18 months old

18 months old. Wow!  Madeline is attempting to feed herself with a spoon (all by her lonesome), saying “pee pee” when she has a wet diaper (does this mean easier potty training down the road?!), and having full blown conversations with us.  She can say just about any word she hears and is letting us know when she wants something to drink; when she wants more to eat; if she’s finished with her meal; when she’s ready for her bath, to swing, or go outside; and even when she wants “out” of her car seat…this happens daily.  She has even picked up the sign language for “more” from Bozenna’s house, so she does that quite a bit.  She’s such a smarty pants.  This is SO much fun.  She’s just a little bitty woman telling her mama and daddy what she needs and wants.

Over the weekend, we conquered some eating milestones.  I have been hesitant about the size of the bites I give Madeline because if it was up to her, she’d shove the entire plate into her mouth and call it a day.  This makes me oh so nervous.  But, she has to learn sometime, so this weekend, we gave her an ear of corn for dinner one night, which she ate like an adult, and a waffle cut into fours…which she picked up, bit off bite sized pieces, chewed, swallowed, repeat.  WHEW!  She did it!   Makes mom and dad feel so much better.  She knows how to control portion when she wants to, I suppose.  I’ve been slowly cutting larger pieces, and giving her whole pieces of food (in her size, of course) to bite off and chew.  So far so good.  Knock on wood!

Her favorite thing to do right now is color.  We have a couple of coloring books and some crayons for her and she goes to town.  She has also attempted to color the floor, my coffee table, Deacon.  We’re getting there – she’s just learning boundaries.

Madeline has also perfected the real deal tantrum.  Screaming, throwing herself onto the floor with gusto, and stomping her feet.  Derek and I have been trying to walk away from her and not give her the satisfaction of a response/not let her see us cracking up. How is there so much fire in a tiny child?!  She is still an excellent drama queen and gives us the fake cry (imagine the sound of crying with mouth gaping open, tongue hanging out, eyes cracked half-way open to see if you’re watching).

We had the *dreaded* 18 month doctors visit…and by dreaded, I mean that every time we step foot in Apex Pediatrics, Madeline lo-o-o-oses i-i-i-t.  And all the nurses and Dr. Steele are amazing.  She has a good memory on her, apparently.  But, all looks great.  She is 23 lbs., 11 oz. (41%), 32 ¾” in length (81%), and head measures 19" (89%).  Growing girl.  SO excited to eat Thanksgiving deliciousness with her this week.