Evita Pilar,

Today is your half-birthday. At 18 months old, you’ve visited four different continents and can speak words in four different languages. Wherever we go, your little eyes calmly move from person to person or object to object, taking in your new surroundings. You’re so easygoing; you make the perfect travel companion.

I love watching your personality develop. You’re a big showoff, and love talking and dancing and trying to impress me. You love other babies and children, and I wish I had the opportunity to set up playdates for you. But whenever we’re out and you hear another baby crying, you say, “Shhhh! Pow pow!” Hahahahaha. Something tells me you’re going to be a bossy big sister.

This month you started repeating, “I love you” when I say it. You haven’t said it spontaneously yet, but hearing those words still make me the happiest mommy in the world, even if you don’t actually know what they mean yet. But maybe you do.

Every since your bleated birthday party in Texas a few months ago, you’ve been obsessed with the “Happy Birthday” song. And now, for the past few weeks, you ask me to sing it to you before we go to bed. “Happy Biiiirfffday do yoooouuu,” you add. It’s pretty hilarious.

This month you swam in your puddle jumper floatie for the first time. You were nervous at first but did really well. I wish I could have taught you to swim sooner, but with all the moving around life got in the way. You’ll be swimming on your own before we know it.

For the past month or so, you’ve been letting us know when you’re peeing or pooping. You’re very interested in watching me use the restroom and when I’m finished you always ask me to sit on the toilet. I wanted to put off potty training until after we got back from Italy, so now we’re home I think we’ll try it out soon.

You love playing with blocks and fake food items. Your favorite books seem to be, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” and “La Oruga Muy Hambrienta.” They’re not my personal favorites, but I guess you really like Eric Carle. You still don’t watch much TV, but you looove playing on my iPad. You know how to navigate that thing and play your little games like a pro. You still beg to play outside every chance you get.

My baby girl, I know I say it all the time, but I just can’t believe how fast time is going. Every day I try and treasure my time with you, but it seems to just slip through my fingers. You’re growing so quickly. I love you so much, sweetheart. Thank you for being my baby.

Love,
Mama