Letters to Ettie { 13 months old }

To my dearest little Ettie!!  13 months old, how did that happen?? It seems like only a minute ago since we placing your arms gently into your tiny babygrow at the hospital, scared we’d somehow break you before loading you ever so carefully into the car seat ready to take you home. You were so tiny then. We were unbelievably excited about your arrival but couldn’t in our wildest dreams have imagined how happy you’d make us feel in the months to come!

And now you’re 1 – in fact not just 1, you’re 1 and one whole month! Such a beautiful, happy, loving, funny and caring little girl. Always giving us kisses and greeting us with the greatest of hugs if we’ve been to work for the day.

Mummy went back to work this month and I missed you so much on my first day that I actually cried the whole way there. You stayed with Granny for a few days and then when she went home, you had your first day at nursery. I was so nervous, but you absolutely loved it and were so excited to play with the other children. When Daddy picked you up, you’d made a little friend who you waved ‘bye bye’ to as you left. Such a little heartbreaker. 13 months old

You’re such a special little girl. I know every parent must say that, but you really are. With your cheeky grin and happy giggle, it’s impossible to be sad or angry around you. Everyone we meet with whilst out on our travels always comments or stops to talk to you, which you oblige, shouting at them excitedly with your little babblings, so eager to communicate but not quite having the vocabulary yet.

You do know ‘hello’ and shout it to anyone listening while we’re walking around the supermarket!! I love going shopping with you, you get so thrilled seeing all the new faces and interesting surroundings. Sitting in the trolley facing me, rocking backwards and forwards and waving your arms in tbe air with glee. You might not have all the words just yet, but I always know what you are trying to say. Your face is an open book – I hope that doesn’t get you into trouble when your older!

We travelled up to Cumbria this month and you were such a good girl the whole way there and back. I think you’ve got Mummy’s travelling bug because as long as you have enough snacks, you’re happy to travel anywhere in the car. Mummy & Daddy went to a wedding so you spent the day with Uncle R and Auntie L at Granny and Granda’s house. They pushed you up and down the road in the trike and you played pretend telephone with them with the remote controls.

You took your first steps this month too!! Such a clever girl!! It’s like you could read my mind because you done it a few days before starting nursery and I was so worried I’d miss it. We were out in the back garden playing in the sandpit, and all of a sudden you just stood up and walked over to me! You were so excited! We both were. I think I might have put you off because I cheered so loud, but once you’d done it once there was no stopping you and you’re a fully-fledged waddler now!! 

Our adventures this month include going to Cumbria, watching Daddy play cricket and going to the beach to eat ice cream, although I don’t think you liked the cold sensation on your tongue because you screwed your face up into a little frown when I gave you some and pushed it away. You’ve started pulling that face a lot and its such a funny little face. It’s not like you to push away food either so it must have been really bad.

It’s going to be a big adjustment us being apart from one another, and it makes me sad as to think its one step closer to you growing up and being more independent. But i’m also excited about the adventures that will bring and no matter how big you are, you will forever and always be my little girl. 13 months old

I love you so much Arrietty forever and always your Mum xxxxx

Ettie’s Christening