My Bodhi Tree

22 months old

Dear Dimitri,

This morning we woke up and you were 22 months old.  Just two more months until you’re two years old!

Our time together has been such a happy adventure.  Many times throughout your life I’ve wished I had a “pause” button so I could suspend the passage of time.  The first time I felt that way you were 5 1/2 months old and on the verge of crawling.  You were a happy little bundle who ate and slept well and stayed where we put you.  I cried to think about you growing up, even just a little.

         D at 6 months at the Children’s Museum in Houston

I felt that way again when you were turning one and on the verge of walking.  I have a mental image of you sitting in your highchair at your first birthday party, so sweet and easygoing.  You didn’t throw tantrums yet and couldn’t get into too much trouble.

       Celebrating your 1st birthday and saying goodbye to our Houston friends

And then the feeling came again when you were 15 months old and on the verge of climbing on everything.  You were full of curiosity and good humor and each day was a new discovery for you.

        15 months - lounging by the pool in our new home in Utah

But all those times did pass, and, to my surprise, the times that followed were even richer than before.  This should teach me to stop longing for time to stop.  But that’s hard to do when things are going smoothly.  However, part of being a parent is enjoying the good times, appreciating that change is inevitable, and working through the hard times to get to the next good time.

And Dimitri, I can’t remember a sweeter time than right now.  You are on the verge of talking up a storm.  You learn new words every few days and have conversations with yourself where you sound like an expressive, colorful talker speaking in native baby-ease.

You have gained more control over your movements and energy, and you show more periods of intense concentration.  You like to stand in one place and play with your cars, buses, and trains for an extended period of time.  You don’t run aimlessly all over the place as much any more, and you don’t have nearly as many tantrums.  You still say “No” to most questions asked, but you’re actually quite agreeable in your actions.  You are becoming more tolerant when you don’t get your way.  I have been seeing glimpses of the little boy you will become, and my heart swells with pleasure.

You have a gentle, affectionate side that we love so much.  You love to cuddle on the couch and in bed, and you enjoy pointing to all of us and saying our names (Dada, Mama, dogs, and “DD”) as if to emphasize that we are a family.  This pregnancy has been hard for me; I’ve had many days of feeling absolutely lousy.  Although I try to act in good spirits around you, some days I falter.  One day last week I was moaning and groaning a little on the couch.  You were extremely concerned and came over and gave me loads of kisses.  I said my stomach hurt and you even kissed my tummy.  You love to share with us, and one of your favorite things to do is feed the dogs and give them water.  I know you will be an excellent, caring big brother with so much love to give.

We are so happy to have you in our lives.  And soon you’ll be two!  To celebrate we’ll have a mighty barbeque in the sun.  (But the snow has been fun, even when your bike gets covered in snow).

Love,

Mom