Oh, Henry, my Henry! Or should I say, “Hen-weee,” as you like to put it? Today you’re half way between one year and two. Eighteen months into this whole “being a person” thing, and doing quite fabulously at it if I may say so. And I may. I’m your mom. Moms are like that.

Eighteen months old, and lately, HD, you are full, full, full of personality to the brim. We’re getting used to you adding your two cents, and we’re richer for your input on so many levels. You’re never out of things to say!

At this age, you continue to find interest in things that go…trucks, cars, trains, planes, tractors, cranes, and boats. You announce every pick up truck (“pi-cuk-cuk!”), police car (“piece car”), and jeep (“beep!’) that ride down the street. Some things sound just like we say them to you, and others take on a ring of their own. We never have to clarify when it comes to cars, buses, planes, trains, tractors, boats, or (fire) engines. Let’s face it: you’re pretty committed to anything on wheels. Make it a book about anything on wheels, and it’s even better. We recite truck sounds of every variety as a daily exercise (per munchkin, of course!), turning page by page in your Trucks book and remembering each by heart. I never knew so much about trucks before you came along!

Besides vehicles and all things associated, you love to explore colors. You will happily ride in your stroller or the car while pointing out every color of every leaf, the paint on the car that just sped by, the brightly colored house down the block. You notice everything. And I do mean, everything. It’s fascinating, and nerve-racking at the same time. I always pray you’ll keep noticing the good over the bad, for as long as time will allow. You are so big, and still so small. I’m not quite ready for you to see the world so clearly just yet…

Even so, we don’t hold you back. You ask questions, and as much as possible, we try to answer them. You explore new territory and expand your boundaries daily, and we celebrate your adventurous nature. We love that you are not afraid to check out something new, to say hello, to tell us what you like and don’t like. You are bold, but not overbearing. Strong-willed, but gentle. You have a heart for your family that is an ocean wide. You love your baby cousin and ask about “Emma,” bringing me things that remind you of her or telling me about her mommy and daddy–your “Aunt Bidet” and “Kuh-cul Ded-de,” almost daily. Your Skype dates with the grandparents are a highlight in our days.

New to you lately? Your first trip to the shoe store for legitimate measuring and trying on…and a rockin’ pair of suede desert boots as a souvenir. A tractor-pulled wagon ride at the pumpkin farm, a pumpkin donut, the ability to distinguish and identify Fall gourds. You crack me up with your interests and what captures you in the moment–your mind fixed on the details you replay over and over to those who will listen. You are learning so much about animals, letters, numbers, shapes…I wonder when I’ll start to have trouble keeping up!

My favorite Henry-isms as of late? First and foremost, your “Hoy,” a “Hi” spoken with an East Coast accent and a smirky smile behind it. You’re funny and you know it, which at your age, makes things even funnier. Yep. Certainly your “Hi,” “Hello,” “Hoy,” act has got to be at the top of the list. I love when I hear you counting to yourself as you add up your toys or items in a book. I love the sweetness of your alphabet-in-progress, the letters coming together so surprisingly at times–so randomly at others. It is fascinating to watch your mind work.

What do you do to busy your days? You play and read and play some more. You still chase the dog, but you’re getting better at it. You color pictures with vigor. You run around the house and announce, “Running!” as you go. You snuggle with the best of them and tell me I’m your baby, saying, “Wa. Waaaaa!” like a baby doll on cue. You’re so interested in nurturing and figuring things out for yourself so you can do them like we do–it’s a beautiful thing.

Henry, eighteen months down the line, I hope you can still tell what a joy it is for me to be your mom. Nothing about my delight in parenting you has changed. It’s possible that things have been more difficult at times, sure. But I still love all of you just as much–and more, the longer you’re here. I so bless the Lord for the goodnesses He has poured out over our lives, through you and because of you. You are making your mark.

Tomorrow you will dress up for your second Halloween and head off to a party with your friends, which sounds so grown up and sophisticated. Don’t worry, I still have to drive you and chaperone…for now. Your costume is a hoot, and I can’t wait to see you all dressed up and ready to go. I promise I’ll take pictures;)

love to you, my munchkin boy. and the happiest of half birthdays, too!

your mama