Where has my sweet baby gone?!

Dear Alexander,

I love being your mother, but sometimes you drive me absolutely crazy! Where has my sweet baby gone? You certainly still have your moments, but the temper tantrums are definitely what stands out most in my mind right now! What is with you banging your head against the couch simply because I tell you no? And when I gently place you on the ground (because it is unsafe for you to crawl around the couch and throw yourself everywhere), why must you come over to me, frown, and smack my foot? And god forbid you ask for a cracker and I tell you no (because you've already eaten enough food that would've made ME full), all hell breaks loose! Is it really so bad that it is as if your tiny little 15 month old world is coming to an end right in front of your eyes? I simply do not understand you!

But here's one thing I do understand, THANK GOD THIS IS JUST A PHASE! Because trust me, one day when you hit your head on something hard enough to give yourself a headache you will not do it ever again. And no matter how many times it takes for you to understand it, you WILL learn that you are not allowed to hit me (or anyone else for that matter!). And when you become a little bit older, I WILL give you all the crackers your little heart could possibly ask for! And then later that day when you are sick with a tummy ache you will beg me to never let you eat that much ever again...and I will happily oblige! One day you will understand!

And as much as I am teaching you, you are teaching me as well. You teach me to appreciate life and not take it for granted, not ONE single moment. You teach me patience (even though you have to re-teach it to me every.single.day). You teach me to be understanding and caring. You teach me to take time out from everyday to simply play and laugh for no reason at all! You bring such joy to my days...crazy, patience-testing, big-smiling joy! Mommy loves you!

Sincerely,
Your mother!