18 Months...Oh my!

Sweet Ella Grace,

Where has the time gone? Today you are 18 months old...a year and a half! You continue to amaze us everyday and remind us of how blessed we are to have you as our daughter. Here are 18 things we love about you at 18 months...

1. You are such a little talker! I cannot even begin to count all the words you say or the sounds you make. Sometimes we forget how old you are because you are able to carry on a little conversation with us. You also repeat everything we say. New words come out of your mouth everyday. I never dreamed you would be able to talk so much at this age, but we love it!!!

2. Singing and dancing are some of your favorite things to do right now. You entertain us all the time dancing around and clapping. We love to hear you try to sing the songs you know that we sing together, and when you don't know a word, you hum...precious! You also like to fill in the blank as we sing and stop at different parts.

3. Books are still your biggest obsession. I love to watch you sit in your chair and read through your books. Sometimes I hear you "making up your own story" (talking away) or naming everything you see on the page.

4. You are a little lover! Hugs and kisses are your favorite and it always puts a smile on my face when you come over and hug me or kiss me while saying "mo-mmmyyy" in the sweetest little voice. :)

5. You can count to 10 and sometimes beyond like a pro! The alphabet is also something you have gotten really good at recognizing. You know your letters and love for us to sing the ABC's song to you over and over again. Colors are another one of your favorites!

6. Watching t.v. or videos was something that you were never interested in until the past few months. Now you LOVE watching Sesame Street, Barney, Wonder Pets, and Dora. You know all the characters and get so excited to see them each day. I love to hear the excitement in your voice and see your face light up when they come on. :)

7. You are a wonderful eater and sleeper. Typically you sleep from about 8:00-7:30. Your naps have grown to be about 2.5 - 3 hours at a time in the afternoon.

8. You get so excited when you go tee tee on the potty and love to flush too! You have shown interest in using the potty a lot these past few months and have actually gone on there a few times. Official potty training is going to have to wait, but it won't hurt to get a head start now!

9. Playing dress up and putting on shoes, jewelery, and clothes from your drawers is an everyday thing. It makes us laugh that you call necklaces and bracelets, "pretties". You typically wear at least 1 shoe around the house all the time. So funny!

10. Daddy and you have the most special bond. You truly are a daddy's girl in many ways, but tend to cling to us both the same. Going to the park together almost every afternoon is definitely a favorite of yours to do with daddy.

11. You are such a little joker! You know exactly what to do or say to make us laugh. We are constantly cracking up at you and your silly little quirks!

12. Lately you have been naming everything you see when you enter a room. Whatever is in your sight is named. Sometimes you shock me when you know what something is called!

13. You actually like to help mommy pick up your toys. We sing the clean-up song and you pick up your things and put them back where they go. If I stop singing you quickly get me going again. :)

14. Pretending is something you also enjoy. You like to act like you are talking on the phone and actually put it between your shoulder and chin! You also "change you babies diapers", feed them, and put them to sleep. It is always fun to see you put on your "pretties", grab your purse, and look at us and say "bye".

15. Somehow daddy and I have become just mom and dad at times. We laugh every time you look at one of us and say "hi mom" or "hi dad". Really?!?! Are you a teenager already? :)

16. You are my little helper when things need to be done. Putting laundry in the washer and dryer are some of your favorites. Although I think you like to push the buttons more than anything!

17. Miss Independent is should be your nickname. You are very strong willed and like to do things on your own. At the park you can climb on the equipment and slide all by yourself. Guess that comes from lots of practice since we are there a lot!

18. Manners are something that are very important to us and you do so well at saying "please", "thank you", and even "bless you". It makes my heart happy to know that you understand when and how these are used...even without us having to tell you all the time. So sweet. :)

Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives and being all that we had hoped you would be. Happy half birthday baby girl! We love you!