Henry D,

Fifteen. My darling boy, how did we get fifteen whole months away from that first day I laid eyes on you? I never imagined we’d be here so quickly–you filling up every day with a crazy kind of newness and excitement we couldn’t have fathomed before you arrived. No, really. How is your 1st birthday three whole months behind us now? It’s so hard to comprehend the pace at which you’re learning, absorbing, connecting, remembering, and changing, but it’s the most incredible thing to witness. If you’ve ever been a sponge, it’s now.

A few months back, we were exchanging words like “mama” and “dada,” “ka-gah” (Kruger), “baw” (ball), “ca!” (car), and the like. Now we’re talking about every animal under the sun, household items, things in nature, cars!, trucks!, tractors!, the beach, your story books, family members, and so much more. Where did you find all of your words, my love? You’re doing an amazing job of keeping up with all of the new things we throw at you on a daily basis. By now, we shouldn’t be surprised when you parrot a word right back us me with careful pronunciation, but your precision somehow takes us aback anyway. I know we’re not giving you enough credit, bug. We keep trying, but then you delight us with something else that’s new and exciting. I am always amazed to watch you, and can’t help but think, “Wow, I get to be his mama!” every time.

So what are you up to these days? Besides teaching us a thing or two about the smarts of a fifteen month old kiddo? Running, for one. Splashing around at the pool and learning how to kick, hold your breath, wade through the water without mom or dad’s hands for balance. Chasing the dog. Sharing opinions about food (and eating mostly everything, anyway. Thank you for that!) Playing games on the iPad and learning how to use your Tag Junior to follow along in a story. Filling in the blanks of a few books that have become your favorites (Hello, memory!) Laughing up a storm and hamming it up for the camera. Reminding me where your elbows are…your nostrils…your knees, and your eyebrows. (You asked, so we told you 😉 Showing your very literal, linear side one minute, then your creative, imaginative side the next. Offering us pretend soup, apples, drinks. Blowing pretend bubbles and gum. Laughing some more. Loving your friends and learning how to play with them (and actually, play with them!)…this is too much fun to watch! Blowing kisses. Snuggling up with the best of them. Sucking your thumb when you’re tired or uncomfortable. Signing words like please, thank you, more, all done, milk, etc. Perfecting the sound effects for anything and everything on wheels. Growing out of all your clothes.

You are one busy and happy boy!

And we are so incredibly thankful. God knew we needed a Henry exactly when we did, and you bring a light into our lives that nothing else could hold a candle to, little man. You are our buddy, our munchkin, our timely blessing. Fifteen months in, we have never loved you more…and it just keeps getting better!

Happy 15 months, Hanker Tank. You are our BIG little boy, and one marvelous little man in the making!

oh-so-gratefully,

your mama