Smiles, Tantrums, and Climbing - Beckham 19 Months Old (Picture Overload)

It’s been a while since I’ve done a letter to Beckham! Shoot, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged period! Things have been busy to say the least, but I’m forcing myself to write this…so many changes I feel lost. I have a feeling my letters are going to become broader and broader.

Dear Beckham,
I really do not know how to describe my love for you. I almost think it’s too much. Every time I write a letter to you, I feel my love has grown more from the time before. I love, love, love my time with you. I am really starting to see the “little boy” in you. You are climbing EVERYTHING. The scariest is when you climb our tall breakfast table chairs. I feel like I’m back at the infant stage of complete care 24/7…let you be for more than 5 minutes and you’re sure to be doing something you’re not supposed to do. Like the time you “played” in your playroom with a black SHARPIE and colored all over the walls, bookshelves, books, and yourself! The look on your face when I caught you was so pitiful. You were absolutely scared to death, but oh so proud of your artwork in your books (yes, more than one book…you colored in six). It came off of the bookshelves, but we will have to repaint the walls.

You have quite the personality now. And what I mean by that is, you have discovered how to throw a tantrum and really shine! Whoa! This is definitely going to be the toughest stage for me so far. Everyone warns you about the “terrible twos” and I’m scared I’m totally going to fail at discipline. Patience with that kind of behavior is my weakness, so I will be leaning on the Lord for strength. I’m convinced the toddler years is God’s way of drawing parents closer to Him. Lol. It started by crying when you didn’t get your way. Then it was screaming and moaning. Then you added hitting things to the mix. Most of the time you will go over to the nearest surface and bang it with both hands. If I ignore it, then you usually come over to me and hit me. And just recently you started dropping to the floor and rolling over like you’re dying. It’s quite comical, but of course, I try not to laugh. I know it’s going to get worse…my prayer is your worst fits happen at HOME!

I know this all just means you are growing up intellectually and testing your limits. You’re physically a growing boy also! I lost your dr. visit sheet with all the stats on it, but from what I can remember, you are 32 inches tall and 25 pounds. I’m totally not sure about your height, but close enough. You are still in the same percentage for height but your weight growth did not increase as much. You are pretty much running these days (which Dr. Burton was surprised about) so I’m attributing your lack of weight growth to that. And you went through a really picky eating stage. Just becoming a boy!

Talking! I’m not going to lie, I was a little concerned when I was filling out the checklist at the doctor’s office and saw that 18 month olds developmentally say about 10-15 words. Umm. You say closer to 5. Now, I will admit, I think I’m a bit tough on you with what I consider a word. Other people besides your dad and I must be able to understand the word for it to really count as a word (in my opinion). So, I’m sure you’re saying more like 8-10 words, but I wouldn’t technically say that. On the contrary, you can make all the animal sounds. My favorite is the pig and sheep. Anyway, we’re not worried because you follow complex commands and are able to “communicate” non-verbally. I actually wish you could talk so I wouldn’t have to listen to you scream for a toy or water. You’re very loud (much like your mama).

Speaking of mama, you look just like me Bubba! I really try to see your dad in you, but we both admit, you’re a spitting image of myself. You even got my CURLY hair! We have been anticipating what kind of hair you would have. Now that it’s growing in, it’s all curl! We’ll see if it sticks. I think it’s cute, but your dad does not like it! It gets a little crazy!

And speaking of daddy, it has been amazing to see you guys get SOOO close these last few months. Once basketball season was over, daddy stepped in like a pro. He does 9 out of 10 baths. He reads to you all the time! You wait for him by the window and RUN to the door as soon as he opens it so he’ll take you to get the mail. He always says, “he’s the coolest kid ever.” He thinks the world of you! You copy him all the time. Every single time we’re outside and he starts pulling weeds, you will go in the grass and “pull weeds” also. You may be pulling all our grass up, but it’s really cute!

Your teeth make me smile! I love all your new little teeth. You now have your top 4, bottom 3 (not sure where that other one is), and all 4 molars. You’re a teething champ. Your molars bothered you the most, but nothing crazy! Look at those teeth! I really, really love your smile!