18 Months OLD!

My baby girl turns 18 months old today! It makes me kind of sad to think how quickly the time has gone, but I have enjoyed every precious minute watching Ashtyn grow from a tiny little infant to a very BUSY toddler! Ashtyn definitely is a very busy little girl keeping me constantly going, running from one thing to another or "talking" constantly about some new thing she has experienced. She is starting to master some words like "daw" for dog, ball (which has all sorts of meanings in her little mind like "the moon" and "pumpkins"), "pitty" for pretty, baby, "huse" for house, "tat" for thank you, and of course she has her cute little phrases like "tha so funny", "Don't" , "WOW!" and "Do it"! Everyday some new word or phrase comes out, even though Matt and I, typically, are the only ones that can translate, she is definitely getting better at talking - she still reverts to alot of pointing! She still babbles constantly and is very dramatic when she tells her stories - ALL GIRL! She loves, loves to talk on phones, real phones, cell phones, play phones - it doesn't matter they entertain her for hours. She loves to be outside and prefers it if the weather is nice. She loves to ride in her car - which Papa has to take her for ride every time we visit them. She loves to play in her play house and will just play out there for hours so contently. She is starting to color and draw, and LOVES to read books - it seems we are always reading something. Her favorites are Peek-a-Moo, which she is starting to imitate animal sounds after, Mommy Loves Me and Baby Book of Colors - she is just fascinated with colors! We furnished Ashtyn with a "play kitchen and food" so she has been playing constantly with that and imitating Mommy. She loves to help out with everything such as wiping off the table, emptying the dishwasher, washing the floor, or wiping off her face and hands after dinner - great news for me, I am sure it won't last long though! She is very motherly in spirit already, she is so gentle with her babies and always worried when someone else gets hurt or is upset. She has gotten very generous with her kisses and Matt taught her how to give these HUGE bear hugs - which just melts your heart when you get one!

Ashtyn is FINALLY drinking milk - so we are done with the formula! That was a huge step. She is getting better at eating, but still very picky as her diet is mainly pasta and fruit. She loves Cheetos and of course any type of dessert - just like her dad. She is getting much better at using spoons and forks - she now refuses to eat food with her fingers. Ashtyn has started watching TV lately, while I get ready for work, so her favorite show is "Dora the Explorer" She claps her hands to the music, sings the songs and is starting to act out movements when Dora tells her to - it is very cute to see how interactive she gets with games now. Her favorite movie right now is "Nemo" which she calls "fis" - we watch this movie alot in the truck to keep her occupied when we take long trips.

She still loves to take baths (When we tell her "bath time" she crawls up the stairs, starts to undress herself and starts throwing her toys in the tub!), and is starting to stick her face under the water - I guess I should get her back into swim lessons. Matt and I are just amazed at how well she understands things and will take directions - we think she is so smart, but I am sure that is common of all parents. Although, she is starting to throw little tantrums when she doesn't get her way - that independence is definitely starting to shine through - most of the time Ashtyn is very laid back and always smiling or laughing - alot like her dad!

We love are little girl and can't wait to see how much more she learns and grows in the next couple months. What new words will come out of that precious little month and what new object will just fascinate her? There is nothing in the world like having a child! I am so thankful to be blessed with this sweet, loving little girl! Happy 18 months Baby Girl - We love you!