to my last, not yet walking baby.

You are just about a year and a half. And I cannot even begin to explain to you how fast it has gone. It makes me so incredibly sad that I can't get those newborn days back. I get angry with myself when I think I should have savored them a little bit more. Afterall, you are our last babe. Spitfire is an understatement. Your personality is the absolute best. You love to laugh and to make people laugh. You fit right into the wrestling matches your dad holds with your older sister and brother, and sometimes, you even initiate them. The sweet smacking of your lips when you want to give a kiss, and your concerned heart when someone is upset... it makes me melt. Every day you say a little more. BYE! like a toddler hillbilly; HI! in the most high pitched voice in the world. All food is your favorite and if I let you eat all day, you would. Walking has not yet come around. You stand, you walk in between things, you push any and all things around the house like it's your business. And just holding onto one little finger of mine is all you need. But, letting go and taking off on your own has not happened yet. (Neither has sleeping through the night you booger.) The worry wart inside me sets off when I really sit and think about it. Your siblings were late walkers too... they did not take off til about 16 months. But here we are, coming up on a year and a half in this world, and it has yet to happen for you. You keep me on my toes. You bring so much joy into my life. The days are so short since you have come into our lives. And then it hits me... please don't take off just yet. I will miss hearing the thumping of your speed crawling on our floors. The giggling from your sweet little mouth when I let go of your hand, while you just stare at me like, mom... I'm totally not walking today. You pulling up on the door when you hear the garage door open when Daddy gets home. Sneaking off to the stairs and climbing up them, when you know you aren't supposed to go up without me. I will miss it all so much. I will savor these days because soon, you will be speeding for first base at your high school softball game, or running to the vault at gymnastics, or playing tag with your sister and brother. So please, don't take off just yet, my sweet babe.