My "Baby" is 18 Months Old Today!!

Hi Everyone!

It has been quite a while.....mommy & I have not been good about the monthly posts after I turned 1 yr old! So, please pardon the interruption to the Disney posts (it will probably take Mommy a long time to finish those!) for a little update on my world at 18 months old, or 1 1/2 years old, if you can believe that!!

I'm learning so much these days, it's hard to even think what to focus on for some updates. I am still an active little girl - my latest interest is in the world of climbing. I'm starting to figure

out how to climb into chairs, the couch, my crib, beds, you name it - I'm not always successful yet, but I'm getting there & the desire is definitely already here. I'm obsessed with balls and I am getting decent at throwing them (though sometimes my release is not well timed and I throw it straight up & hit my head or throw it behind me!). I point out EVERYTHING round in my world and say 'Ball'.

I'm still a little strong willed girl. I know what I want & it's hard to change my mind. I'm ticklish, but if I'm mad because you took something away, I can resist the urge to giggle if you try to tickle me. I am also determined to figure things out. I have a

serious look on my face a lot these days because I'm studying, learning, & figuring out so many things. I don't have time to laugh at your silly shenanigans (unless I'm in the mood for it!). I need to figure out how to do things like snapping a buckle or screw tops on & off.

I'm pretty verbal these days. Mommy tried counting my words the other day and counted about 40-50, but later kept thinking of some she had forgotten while counting. The teachers at my school still comment to Mommy from time to time about how much I talk - either in my own language or in my real words. I even surprised Mommy because for the longest time she couldn't get me to say my friends' names. Then, one morning she dropped me off at school & I started saying 'A-Duh'. And my teacher said, that's right, that's Danny. Mommy said, "She knows his name?". And the teacher said, yes, she knows all the kids names and goes around pointing at them saying their names. If she forgets, she points until we remind her. HA!! Surprise Mommy! I know names :)

I'm still a great sleeper. 11-12 hours at night and

2-3 hours for naps. Mommy says she is pretty pleased with that. AND I tend to be a late sleeper. Of course, similar to my parents, I prefer the later to bed, later to rise lifestyle, so I am usually not asleep until 9pm. But I sleep until between 8-9 and somedays later. So, Mommy says she'll take the later nights for the later mornings. I'm still somewhat of a picky eater, but as Mommy is learning that most toddlers are, she is also realizing I have some good eating habits. I still like meat - particularly sausages, meatballs and other soft meats. I'll eat a few vegetables somewhat consistently - peas, corn, green beans, baked beans. I even devour grilled mushrooms! She seems to think this is unusual for a 1 year old. The weird thing is I don't really like most cheese or fruits. I used to like cheese, not anymore really (unless it's with macaroni or in dippable form). And I only will eat grapes for a fruit. I also can't be persuaded to eat anything that I don't want in return for a food I like. I'll just not eat the food I like and scream about it. It's not pleasent. But remember, I am strong willed.

Lastly, I am showing some signs of wanting to assert my independ- ence (AKA Terrible Twos). I have gotten into some tussles (scratches/hits) with some friends & sometimes do it to Mommy also when I am throwing a tantrum and she picks me up. But I am slowly learning to use my hands nicely. Maybe one day I'll stop altogether......Mommy would like that!

But I also have a super sweet side as well. I still love to be rocked or lay with someone in a bed until I fall asleep. I can put myself to sleep but I much prefer to use that time to cuddle. Maybe because I don't cuddle much at all during the day, I need to get in that time at night? And if I'm lucky (like on a night Daddy works late and doesn't see me much or at all), he'll sneak into my room, scoop me up and take me in to sleep with Mommy & Daddy. What great snuggle time that is! And the best part (for Mommy), I can go right back to my bed the next night and not have any problems or cry to get in their bed. I'm flexible like that!

Well, that's probably enough for now!

TTYL,

Mackenzie