I never understood why parents would get teary-eyed thinking about their children getting older...until I became a parent. I'll say I was not sad to see the newborn stage go by, but for some reason the past 6 months have FLOWN by. The changes between 15-18 months are so quick, and I know so much will change in Kate and Maddie in the coming months.
I look at them and begin to see little kids, not little babies. They may be small still, but are looking more mature and definitely acting more independently! :)
Kate:
-My independent one! Not much has change in that area! You want to put on your own shoes with no help, insist on snapping yourself into your highchair or carseat sometimes, and will walk without much hesitation into new situations.
-Call people, especially Maddie, over like we do the dogs. A little pat-pat where you want her to sit, with the same sound we call the dogs...
-Tell us when you go to the bathroom. You point to your diaper and say, "boof." Don't know where the word came from, but it sure helps me to know when you need a clean diaper! ;) Not sure if I will jump on this to attempt potty training, or just give it more time.
-Get very frustrated that you cannot express everything you want to say. You make connections to everything. For example, if we read about a horse you point until I say, "Yes, like the horse we see in the neighborhood."
-You call Maddie "Maa" or "Maa-Maa." Every time she leaves your sit you call for her! Cutest thing ever!
-No fear...You have a love for climbing, and waiting patiently with a smirk on your face until I notice where you have climbed!
-Still obsessed with animals! You can point out almost all the animals in your 100 first animals book. Newest animal sound is a rabbit...teeth and all! :)
-You love to clap for yourself! When you share with Maddie, throw trash away, fork something on your plate, etc...you clap!
-Hitting the parrot stage of your speech. Almost daily I say something, and you shockingly repeat it back to me. You also duplicate words...it's not just a "ball," it's a "ball-ball," "bath-bath," "back-back,"etc.
-You have a fit almost every time we have to come in from being outside. Thankfully they are short, but whew you get upset!
Eating:
-Mastered eating with a spoon and fork, but get frustrated when you can't stab little tiny pieces with your fork.
-Still my meat eater...You put sausage, chicken, steak, and pork chops away like a teenage boy!
-Have no desire to eat sweets...often won't even try it.
-Food favorites: bapples (apples), meat, dipping sauce, blueberries, grapes, poppyseed chicken, smoothies, cheese, and still your all time favorite green peas
-Food dislikes: Ground beef...can't get you to touch a hamburger, sweets, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts
Sleep:
-Dropped to one nap soon after 15 months. You transitioned much easier, but many days you were awoken by Maddie. Now nap at 12:45 typically 2 hours.
-Sleeping 7:30-between 7:15-7:45. Started sleeping later when we dropped to one nap! :)
Maddie:
-My shy one...Between 15-18months you began to have a much harder time in the nursery or at Mother's Day Out. We often hear, "Maddie just wanted to be held" when picking you up. It makes me sad that you don't show off your silly, sweet, and often show-off personality to those outside of familiar family. Praying it is in many ways a phase, but I don't doubt that you may always lean towards the shy side!
-Your obsession with "toos" (Shoes) remains...Shoes are changed multiple times a day to different pairs, and are often put on first thing in the morning. You also love to bring us our shoes to put on!
-Hitting has been a new battle...ugh...You are SO tender-hearted and sweet, yet aggressive at times too! ;)
-You give the best hugs...with the "awww" sound and everything!
-Your speech took off between 15-18 months! Any worry I had about you not saying much before has faded. For a few weeks "uh-oh" and "no" were said non-stop. Everyday you are adding something new to your vocabulary! "Yes,yes" or "yes, ma'am" have been learned to contradict the frequent "no." You may or may not have a little southern accent like your me! ;) "Dog" and "down" are very drawn out with a little twang!
-Animal obsessed just like Kate, except for stuffed animals!...Cats may still be your favorite animal to chase at the grandparents and you have the most shrill squeal when you see them!
-A baby is your favorite toy. You carry her around talking to her and saying "baby, baby." Sometimes you like to sit on it! ;) Have to work on that before Hays comes!
-Dumping things is also a love of yours....Dumping crackers, dog food bowls, blocks, such joy you find in the mess!
Eating:
-Mastered the fork and spoon!
-You are a very mess eater! Your food ends up all over you and your plate at the end of meals!
-You could eat a "nana" at EVERY meal if I let you!
-Food Favorites: Bananas, green beans, cheese, mashed potatoes, rice, crackers, applesauce, pasta, smoothies
-Food Dislikes: Beef, most meat in general, pickles, spicy foods
Sleep:
-Dropping to one nap was very hard for you! Spent many trying to sneak in to get your before you awoke Kate, way too early! The past few weeks have been much better, and you are awaking happy!
-Sleeping 7:30-between 7:15-7:45. Started sleeping later when we dropped to one nap! :)
The past three months have been filled with some GREAT weeks, and some really tough weeks. Double ear infections hit both girls, which caused many tears from all. New found independence, can lead to frustration when unable to express themselves or just a full on breakdown when not getting what they want! Each day they discover something new about the world around them or start repeating a new word. I laugh often at their goofiness, worry often if I'm training them well, and have learned to stop and love every bit of affection!
