Thursday, January 27, 2011

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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36 comments:

Susan R said...

Oh I remember those days well. I still hate taking the kids in for shots. I almost pass out.
Lil' Bit is getting so big. Her hair is getting longer to, yea?
Now about that outfit...Can she get any more precious, I ask you? It's the perfect colors, full of pretty bows and looks a little like a golfers knickers...I LOVE it.

Joni said...

We signed Phoenix and Tyler up for gymnastics to release some of their energy and just like GG they finished each week with more energy than they started with. I certainly do wish it could be bottled and sold to people like me.

so i was thinking GG looked a little bigger than E but he wears the same size clothes as she does but surprisingly she has a large foot because my baby girl Tyler, who is 4 wears a size 6. E wears a 3. isn't that funny? Tiny feet obviously run in my family.

We don't watch a lot of TV but Elijah loves Baby First TV and is obsessed with these scary characters:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1hjuCSr3Do&feature=related

HE LOVES THEM!

Stephanie M. Page said...

Super Sweet! =)

Bethany said...

Aaahhhh!! She is turning into the cutest little lady!

Jennifer said...

What a great 18 month post!! You didn't realize that GG and Anthony are only a few months apart?? LOL! I told you...we are on the same page. Anthony does all of the sweet things that GG does. Especially pretending to sleep and snore! Doesn't it just crack you up?? I love this stage. Watching them learn and grow is truly amazing. I think GG has a boyfriend waiting for her :)

Unknown said...

At the very first picture, I knew I had to tell you how much I LOVE GG's outfit, but then I saw the ruffles on her fanny and I about DIED. Love doesn't even begin to explain it. Reading about how much fun you have with her makes me sooo excited to start a family. Also, I just want to let you know what an excellent example you set for what it means to be a great mom, and how to truly enjoy the time you have with your children. Thanks!

Jenn said...

She's so cute and once again dressed really cute!!

Kristin said...

Awww, she is so sweet. I'm not ready for the side closer to 2 yet!

Michelle said...

She is just too adorable!

highheeledlife said...

Adorable!! that 3rd last pic is heart melting!!! xo HHL

Sweet Carolina Girl said...

She is so precious! I'm happy she is doing so well! Happy 18 months!

Meant to be a mom said...

Very sweet post with adorable pictures as well.
She's growing up fast, isn't it amazing!

DIAPERS in the DESERT said...

Love the pics! She is soo CUTE!! I think this milestone post is the best I have ever read! It truly was wonderful reading it!!

Annie said...

oh my goodness, i don't think her outfit could be any cuter!! i love it!! :)
did you see mudpie is on zulily today?! only a few things but all super cute!

Mama K said...

Great post! I wish we had a place for Kindermusick and a Little Gym for us to go to! But that's a small town for ya! Love the pretend sleep...I'm sure it's adorable!

You are so right...our little one's would be great playmates!

Lindsay said...

LOOK at that sweet outfit :) Happy year and a half momma!

Liz said...

Happy 18 months! Sounds like GG has a lot of words in her vocabulary. That's great!! And I love the idea of the party - so perfect! :)

Laura@The Oily Cupboard said...

yes i found myself yelling "shut up" at the dog...which we NEVER EVER SAY IN OUR HOUSE...and guess who shouted shut up mo mo behind me? ohhh dear sweet lily!

then my mom was yelling for my dad saying "honey come here" and little lily yelled it too.

yes they are sponges huh?!

Traci said...

She is so adorable! I love her outfit. My nephew was in the hospital for 5 days last year & his Dr. visits have never been the same. So sad since he was such a good patient before that.

Mungee's Ma said...

What an adorable outfit! This is a very sweet letter. My letters to Mungee have been delayed too. In fact, I think I completely missed out on the 14, 15 and 16 month letters. It's hard to keep up with these rapidly growing and learning little ones!

Glad you're back, I was missing you!

The Regal Pup said...

Happy 18 Months GG!!! I'm with you, I wish I could bottle up each stage of their precious little lives too. Sigh.

Stephanie said...

Oh your sweetie looks like she just stepped off the pages of a cataolg! So cute:)

Jennie said...

OMG, that is the cutest birthday theme ever! I'm going to have to try not to accidentally steal it next year :) GG is cuter than ever - she is getting so grown up! Happy 18 months to your sweet girl :)

Aly @ Analyze This said...

I can't wait for GG to read these blog posts when she is older! She will appreciate it, as will you! Her day to day activities, clothing sizes, words she is saying ... all right here at her fingertips!

I just love all the photos!! She is so special and such a precious little girl! I just love her to pieces. The pictures are sooo cute!! I need to print one off and put it in my office!

Picture 3, Miss GG - You look like you are on a mission! That booty is shakin ... just like your Aunt Aly's! But you, my dear, can pull off wearing ruffles back there ... me, not so much!

I have a question though - what is her outfit called? That must be a southern thing to wear ... I've never seen them!! Love the colors of your outfit - very girly!!

Ruth said...

Her outfit is the cutest.

Candice said...

I serously cannot believe she is 18 mos. I swear you were just posting pics from her 1st birthday party. Wow! Anyway, sounds like she is doing awesome!!

nomo wino daph said...

OH MY GOSH, yes, you KNEW I'd LOVE that outfit!!!! Gosh, I need to buy stock in The Holiday b/c of YOU:)

What part did you guys go to? I am sure many have popped up since we moved away but it reminded me of Cottage Hill. LAWDY, If I had a $1 for every hr I spent there :(

I am so glad to hear all went well with the checkup, YAY GG!!

OHHHHHHHHHH the pedi's.....I must plan a trip soon b/c I had a surprise in my inbox this AM...details to follow!!! YIPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE

Kristy @Loveandblasphemy said...

It doesn't get much more adorable than that! I love how you documented the diaper sizes, shoe sizes and words. I wish I had done that!!

Karen At Home Blog said...

Happy 18 months beautiful GG!! She looks so grown up to me in this post, it's so hard to believe that she is 6 months away from being 2??? How is that possible. She is such a precious girl!!

Karen

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

She is SO precious!! I love her little outfit.:)

Angie said...

She is a doll! We love Elmo too :)

carissa said...

happy belated 18 mos to GG!!! what a sweet girl you have on your hands. she's doing so well. kindermusik sounds sooooo fun! a friend of mine was a music teacher before becoming a mom and she is starting FREE music classes for our circle of friends soon - can't wait!!! hope my kids have as much fun as your girl does with the music!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

Happy 18 months to your sweet girl!!!

Annette said...

She's so beautiful! Good for you that you took the time to make this post super special. In just a few short years, it will be such a stroll down memory lane for you. (I still steal those kisses whenever I can from Little Lewie...) Oh, to bottle up these moments forever...

Anonymous said...

aww happy 18th months!! This is such a precious post!!

Molly said...

She is SO darn cute! Love her little outfit, and the ruffles on the butt, so sweet!

Its crazy how fast time goes when you have kids isn't it? I wish I could pause them at certain ages for a while.