20 months/The holidays are upon us

This has been a big month for us. Maria got her first haircut, we have begun holiday preparations and our little one just keeps growing. Maria is now 34" (maybe even more), and 24 lbs. Long, lean and full or energy. She also enjoys entertaining us with her ever expanding vocabulary, long sentences and stories (I challenge someone to actually understand the stories though). I have lost count of the number of words she says, and I know she has at least 10 2-word phrases that are clear to more than just Mom and Dad. She is also beginning to identify her colors (purple being the most consistent) and count. She keeps me ever amazed, and grounded. With all the kids I see at work, it is so refreshing to be reminded of what normal looks like. Although, after a day with severely speech delayed children she seems downright gifted some days.

19 Months/Happy Halloween

So our little one is now 19 months, and just celebrated her 2nd Halloween...but the first where she got to do the trick-or-treating. She even managed a thank-you at most of the houses we went to (7 in total). She was a little hesitant at first, but quickly warmed to the idea.

Maria has also been a bundle of energy lately. It may have to do with the shorter days and slightly cooler temperatres (I say slightly as we have had many days of above average weather here) meaning that she has to spend more time indoors than out. That doesn't stop her from finding ways to amuse herself though...and us at the same time (just check out the crazy hair). She has also amused herself a lot in the last two days with her newest phrase: "Mommy, don't do that." Guess she hears the latter part of that phrase a bit much as of late :)

Daddy's Influence

Daddy is trying very hard to influence Maria's taste in music...and it looks like it just might be working too! A little "guitar" anyone?