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The World Gets Bigger

Our dearest Lia,

Your recent adventures have expanded your brain and your courage. We can see you growing up in front of us, like a fast-forward movie of a little bean seedling. You are learning new signs and words, expressing your desires with more vehemence and clarity, and exploring the world with bottomless curiosity.

On our trip to Georgia to visit Aunt Denise, Uncle Darrell and your cousins, you greatly impressed us with your resilience for travel (four flights and a thousand miles in our rented Volvo) and new spaces (you slept admirably as we moved your Pack-n-Play from room to room throughout the days). You couldn't contain yourself at the Atlanta aquarium, and had to get out of your stroller so you could get right up to the tanks of whale sharks and beluga whales. You started doing the sign for fish (smacking your lips like a guppy) and also for "all done" (waving your arms over your messy high chair tray).

You spent hours swimming, held chest-high in the warm waters of Lake Tobesofkee, and toddling in the Atlantic waves at Tybee Island. You sat erect in your stroller, or slumped back in the heat clutching your puppy, as we wandered through Olympic Park in Atlanta, and the shaded squares of Savannah.

And your cousins doted on you. Cameron carried you about, fed you, insisted on toting your diaper bag whenever we were out. Dylan and Jordan showed you their birds whenever you asked (which was often). Colin played with you on the floor. Aunt Denise delighted in babysitting you while the two of us went out for dinner to celebrate our anniversary.

Then last week we stayed at a cottage on Rice Lake with Oma and Opa. You struggled a lot with teething pain, your shirt-front soaked in drool, crying at the drop of a hat, even your favourite bananas causing you pain when you ate. But still, you slept like a trooper and enjoyed exploring the cottage and interacting with your grandparents. When Uncle Kevin, Aunt Jacquie and their kids joined us, you were almost back to your cheerful self, toddling over the wooden bridge, pointing at the birds and fish, grabbing whichever hand was closest.

Is it a coincidence that today, on your fifteen-month birthday, your spirit seems to shine straight into our hearts with the strength of a thousand suns? Every smile and step and shake of your head is miraculous. To think of all the fortunes and misfortunes that have conspired to bring you into our lives--it boggles the mind. We are so grateful to be in your presence.

Much love,
Mama and Dada