Dog Days of Summer

As we approach Labor Day Weekend, the summer comes to a close.  Evie's birthday marks the beginning of summer, so it seems fitting to give a report on where she stands 3 months later. 

Evie is around 19 lbs, 3 oz at 15 months.  Our pediatrician doesn't see Evie until 18 months, but since we were in for HFMD, we got an idea of her weight. 

Evie mastered walking very quickly and has now added running to her repertoire.  She makes this adorable gurgling sound when she runs.  When Daddy isn't home to chase her around the house, Parker is her #2 man.  She runs with his ball while Parker tries to get it from her.  He is very gentle with her.  In fact, Evie is the #1 ball snatcher from Parker.  He gives up his ball (or other toys) much easier to her than us.  Stomping her feet is a dance move as well as an excited gesture.  She participates in all 3 verses of "If you're happy and you know it" now.

Evie continues to drink from straw and sippy cups.  She gladly drinks milk.  We recently cut all milk before bed.  She is a decent eater, still 3 meals with 2 snacks (right on track with her preggo mother).  She can stab and pick up some foods with a fork.  She gets a huge smile on her face when she does and gives us a head nod like "yeah, I'm good".  She uses a spoon to mix her food, but doesn't know how to use it yet to feed herself. 

Although she was slow to begin, she has 10 teeth.  4 on top, 4 on bottom, and 2 bottom molars.  Our pediatrician wants us to take her to the dentist before her 18 month appointment.  I see this adventure as pointless.  When I saw the dentist this week, the hygienist said she can come with me next summer and that should be good enough.  Feedback from parents?? 

In and out is a common theme in her play.  She takes toys in and out of boxes, goes on and off chairs, delicately places the straps of her highchair back on the sides then together like she's buckling in, toys are STILL going in and out of her mouth (does this ever end??), fills and dumps containers of water in her pool and bath, and puts food in and out of bowls. 

The new question from everyone is "is she talking?"  I'm not sure what "talking" is at this age.  She babbles a lot.  She can tell us what a cow, dog, sheep, and monkey say.  She has a name for dogs.   Her main way of communicating with us is pointing and squealing.  I'm pretty good at figuring it out. 

We had a fun summer filled with trips to Ocean City, NJ, Boston, grandparents' houses, college friends' houses as well as toddler friendly activities such as the library's 30 minute play partners program, Storyville, Gymboree, parks, pools, and countless rides in the shopping cart.  As you look through some pictures from the last 3 months, can you find 2 common themes? 

13-15 Months

I'm ready for cooler nights and the beautiful transition to Fall. I have always loved Fall. However, it meant the return to school/work. I'm looking forward to spending my favorite season with my little girl as our last hoorah together before both of our worlds get rocked in December.