Ash - 16 mos - AKA better late than never

Mommy got smart and put me in the chair so I'd sit still w/Superbear

Size: I am wearing 12 mo pants, 12 & 18 mo shirts, and 18 mo pj's (to accommodate my GIANT nighttime diaper).  Mom hasn't measured me this month b/c we've had a busy week, but I'm definitely growing.

My first trip to the park as a toddler

Physical development:  I AM WALKING!  Not just walking, refusing help when it's offered.  Independence suits me. :)  I'm already getting pretty good at it, and mommy even lets me walk in the store sometimes if we're not in a hurry.  And I've been practicing my balance on the mulch at the playground too. 

Oh my goodness, I LOVED watching those mowers go!

Verbal development:  I am still talking up a storm.  I'm getting better and better at stringing words together and talk from the moment I awake till I'm asleep again.  I'm pretty good at following instructions, though sometimes I'd just rather do my own thing than pay attention.  

Mommy let me try pickles for the first time : kosher dills, bread & butter, and (my favorite) sweet gherkins

Other developments: I've got the outer ridge of my two top molars, and you can feel my bottom molars pushing.  I've had all the icky symptoms of teething in the past few weeks at different times.  I've had pain, fussiness, fever, diarrhea, etc... but those bottom ones still won't pop out!  Unfortunately b/c of the diarrhea, mom cut out all the dairy in my diet (as well as anything acidic for a while!), so I'm just starting back on yogurt again.  I also finished nursing this month.  May 9th was the last time I asked to nurse, and I haven't looked back.

Running a high teething fever (holding my burp cloth and my monster truck for comfort)

Routines: School ended this week, so mommy doesn't have to take the boys to school anymore, which means our last few days have been lax and we've got more time for fun and sleeping in.  Also, mommy & daddy have started going jogging after work some days; this means I get a stroller ride, which I LOVE!  I've also gotten to move up to the walkers room at church and love the toys in there!

At the park with my cousins; I don't know why Chellie won't smile for the camera

Special events: My Lola had to cancel her trip to visit, but instead my Aunt Christen & Uncle Jonathan and three cousins came to visit.  It was crazy and loud and fun.  Also my new cousin, baby Isaiah was born, and Nanoo flew out for a surprise visit so I got to see her unexpectedly.  And my visit with Jennifer & Morgan was awesome, and I'm still talking about how Morgan is a coffee addict.

Photo op with Nanoo before she left to fly back to FL

My favorites:  I love stroller rides, library story time, and small group where I get to see all my friends.  I'm still crazy about anything with wheels and love my Otis books as well as a new one we found at the library - Pete & Pillar.  I ask to read them almost every day.  I also enjoy the slides at the playground, especially the ones that are small enough not to feel scary.

Daddy's favorites: Daddy loves putting me to bed at night.  He sings me Jim Croce songs by request - Blues, Jim, and Brown - and it's a fun and special time for the two of us to bond.

Hugs for Scout

Mommy's favorites: Mommy is so excited that I'm finally over my "Lollipop" phase and is happy to sing me whatever song I'm into that day or minute.  I've also been enjoying the audiobook she's listening to in the van and will request it over music.

Playing with pots and pans while Mommy cooks

Upcoming: Nanoo and Pop-Pop are coming to visit sometime around the middle of June.  Of course I'll have to share them with Elijah & Isaiah, but they're here for three weeks, so I'll still get to see them lots. 

My shirt says "Major Cutie", and I know it!