16 Months!

Dear Adi-Linny,

We are constantly saying that we can't believe how fast you are growing right before our eyes!  You are getting so big!  You are starting to try to go up and down little steps without sitting down, and you are trying to climb whatever you can get up on.  You still can't quite get up on our couch by yourself, but you'll be there soon I'm sure.  You try every day!

Here you are at 16 months:

This past month has been a fun one, and we've tried several new activities.  You had your swimming classes this month and you were a little champ.  We dunked you under the water at least once in every class and you never cried.  You splashed your hands, kicked your feet, and tried to blow bubbles in the water.  We put you on your belly, which you were OK with, but you never really liked being on your back in the water.  You stood on the edge of the pool and jumped in to us, which was so much fun!  And, of course, we sang plenty of songs!

A little unsure at the beginning of class

But you took it like a champ

Just got dunked!

Your favorite part of class; playing with the balls :)

As much as you enjoyed swim class, you are a little bit picky (wimpy) when it comes to water temp.  The nice, warm pool at the YMCA, you are OK with.  A cold baby pool filled from the hose, not so much.

"I'm good just playing with these balls, thanks."

Carley said, "Come on in, Addy."  You said, "No thanks, I will eat my Popsicle out here."

"See Mom, it's fun in the grass."  You cried (more like screamed) every single time I put you in that little pool.

I took you to music classes at our church this past month too.  Another really fun activity!  You were the youngest one there, so you kind of did your on thing, but you loved it!  Banging on drums, playing the xylophone, shaking maracas, clapping your hands, and singing songs.  You loved it all!  And everyone in class got a kick out of you, of course!

Pictures taken by your Great-Grandpa Dougherty:

Hard to see, but you and I are in the back of that circle.  You are standing up and I am wearing a black shirt.

You new dance move: hands behind your back.

Playing in the circle

Another day at music class, playing with scarves.

This past month I took you to the zoo for the first time!  You had fun, but mainly because there were so many kids running around for you to look at.  A lot of the animals were too far away for you to see.  Next year I think you'll be more ready for the zoo.

You and Carley.  Zoo buddies :)

You and me :)

Me, you, Regina, and Carley

You are saying more and more words, including the word "more".  You know to say "more" if you want more food.  And you've started saying "Ooops", which is hilarious.  Mainly because you say it at the wrong times.  Like, you'll throw your food on the floor for Daisy, and then look at me and say "Ooops."  Ha ha!  I'm onto your games, little girl ;)

You also can mimic a lot of words that we say.  And it never ceases to amaze me how many things you know.  For example, Pap and Grandma Hetrick just got you a bunch of play food, and after having it for one day, you knew each piece of food by name.  You are one smart little cookie.  That much I know for sure!

Learning all about your new food

Banana and ketchup anyone?

Other big news from your sixteenth month is that you have your own little pink potty and you have gone in it several times!  Daddy and I were shocked (and so were you, ha ha!), but you have peed and pooped in your potty!  Now, there is no consistency to it yet, but you know when you have to go (or when you've already gone) and you hold your pants.  So we decided to buy you a potty, and take it slowly.  The fact that you've gone on it at all is really amazing!  But, like I said, you are a smart cookie, Addy :)

You have been getting molars, and although it has been really rough for you, you are quite a trooper.  I know these teeth are bothering you much more than your first teeth, but you are still our happy, pleasant, smiley little lady.

 

                                               

You still have your rat tail, because Daddy is reluctant to cut it.  He thinks your little curl is cute (which it is!), so we're gonna roll with it a little bit longer.

You love all of your push toys, and you feel like a big girl pushing your baby in her stroller.

This month you've also started really playing tea party with the "Say Please" tea set that Mommy and Daddy got you for your birthday.  And speaking of which, we've started to teach you to say "please" when you would like something, so that we can raise a polite little lady :)

Speaking of manners, you are really very good at putting things back where they belong when we ask you to.  We always have you help us clean up your toys, and when you pick something up that doesn't belong to you, we ask you to put it back where it belongs.  And most of the time, you do.  We are so proud of you on a daily basis :)

Daisy is still your bestest bud, and although you are getting a little less tolerant of her constant licking, you love your dog to pieces.

Books are one of your favorite things and we try to read to you as often as possible.  We read a book (or two) every night before bed and multiple other times throughout the day.  You even like to read by yourself!  I hope your love of reading stays with you for the rest of your life :)

Strawberry picking has been a favorite past time for you and I this month.  Messy as it was (which makes Mommy cringe), we had a blast!

You and I have been spending a lot of our evenings cheering Daddy on in his softball games.  You love going there, because there is a park to play in, and plenty of other kids running around.

 

Wearing team colors :)

Our little drama queen ;)

Peak-a-boo!  I see you!

Running the bases with Daddy.  The team calls you their good luck charm :)

Love this picture!!

Mornings are still my favorite time of day with you.  You are so pleasant when you wake up and I love that when we pick you up out of your crib, you kick your legs with delight!  You are a precious angel all of the time, but mornings with you are extra special.  This month, I captured one morning on video.  And in this one you slept until almost 9AM!!  Normally you wake up between 7:30 and 8:30.

Your sixteenth month has been action packed Addy!  Although we haven't done any traveling, we have been on the go with different activities all of the time.  This past month has probably been my favorite one with you yet.  You got to experience so many new things and you are such a joy to be with.  You capture the hearts of everyone that meets you..... but only Daddy and I are lucky enough to call you ours :)  We love you to the moon and back little lady!

Love,

Mommy