18 Months, Belated =)

How did we get to this point where I can say you are 1 and 1/2 years old?  While I wouldn't take back a single memory of these past 18 months, I do have to say it is all going by too fast!

Dear, sweet Bella, you are a doll and we love you so much!  And we are so proud of all the things you are doing these days…

Talking, talking, and talking.

Goodness, you sure love to talk.  You are babbling up a storm and I have discovered that probably 80% of the time, it has a purpose.  You just talk soooo fast, it is hard for us to always understand you clearly.  You are really repeating nearly everything we say, and are really good at labeling things too.  Your even managing some 3+ word phrases!  Your current favorites are, "What's that?" "I see it!" "I/me wanna _____," "We go see it?" "There they are!"  And finally, you are responding with a "Yes, or Yeah" to questions when we ask you.   

Learning.

You are learning more and more by the minute.  And the teacher within this mommy couldn't be any prouder!  You are currently working on learning your shapes, and your favorite one to say, and the one you always get right when identifying, is the STAR.  How appropriate that our little star prefers that very same shape?!  I am constantly amazed by your level of understanding, and how well you follow one and two step directions.  You have even learned how to put your shoes on, and can put them on the right feet when mommy ask you to "fix it." What a big girl you are becoming!

Disney.

You are a bit of a Disney nut, but I suppose that is for the best considering we are going to Disney in just a few short months.  Mickey is a BIG favorite for you, and Ariel or "O-we-ul" appears to be your favorite princess.  Which is a good thing, because that's mommy's too!  Toy Story also remains to be your favorite, with "Woo-ey, B (for Buzz) and Essie (for Jessie)."  Mommy even has to fly you to bed every night, ending with an "I LOVE YOU," and "To Infinity and Beyond!"  which you usually reply with "I fie high?" and "Infiny and Ond."

Play.

You continue to LOVE to be outside and ask to "go on a wall(walk)" or "go ou-side" daily.  You remain to be one of the most active, busy kids I know, but that is one thing we love about you.  You really have grown to love your dollies too, and have become quite the little mommy cooking food for them, feeding them, and taking care of them.  You have even begun to make your babies "cry" and call "mom" then you will run to them and comfort them! This is so sweet to watch.

Stickers.

This has been the best distraction tactic yet for you, because you cannot get enough stickers.  You know the special spot where mommy keeps them in the house, and are sure to ask for them atlas a few times each day.  And so far they haven't been an issue when it comes to sticking on furniture, clothes or other things.  It appears you prefer to just put them on you.  Well, and maybe Caddy every so often.

Singing.
Music is a joy to you, and you just LOVE to sing.  This video really says it best, and has mommy considering music classes as our next venture.

You remain to be a little girl who knows what she wants, and while you still like to make sure we know what that is, you are getting better at being patient and listening to mommy and daddy, especially when we give you choices, making life a little easier for everyone.

Every minute we are reminded of the blessing God gave us when you were born, and how thankful we are too have you in our lives.  I know I say it every time, but I love you baby!