The Long Awaited Words

Last night as I was enjoying some down time coloring while my husband was getting Eily ready for bed the little routine was interrupted by some words I'll soon not forget.

Eily had been quiet for some time.  We had been worried.  For almost three months she has regressed on her speaking and was back to almost babbling.  Then came Christmas block leave.  DH was able to take twenty days much needed leave.  I was finally able to get some rest.  We spent time together as a family and played with Eily together.

We worked together on her language skills.  By the end of his leave she was back to saying her colors when the mood struck her.  We cheered her on.  I still sit with her daily and go over her colors when she hands me a block, any block.  Her new alphabet blocks, periodic chart blocks and colored building blocks add to the fun of her Unico building blocks (knock off Legos).

DH has now been back to work for two weeks.  Last night Eily came into the living room where I was working on my coloring, I chose to use my left hand to build up strength in it for surgical reasons plus I can write and draw almost as well left as what I do with the right, when she said those long awaited words that most parents are shocked to hear.

I always tell her how much she means to me every day, every moment I can.  I tell her how bright she is.  How beautiful, how special, and so on and so forth.

DH was agape when she said, "Mama, I Love You!" to me last night.  I looked up and said I love you Eily.  I wasn't shocked.  I knew she'd say it when she'd get around to it.  I got up from my chair and hugged her.

I did grin.  I'm pleased that she made that sentence with a pause and it came out so clearly too.  I'm so proud since she is only 18 months old.  I'm not sure if this is normal for kids her age but I don't care either.