(Even if you never press play to the music on the blog–you must read this post with Stevie Wonder’s, Isn’t She Lovely in your head. Deal?)
It has been almost 18 months since our tiniest bundle of joy rocked our world with her arrival. Life has done anything but slow down since that chilly November day, but still, I think it’s important to pause this evening for a quick “Meadow Update”.
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Nope. We absolutely can not. Miss Meadow has certainly completed our family in the most beautiful of ways.
There are so many little things I want to remember about Meadow. You know–the baby things that fade away so quickly as little ones grow into bigger ones. I don’t want to forget the heartiness in her belly laugh. I don’t want to forget the way she seems to dance when she walks. I want to always remember the way she screams (not says–but screams) MAMA whenever she wants something. I want to remember how she sways her upper body as soon as she hears the first note of any kind of music.
Oh, there are just so many things. So many. I think if I had to describe Meadow in one word, it would be this: PERSONALITY.
Meadow’s tiny body is overflowing with it. . .
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From as early as I can remember, Girlfriend has loved to accessorize. Hats, necklaces, headbands, tutus, legwarmers–you name it, she wants it. She does not hesitate to come to me and insist that I help her on with three pairs of leg warmers, or a headband, or her brothers hat or sunglasses.
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And since she’s the our youngest–what can I do but oblige?
Meadow is adventurous. Unlike her more timid brother and sister (and parents)–Meadow fears nothing. When we take walks she waves to the cars passing by and calls out Bye-Bye! Last week she took herself on a walk all the way up our street. She tries things that she probably should try. . .
Her response? Uh-oh. . .
Meadow knows what she likes and what she doesn’t like and she’s not afraid to tell you about it. For the most part, Meadow is a very happy little girl. . .
But when she’s not? Watch out. . .
Meadow’s most recent aversion? Diapers.
Yep. Our 18 month old has decided that going commando is what is best for her. Don’t get me wrong–that may be okay for some people. However, Chad and I have decided that for our UN-potty-trained almost 18-month old–diapers are preferred.
Meadow knows of this preference. She does. Want to know how I know?
She hides.
The scene goes like this–Chad or I put a brand-spankin’ new diaper on her nice clean tush. Meadow gets up and casually walks away–as if it’s just a normal afternoon. Things are pleasantly quiet for a bit and we enjoy the moment. Suddenly, Meadow walks in front of us with the happiest of faces until we take notice that the white cover on her backside is now more of a beige color. SKIN. Meadow squeals with a twinkle in her eye before high-tailing it out of our reach.
It’s a game. She likes the game. Chad and I? We don’t like the game.
However. . . it is really hard to get angry at this face. . .
It truly is–really, really hard.
I still remember how scared I was to have a third. How nervous I was that expanding our family would mess up what had become so normal and “doable”. Those fears are so funny to me now. Hindsight, right? Truth is, nearly 18 months later our family is filled with that much more love, that much more fun, and that much more adventure because of Meadow’s presence. I can say with 100 percent certainty that Chanelle and Charlie would say the same thing.
Miss Meadow continues to rock our world in the most beautiful way.
It’s official–we’re gonna keep her.
Have a great day!
That last shot is priceless, Summer!
And not to be nosy or bossy (gosh, I hate it when people suggested things to me when it came to raising my kids when they were little! Please, don't take this the wrong way!!), but have you thought maybe Meadow is trying to tell you that she's ready to be potty trained when she takes her diaper off? Both my kids would tug at theirs with everything they had when they were ready, and actually Joey started his training at an earlier age than Meghan did—I think since he was the baby, he wanted to be like the rest of us. I don't know, but maybe that's her way of saying, "I wanna be like you guys!" Anyway, just a thought. ; )
Haha! Don't worry–I didn't take it the wrong way. Yes, we did think that she might be telling us she is ready to be potty trained. Truthfully, we're not ready–that's a lot of work! We need just a little more time. 🙂
I know, we're crazy!
I just saw this post, through your new post today and had to comment….even if late!
Oh my, she is just too cute!! That smile. That face. Love it!
She reminds me SO much of Henry. The whole, pleasant most of the time but when mad look out! The diaper thing, yep we have that too. We actually had to start putting him in a onesie under his jams at night because if not we would come in to his room in the morning and find a naked child!! And Henry wonders too. We have all these outside toys, but give him a stick and let him explore and he is the happiest.
She is such a sweetheart, love all these pictures of her!
(18 months….where does this time go?!)