Sweet Bean is 18 months!

Dear Gillian Grace,

Last week you turned 18 months old, but your poor Momma is only now getting around to writing your update. There are many things in life I don't mind slapping together, but a milestone post is not one of them.

Fortunately for all of us, aside from a few colds, you've been the picture of perfect health. Just yesterday we took you to see Dr. Shearer for your 18 month check up. At this stage, I'm not sure which one of the three of us dislikes these visits worse, you or your daddy and me. Ever since your hospitalization last May, there's just something about a waiting room that sends you into orbit. And now it seems, you're no longer fond of your sweet doctor's voice, bound and determined to show off those great lungs of yours with screams and cries that I'm sure could be heard throughout the office. And as though you were auditioning for a spot in the World's Strongest Baby Competition, you gave the nurse a run for her money when it came time to administer your one shot for the month. If my heart hadn't have been breaking in a million pieces seeing you that unhappy, I might've found myself giggling uncontrollably as the nurse struggled as though she were wrestling an octopus as she tried to hold you down. You are stubborn and strong as an ox, and once your mind is set, for better or worse, it takes a lot to persuade you otherwise.

You continue to be the happy and content little girl you've always been. For the most part, your temper tantrums have subsided, though your independent streak seems to grow wider with each passing day. Often we find you just sitting in your playroom, thumbing through books, and jibber-jabbering to yourself in a language all your own.

We constantly marvel at just how much you seem to comprehend in the world around you. Dad and I find ourselves surprised day after day with the new words that seem to come out of nowhere and quickly become a part of your daily vocabulary. Your growing vocabulary has definitely made communicating with you a million times easier, though you've become quite the sponge, mimicking and spouting back everything you hear. Needless to say, we are all learning to watch what we say.

We still tune into Sesame Street daily and you can't get enough of reading book after book about your favorite furry red friend. Your obsession with Elmo has not wavered, and you remain Elmo's biggest little fan. Given your love for this adorable little guy, there will be little doubt as to the theme of your second birthday---"It's Sweet Bean's World", an Elmo themed bash!

We're not sure if Cirque du Soleil is in your future, but you are quite nimble and agile. This January we joined the Little Gym and there was little doubt after your first session that this class was made for you! With all the jumping, jiving, dancing, tumbling, and moving most kids would be tuckered out by the end of the hour, but not you, our little Energizer Bunny! You just keep going and never seem to slow down until your head hits the pillow during nap time or at night! I'm not sure how you keep up that pace, but it'd sure be nice if you shared some of your endless energy with your momma.

This past week we started your second semester of Kindermusik, a class you're loving more and more each time we go. You have grown accustomed to Mrs. G, your teacher, and just love singing and playing with all the fun instruments. It makes me so proud to watch as you learn to wait your turn and share with others. For being only 18 months old, you seem to be very considerate of those around you and still do not like to see peers in distress. Though you've learned not to cry, you show your concern with a scrunched up lip and furrowed brow.

You readily blow kisses, but I often find myself stealing real smooches from you since you're a little more stingy with those. I still love making you giggle, as it's so easy to do! You get tickled at the mere sound of certain words! Lately your newest trick is showing everyone how you can "pretend sleep." When you "pretend sleep", you lay your head down and make snoring sounds. It's a hoot and one of our favorite Gillybean tricks! You have a smile on your face most hours of the day and are such a joy to be around!

Sweet Bean, you’re growing up so fast! There is a part of me that wishes I could bottle up each new stage of your life, put it on a shelf, and savor it forever. But instead I'll watch, confidently knowing that each day as you grow and change, you're becoming more and more like the person God created you to be.

We love you bigger than the sky, wider than the ocean!
XOXO,
Momma

18 months

27 pounds 10 ounces

33 1/2 inches tall

Size 24 months and 2T

Size 4 Diaper (daytime)/ 5 Diaper (nighttime)

Size 5 (almost 6) Shoe

Vocabulary: Mom, Dad, bottle, bubble, bath, tee-tee, poop, juice, milk, car, book, Elmo (El-bow), plane, moon, kitty, pull, up, close, shoes, socks, boots, ice, "I sick!", go, sleep, night-night, Daddy, Momma, Pop, GG, pillow, taggie, baby, binky, eat, room, Ho! Ho!, cuckoo, frog, lemon, sheets, teeth, cheese, comb, dog---And I know there's more, but that's all I can think of now!

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