19 Months

Dearest Lucas,

When you were 18 months old, you were already talking like kids who are over 2 years old.  I learned that because you talk better than those other kids in your swim class who are much, much older than you.  I couldn't believe it when I asked their moms at the changing room how old their kids were.  They were bigger--yes. But they could hardly express what they wanted.  You could.  And I couldn't help but be very proud.

Your pedia was amazed at how much you've learned at your tender age.  She was amazed that you can identify and say your body parts. She kept pointing to her ears because she loved how you pronounced "ears" as "errs".  You sound funny, but it doesn't matter how you sound because you're talking, and that's what matters to me.

Now, at 19 months, your progress has been so amazing--especially with your verbal communication.  You are talking more and more. And your words are clearer. We are very careful now about what we say because you catch everything and you remember them.  One time you were in the room with us while your dad was changing.  I was admiring your dad and I told him he's sexy not minding that you were there. Suddenly, you started saying "Sexy Papa!  Sexy Papa!"

You can now say all our names--Papa Charles, Mama Liza (although you say "Lisa"), Grandma Nena, Mamu Dydy (instead of Ludy), Papi Cardo, Tito Mane (instead of Mayel), Tita Lolot, Cousin Than.  You also call Jacob "Cob", his mom "Winnie", cousin Benjamin "Bean", and Tita Jopie "Pie".  You like imitating Cousin Nathan. You also imitate how your dad walks.  You love your toy car and you can identify all its parts!  You can now string three to four words and say them all straight.  One time I was on the phone with you and you said "Hello Mama! Naa na Papa!".  You told me your dad has arrived.  I, on the other line, couldn't help my tears as I was listening to you speak.

Lolong, in no time, I think you're going to start asking me hundreds of questions and I cannot wait for that.  Everyday, one of the things I look forward to is our lesson time. You are learning ABC fast. When you get things right, you clap your hands and when you make a mistake, you let out a silly laugh!  You are such a little wonder and you are making me and your dad so proud!  Keep growing little one and keep learning.  Someday, you will realize that every little thing you learn from your books and from us will be of great use to you and will make school such an exciting place for you.

I love you, little Lolong!  And oh, my favorite part of all--is when I tuck you in and you say "Nite, Mama! Lab Vu, Mama (Love You, Mama)!  This completes my day.

Love,
Mama