The 18-Month Mark!

One of my little girl's favorite things to do is "watch Lyla." She grabs my finger and leads me to the office, guiding me to the computer desk, upon which sits the "watching device" - that magical thing with all its snippets of digital video that some crazy woman has collected over the last 1.5 years. At random throughout the day, even in the midst of some of the most exciting toddler-geared activities, she will emphatically nod while asking (demanding), " 'atch 'yla?!" Whether it be the techie side to her (thanks, Daddy) or her egocentric 18-month-old ways, she sure knows what she wants. She's even figured out how to browse the thumbnails and point out exactly which video she wishes to watch, very rarely selecting anything from her younger year, as she doubtfully recognizes the strange blob inching her way around on the carpet, drooling and making strange gurgling noises. No, that's not Lyla. That's a baby.

That doesn't stop Mommy, however, from reminiscing about that precious blob. It seems so very long ago and hardly a glimpse of it remains in my memory, so I am ever-grateful for that crazy woman and all her video-taking.

No other year will make such a difference in her life. At no other time will she not be able to
recognize herself or at least make a connection from one September to the next. How odd! Looking back just one year ago, the changes are astounding. Here is a snippet from this time last year, when I was utterly shocked that the first six months had already passed.

And here she is now:

Daycare update: We were just hitting smooth waters when both of Lyla's teachers left Premier. She has had to transition again, now to two new teachers. Thankfully, one was able to shadow Mrs. Ashley before she left. She hasn't been crying at drop off this week, but for some reason cries when the class goes on their walks. And her teacher asked me today if she ever talks. HA! It made me laugh because well, yes. She talks non-stop at home. But it made me sad, too, because she is clearly not herself when she's there. Maybe a few more weeks and she'll open up a little more.