15 Months

Mary Ella one year ago at 3 months old

Now I'm 15 months old!

Oooh face

Twirling

Prancing

She has starting putting her hand over her mouth to show her excitement!

So cute! I think she was looking at Gigi and Papa's kitty cats.

Mary Ella,

At 15 months you are such a happy and busy girl! You have your moments of trying Mama, but you have been cutting teeth and have been away from home alot this month so I think some of it may be your circumstances. You are learning so much now! I am afraid I won't remember everything new this month, because it seems like you're doing something new all the time! You bring joy to everyone around you. So many people comment on how cute and sweet and happy you are. We love you to pieces and are so proud of your sweet personality and all you do! I know this post is late, but here's what you've been up to:

• You weigh 26 pounds and are 31 inches tall.
• You are still a chunk, but I think you may be getting a little slimmer and taller. You had this little crease on the inside of one of your thighs. You've always had it, and I wished it would never go away. But I have noticed it fading.
• You are still a good eater. There was about a week this month that your teeth were really hurting, and you didn't eat well. I didn't know what to do with you! You have discovered your love of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. You still love berries and Yo Baby yogurt. Other favorites: taco soup, chicken strips, tator tots, pizza, crackers, apple juice, and anything sweet.
• You now have 4 molars and new teeth on top and bottom. You have 12 in all!
• I think you may be ready to go to one nap a day or maybe we just haven't time to get in 2 good ones. You have been sleeping 12-13 hours at night until 8 or 9 because of no afternoon nap. I still try to lay you down in the afternoon, but sometimes you don't go to sleep. You just sing to yourself and suck your paci, but atleast you are getting a little rest time. I would try one nap after lunch, but you still really seem to need to take one in the morning too. Who knows?
• You love watching and playing with your cousins. You also love playing at Nana's with the big kids. Trey cracks you up and gets you so excited. He made you discover a new very high-pitched squeal.
• You love to be outside: on the porch, at the playground, on the farm, on a walk, outside is your favorite place.
• You also love bathtime more than ever! You try to crawl in on your own and sometimes don't want to get out.
• You have thrown a few big fits this month. Like I said, I think you have been cranky because of your teeth and being so far from your normal schedule. But kicking, flailing your arms, and banging your head on the ground is never okay. You have been spatted more than a few times for this, and for hitting...what in the world?
• You have the biggest and funniest expressions- good and bad. I wish I could get you to stop the squinty ugly face you have when you don't like something. Like when you're told no, or to chew your food, or to take a nap, or if you just don't want someone messing with you. But you make up with it for all your sweet faces. Your "oooh" face and putting your hand over your opened mouth when you're excited. You still stick out your tongue for your funny face, and you have the sweetest smile.
• Your giggles are the best. I really need to record someone tickling you!
• You love to be chased and take off running and squealing if you even think someone is coming after you.
• You will bring me book after book to read to you. This makes my heart sing! You know so many words! I am amazed by how many things you can point out in your 100 words book!
• You can act out "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed." You jump, bump your head with your hand, and shake your hand for "no more monkeys jumping on the bed."
• You love Daddy's Frank Sinatra CD. Your favorite song is "High Hopes" with the kids singing with him, and you get upset everytime it is over.
• You are adding to your dance moves. :)
• You really get into your Baby Einstein DVDs. I love listening to you laugh and squeal in the back seat watching it.
• You have started really playing with your baby doll. You like her to be wrapped in a blanket, and you like to carry her in the little carrier. You just hug and kiss her, and recently you have been pretending to give her drinks from your cup. So cute!
• You like playing with balls and your kitchen stuff. You pretend to stir and taste with your spatula. You like to give everyone in the room tastes and drinks.
• New words: Papa, Juju (Julie), moo, no, go, te (tree), chee (cheese for pictures), bebe (baby) owsi (outside), num num (when something tastes good), and you have tried to say Anna, Trey, pig, and 1, 2, 3
• You can sign "more," "please," and "eat."
• Gigi taught you how to put your hands up and shrug your shoulders for "I don't know."
• You put your hands up to call the Hogs and follow it with your version of "Sooie."
• You sing and talk to yourself all the time, but when I try to get you to say something specific you usually won't do it. Mia is dying for you to say her name, and everytime she says, "Say Mia," you say, "Gigi." Drives her crazy!
• You blow kisses with the back of your hand instead of your palm.
• You love shoes and know when you are dressed up and looking cute. :)
• You can turn circles and try to jump. You also love to play ring around the rosies and fall down.
• You love to slide and swing at the park.
• You are getting really good at mimicking what you see us do: putting on lotion, where to put the Q-tip, shaking your head yes and no, trying to eat with a spoon, pouring water in a cup...you're so smart!
• Really if you are down and have some room to roam, you are happy wherever we are, whatever we're doing, whoever we're with! We love you baby girl! Happy 15 months!