19 months old

Dear Zoe,

Mummy is sorry she hasn't posted for so long, so let me make amends by describing some of the cool stuff you've been up to. Today you had your 18 months chickenpox vaccination, which we delayed for a few weeks because you were very sick when it was due. You were being very funny and charming in the doctor's office, playing hide and seek behind the curtain and trying to climb up on to the bed. Until you got your needle, and cried and cried. The ladies at reception said they were very sad for you. What was funny was that you didn't like having the band aid on your leg, and wanted me to pull it off.

You really enjoy being outdoors, either at the beach, park or in the backyard. At home you constantly say 'outside', although today you started putting two words together. I make you put on your hat, and you love putting sunscreen on yourself and me. Once out, you make yourself busy playing in Harry's water bowl, moving his bowl around and offering it to him, and filling and emptying your watering can. It is very hot and sunny and although I make you wear a long sleeve shirt as well, we have to come inside during the middle of the day, which makes you unhappy. Down the beach you like to wander around looking at and collecting stones and shells, and like to hold Mum and Dad's hand and jump in the little waves.

You spend every Monday with Aunty Sally ('Sal'), and Ella and Myia, and always come home exhausted. Ella goes to dancing on Monday afternoons, and when you go inside to watch Ella gets embarassed, because you run up to the girls and pretend to be part of the class too. You love dancing, and start moving when you hear music that you like on the radio. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday you go to family day care at Cherrie's.

A couple of weeks ago Myia celebrated her first birthday at Shaws Bay, which was exhausting for you but lots of fun. Mummy made a whale cake with blue icing for MyMy, and you went paddling in the bay. I haven't been able to get organised for you to have swimming lessons yet, but you are fearless in the pool at Aunty Sal's. In fact, you are fearless when it comes to climbing and bouncing and sliding...but pretty shy with new people. And Mummy loves you very much.