can trust you to him again. Of course, I'm praying hard, but I know he has this.

We love you Heidi S! I'm so thankful for every day I get to see a little bit more of your humour, your jolly nature and your beautiful smile. You are growing up too quickly... but then I have nights like last night, when you are up for over an hour at 3am, and just want Mama and milk, and I remember that really you are still my baby girl. I cherish every day with you darling girl, and so do Papa and your big sister.

What a week of milestones!

Lots of love,

Mama xxx