thirteen & fourteen.

And so, her toddler days begin. Days filled with just one nap, lots of running, exploring outside, sorting through piles of books just to get to her favorite, plopping down in laps with a book in hand waiting for a story to be read, holding onto a random item of choice for an extended period of time, mimicking mama with her mini wallet purse while pretending to talk on the phone or clean the floor with a dish towel, using new words like "uh-oh" and "baby" and saying "hi" to everyone who passes by, climbing on anything that will hold her weight, games of "come catch me" and "I see you," conquering stairs and walking up a slide as often as she requests to slide down one, unraveling toilet paper rolls and reorganizing bathroom cabinets, tearing through magazines and ripping up junk mail, attempting to sneak inside the dishwasher every time it's loaded, dragging around laundry baskets after lounging in them, and not to mention...lots of attitude and sass {I guess she's her mother's daughter}.

So much happened after baby girl's first birthday. Months thirteen & fourteen broke ground on uncharted territory. New milestones were hit...back, to back, to back...and new adjustments for mama and dada followed suit, accordingly. I feel like we're constantly adapting and growing, experiencing something new every single day. Whether it's a new word or a new aspect of our daughter's personality we've yet to see, each day seems to include something new.

Watching the wonder of a child, appreciating her excitement in every day things we consider mundane, has helped me cherish things that I, too often, take for granted. Baby girl won't always help me sort through the mail, or come searching for me when I leave the room, nor will she always be eager to help me unload the dishwasher {especially when she's old enough to really help}, but in this moment, right now, today, she's holding my hand, chasing me down the hall, and bringing me books that she wants me to read...and being something so big for someone so small, births a strong sense of purpose, one that is capable of intoxicating every inch of who you think you are and all you hope to be.

Here are some of my favorite pics from months thirteen & fourteen. The last set of three, we're particularly excited to share with you, as they capture a moment that made months thirteen & fourteen extra special for our family as we eagerly wait for baby #2.  

 

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