Has it really been 3 months?

It took me about 3 months to plan and prep for it.  It came and went.  It's been 3 months since my baby turned 1.  15 months.  I know I say it every month. but every month I write these posts in disbelief that another has flown by even faster than the last.  15 months deserves a special post on its own.  15 months is the bench mark where now I KNOW I have a toddler. I feel like SO much is happening, it's hard for me to keep up, but I am going to try! We've been seeing her change rapidly but now it's official:  independent, responsible, outgoing, talkative (even though we cannot always understand it), bright...all of these things she is and to watch her daily, constantly being surprised at the things she does, says, understands, is one of the best things about being a parent.  Lilly amazes me and I know every parent thinks their kids the greatest so I won't go on and gush about how my kids the best and brightest but she IS pretty darn awesome.

I am going to start with the stats-Lilly had her 15 month check up and weighed in at 23lbs 3 ounces and was 31 3/4 inches tall.  She is in the 75th percentile in both weight and height.  She's been in the 75th percentile pretty much since birth!  She showed off some tricks to Dr. Minton and the only bad part was that she got 2 shots but soon after she was smiling and waving bye to all of the staff and people in the waiting room.

I would list some of Lilly's favorite foods but the post would be too long!  Lilly likes to eat as you can see by her chunky monkey pic above.  The short list of her favorite foods right now are: ANY fruit-this girl practically swallows strawberries (cut up) whole, Rice Krispies (I add just enough milk to make them soggy and she eats them up, baked beans (who is this kid), and organic Dino nuggets dipped in honey mustard.  She's getting better with using utensils but for the most part she still shovels it in with her hands.  I am amazed at how much and what she eats!  She was asking for a nectarine the other day and I handed it to her whole thinking she would just hand it back to me to cut it up or toss it back at me like a ball and to my amazement she bit right in and DEVOURED it!!

Lilly is growing up right before our eyes.  She says lots of words-mainly repeating us-and she even speaks her own language!  Some new words she's saying:  night-night, baby, Elmo, cookie, dog, down, more, please, and all of the others I've mentioned in prior posts.  She's saying about 20ish or so words-some she says only when asked but I count those too!  She does a great job with recognizing people and pointing to people when we ask her who is who.  Her new trick is when we ask her what's in her diaper-she will say poop-gross- but still cute!  She even said Abby Cadabby when we were at Sesame Place-it sounded like Abby Abbaby-too cute! 

Lilly is still going to daycare 3 days a week and now that we are in a routine she is much more comfortable.  There are still days I think she is sad to leave mommy or daddy but she's adjusting beautifully and we got great feedback about our little bugger at our parent teacher conference this month.  The other two days she spends with her Mimi and I know she loves that-Mimi certainly knows how to spoil her!

Some firsts for this month:

First pedicure!

First time at the zoo with mom and dad!

First time at Waffle House!

First trip to Sesame Place-it certainly won't be the last!  

I love that Lilly is an adventurer.  She LOVED the rides at SP and she's always exploring and trying new things and she is definitely my little Miss. Independent!  I hope she stays this way-how fun!

Other fun things we did this month:

We went to the beach for the day with Grammy and Gramps-post with more pictures to come!

 Celebrated Father's Day

Made new friends

Had lots of family time

Hung out with the BIG KIDS

Played outside a lot on beautiful days

Played inside when it wasn't (ok it may look nice outside but it was so HOT we stayed inside!)

Welcomed a new baby cousin-Allie Beth

Lilly is cutting TEETH!  Some days/nights are good-others not so good.  I feel like all of her teeth are coming in at once.  Not sure if this is related but the temper tantrums have been coming in full force as well.  The toss her head back and scream kind.  The kind that you aren't quite sure how to handle.  I am trying REAL hard not to give in to what she wants but sometimes it's so peaceful when she has her Papi (what she calls her paci) and blanket and Mickey Mouse club house at 11am! (Disclaimer: Lilly normally doesn't really watch shows-mainly she just likes the music-we try to limit tv on the weekends to relaxing times like before or after a nap-but sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures)  I am trying hard to stop the tantrums with distractions as the Dr. prescribed.  I hope this is just an "I'm asserting my independence and frustrated and am trying to communicate" phase.   .  

Hopefully this too shall pass. 



On a good note Lilly IS responding and communicating even more with us including using some of her new words but also by showing responsibility.  She throws things in the trash and recycling when asked and even tosses her dirty laundry in her hamper.  She will even help clean up her books which are usually spread out all over the floor-girlfriend still LOVES to read.  Her new favorite is Goodnight Moon and is actually one of the books she will sit and listen to without trying to turn the page quickly and has even prompted me to read again.  I try to read it to her now before bed.    

My sweet Lillian Grace.  You are a wonderful handful and I am so proud of you!  You are one special kiddo and every day I thank my lucky stars you are in our lives.  I cannot imagine it any other way.  Your smile and laughter and yes even your tantrums are all part of this wonderful journey you are taking us on.  I cannot believe you are this little person with a BIG personality.  I am so looking forward to many more adventures we are going to have over the summer.