Mama Loves You, And You Know This - 1 Year, 6 Months

Even when mama tries to enjoy a night out, she's making sure you are happy.

We’ve slowed down a little lately with writing in this blog. Mostly because you have sped up a little. Also we have all been a little sick lately and our energy levels are down. Portland weather is unusually nice lately, so I think all the trees and flowers are fooled into thinking Spring is here. So lots of blooms (and pollen) have come out, making our allergies go crazy. 

You and mama have also been fighting bad dry skin lately. You are getting a lot better now, and mama is getting a little better. But still, it’s been a bad couple of months. But let’s not talk about that for now.

Let’s talk about how lucky you are. And of course how lucky we are. You like to do everything at your own pace. You play, eat, sleep, wake up all at your own pace. Now you are only 18 months old, but we think you decided to start the “Terrible 2s” a little early. Lately when you are getting ready to eat or when we put you to sleep you go completely, 100% crazy. It’s the same pattern we always follow, but lately you are not patient enough to wait to eat. It is like a switch. One second it is happy smiling boy, the next second it is crazy angry boy. Then mama gives you a pancake and it is happy hungry boy.

Bath time is difficult now too. You like to play in the water, but hate when we shampoo your hair. You cry like crazy! Of course, when we finish, you are happy and playing again. It's just 2 minutes!

Before shampoo, everything is great!

Same thing at bedtime. Usually we take you upstairs, read one or two books, then put you down to sleep. Sometimes you are fine, sometimes a little crying, but not too much. These days, you’re not ready to go to sleep at your regular bed time. Even if mama reads ALL your books, you’re not ready. You cry so strongly. But after a short time, you start to talk to yourself, then soon you are quiet…then finally, you sleep. I know you are just testing your singing voice.

These things are tough for us. More tough for your mama because she is with you all day and she really wants to make you happy and healthy. She never does anything for herself. Like most mamas, she thinks about the baby first..then the husband…then herself. Sometimes I forget this, and I don’t say “thank you” enough to your mama. We are lucky she is in our family

Genki being an alarm clock.