Dearest Claire — We can hardly believe that your second Christmas is almost here!

You’ve impressed us with how gentle you are with the Christmas tree, but you do like opening presents, so those can’t come out til Christmas morning. We’re planning to see Santa this weekend (fingers crossed!), and have enjoyed playing with your little nativity set. The holidays have also given us plenty of opportunities to get together with friends and family — including loads of playdates. Once you get over a quick shy spell, you’re mighty social and love to work the crowd.

At 16 months you also love to…

…make cheesy faces.

…make messes.

…make fashion statements.

…have silly spells (and tantrums too).

…say uh-oh, shoes, Mama, and Dada (and we’re sure you understand much, much more).

…shake your finger and “scold” Pinot Kitty.

…help sweep and “brush hair.”

…eat, eat, eat — especially greek yogurt and toast. You officially weaned right before Thanksgiving, and it was an easy transition for both of us (WHEW!).

…watch videos of yourself.

…read books — especially ones based on songs! Your very favorite is “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” which Nana Beth began singing with you early on. You love to clap and stomp! You’re also great at “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,” and love to point to the (mostly) correct body part.

…sleep! You’re such a champ. Bathtime is at 7:30 pm and you sleep til 7:30 am. You’re also still taking two naps a day — 8:30–10 am (crazy, I know!) and again from 1:30–3:30 pm.

…give kisses and hugs.

…turn the television on and off (over and over).

…sit in the big chair to color and draw.

…play outside — bubbles and chalk and wagon and walks.

You are spunky and sweet and we love you so much! Thank you for adding extra joy to this special season.

xoxo, Mama and Dada