Dearest Annabelle,
Today you are a big 17 months old! Almost 1.5years old! Yay! We survived in one piece!
This month has been busy. From our family & friends getaway to Corolla, NC, filling in the rest of your teeth (leaving only your 2 year molars), sleep regression issues, trying cheese for the first time, and entering the world of toddler's frustrations aka tantrums... we have had quite a busy month.
Your abundance of energy has been challenging to keep up with. While you are sleeping the same as before (aside from the few days of sleep regression that we've been dealing with), your energy level is through the roof. Aside from music and yoga classes, we try to do daily visits to the playground or some outdoor activity to keep you going. You love the spray playground and after a couple weeks of visits, you are finally starting to get closer to the water (intentionally).
It's fun to watch you interact and observe other children. Since right now, most of your play is parallel play, sitting back and watching your interaction is both amusing and scary at the same time. The only one time you reacted badly was when a little girl kept stalking you through mommy's yoga class and trying to take each toy you would pick up. Initially, you were willing to share, but after it became abundantly clear she wanted only the toys you wanted to play with, you tried to avoid her. When that didn't work, you did try to hit her. Part of me wanted to hold you back and say "its not nice to hit" - which I did, part of me was proud of you for not allowing yourself to be bullied. At least I know you aren't overly defensive.
However, your behavior has definitely become more toddler like. Sometimes you slap. I don't think you mean to slap and hit, but you have a lot of energy and frustrations. We divert you and tell you to clap your hands which you do. But it doesn't always work. We tried time outs (taking you to a corner and counting to 30, then 35, then 40), but that also doesn't seem to work. It also didn't quite feel right. Being a toddler, we realize that your curious mind is what sways you to behave the way you do. That curiousness is something we want to nurture. However, safety first. So we are still working on repeatedly and lovingly removing you from dangerous situations and reminding you why we don't want you to jump on the couch or your chair.
You feel your emotions strongly. Whether its excitement, anxiety, or fear... you definitely have a lot of emotions and a flair for the dramatics. You give Kota the biggest hugs (not that he wants them) and you are learning to hug and kiss mommy and daddy so nicely. But you have a mind of your own. Getting dressed, putting on shoes, eating food... you name it, if you don't want to do it - you won't. Luckily, you are pretty amenable to most things.
Lately, you have stopped making scrunchy face (which you did every day for a couple weeks) and now you mimic mommy when she makes a sad face (and sticks my lower lip out).
Our biggest bribe with you is Pororo Videos. We have resorted to using a portable DVD player in the car which has helped tremendously. You love these Korean cartoons so its worked out nicely. You learn Korean while being entertained. That and Ice. you have a great obsession for ice... ever since Gamma introduced you to ice, it will keep you quiet and cool on a hot summer day when mommy takes you for a run in your new BOB. Oh yeah, did i mention we got a new jogging stroller so that mommy can work out regardless of daddy's long hours at work. :)
Your sleep regression that started this month, seems to be winding down (knock on wood) but we won't count our eggs before they are hatched.
Now to the normal monthly things we cover. Your hair has gotten longer and has a curl. It is lightening with the summer sun. Your eyes are still the greenish brown color and so beautiful when the light hits them just right. You have almost a full set of teeth.
You are wearing a size 4 diaper - and we switch between slip ons/pull ups or regular diapers. You are in a size 5 shoe. Your clothes that you wear waiver between a size 18month or 24 month/2t. You actually also fit into a couple 12 month dresses now b/c the length is just shortened but your lengthening has made your booty less bootylicious :)
You are saying "mommy" all the time now and of course wake up saying "daddy?" looking for your dad. You also say "ice", "hot", "me", "no", and one day i swore you said "gabby"! Everyday you add more words, and you are using your signs appropriately too (more/again, please, thank you, milk). Your understanding is vast but your speaking is slower... but your frustration has lessened a bit now that we are using signs. :)
We love you baby girl... this month has been a blast, moreso than the last month... each day is a blessing and we are so grateful for you and each other.
Love,
Daddy & Mommy
PS. Here are some photos from this month... in no particular order
