17 months

and, at 17 months, we have a drama queen!

Amalia,
One month closer to a year and a half!   You are quite a little pistol, my love.  One minute you are giving kisses are hugs and loves, and the next you are banging a little people toy over my head, or Sofia's head, or Daddy's head.  Sometimes, we are uncertain whether you are coming in for a kiss or a bite.  You can throw spectacular tantrums, throwing yourself on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.  Then, two minutes later, you are offering me a pretend cup of coffee saying, "Cof-ffee?  Tank tu." You love to be a big girl, and were so proud the other night when you got to put the spoons onto the table for dinner.  You have definite opinions and think that we all should share them, too.  Sofia also has opinions, and yours often differ from hers.  The two of you are 'frenemies.'  She won't let you play with her, takes things away from you.  You hit her, pinch her, bite her, pull her hair, and won't let her play with what you have.  Every morning when you wake up, you call for Sisi, and though she's still having a rough time adjusting to you being your own person and no longer a baby, she is always looking for you, too.
You got to see your cousins Anika and Reni today as well as Aunt Johanna in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It was such fun to see all the cousins togheter, and thoguh there were many hard times, having you all together even though you live so far apart was so wonderful.  You called Reni, "Baby" and loved playing with both Ani and Reni, getting into mischief, and just having a good time.
You are my social baby.  You are always saying "Hello" to everyone we see, and can charm the pants off of everyone you ever meet.  You are just so sweet, and get so charged up by being with people, especially groups of people.  There isn't a grown-up or a child who you won't talk to and smile at.  You simply love other people.
I love you more and more each day, my girl.  I am so honored to watch you grow, and to snuggle you each day.
Loveyoualwaysandforever,
Mama