Month Thirteen

Skylie,
Life with you has never been quite so busy and tiring. But you've also never been quite as much fun as you are now. You're into everything these days, and I can't always keep up!

Yesterday at church after trying--usually unsuccessfully--to keep you happy, take care of a Primary class, and tend to other responsibilities, I was beginning to feel as though the three hours at church with a restless and tired toddler was simply not worth it. (Someday when you have children and are spending all your time in the halls, you might feel the same way at times.) About that time, you pointed to a picture of Christ and squealed, "Jesus!". I suppose the hours of craziness are worth it after all. Won't you and I both be so happy once Daddy comes back!?

Your new obsession is carrying around sticks. This one's larger than most.
You love playgrounds and no longer eat everything off the ground. Hurray!
You protest to getting your bike helmet on with dramatic wails and cries, but once we're biking you're in heaven. I look back from time to time, and you're grinning, ear to ear. You love the wind in your face and checking out all the sites. I love riding to Gray's Lake and letting you play at the playground. The regular compliments about how cute you are is a definite perk, as well.At the park, again...
Playing chase, one of your favorite games, at Greenwood Pond
You love exploring the great outdoors...
And the roses behind the Art Center.
I get compliments at least once a day about how pretty your eyes are.
You visited an apple orchard for the first time and couldn't get enough of the animals.
Looking at books is still your favorite pastime, for sure. Frequently you'll bring a book over to me and grunt and motion until I read with you. You climb up on my lap and act so content flipping through pages and looking at pictures. Playing with babies, carrying around puzzle pieces, and stacking blocks is also high on your "to do" list. Often I'll find you playing in your corner of books and toys, chattering away. Saying what? I don't know, but it sure is cute.
You love your daddy. Sometimes I let you watch your dad and mine's wedding video. You squeal with delight and say, "Daddy!" over and over. Even when the T.V. is off, you'll often stand by it and ask, "Daddy? Daddy?"

• You say, "moo", "woof", "oink", "baaa", "naaaa", "banana" (nana), "bubble", "daddy", and "baby".
• You can sometimes point to your baby's mouth, nose, and eyes, when asked.
• You don't cry every time I leave you with the babysitter anymore.
• You love being around other babies but don't always play with them.
• You still take two naps, but I'm guessing you'll go to one sometime soon.
• You love dogs and chase after them any time you see one.
• You are one independent little lady and want to walk, eat, climb, and do everything else all by yourself.
• You are growing and changing so much, and I love it!

Love,
Mom