Olivia at 14 Months

Dear Olivia,

Today you are 14 months old.

I, unfortunately, don't have too much to report this month, as you seem to be going along the same path you have been for a while now. You're a bit cranky, and I think that we've narrowed down the cause this month. We had thought that it was because you weren't yet walking and wanted to, but I don't think that's it at all. You're the second child in our family, and I think you feel you're in your sister's shadow most of the time. She's older and able to do more, and you're only a year behind. To be honest with you, I remember having these same feelings about your Uncle Todd when we were a bit older and in high school. I don't remember having these feelings so young, though, and now I don't have those feelings at all because we are two different people.


One day your sister was very sick, so she didn't go with you to daycare. All I heard about when you got home was that you were so happy that day, not one bit of crankiness. Then, as we awaited for her to come home, you were laughing and smiling and babbling up a storm. You were this person that I had not seen in a long time. I didn't realize that sibling rivalry can happen so young, but I can understand how you feel. You try to get our attention all the time, and if we don't show you it to you constantly, you get very upset with us as if we are neglecting you. We are not, sweetheart. I promise you that. You're both equals in this house, and you are very special to us.


You've not been very healthy during the last month. I'm not sure if I should call it sick, or if you're having a tremendous battle with incoming teeth. You've pulled a fever on us quite a few times. Sometimes you have no other symptoms, and your sleep patterns are pretty hard to deal with these days. Although this last weekend, you have come down with something. I took you to urgent care yesterday, and while the experience wasn't great, I enjoyed spending some one on one time with you. I learned that you learned a few new words (book, sissy...), and you were comforted just sitting with me the entire time.


When you're happy and healthy, you'll play for hours on end. A few of the really cute things you've done this month are: trying to brush your own hair, drinking liquids and spitting them right out while knowing exactly what you are doing (an attention getter), waving bye-bye. You waving bye-bye is the cutest thing in the world. For the most part, the only part that moves is below your elbow and your hand. You look like you're doing the beauty queen wave. I melt everytime you do it.


You're stubborn when it comes to walking. We've got a ways to go on that one. You've taken a couple of steps with your walker, but for the most part, you are adamant about not doing it. You're standing a lot more these days, doing a bit of cruising, but when it comes to getting out of standing position, you haven't figured it out. You start crying when you want to get down. I know the easiest way for you to figure it out is to fall on your padded butt, but you refuse to do it. As for the walking, I'm in no hurry, but I want you to do it soon. I think you'll be happier because then you will be able to keep up with everyone a little bit more. But, for now, you're happy just the way you are...and we love you for it.

I love you,
Mama