16 months

Brooklyn is 16 months and a little charmer. She is a very happy, active girl who loves to explore and be independent.

Here are a few new things:

• She started showing more interest in her books again. She loves to point to pictures and try to say the words.
• She is able to point to words/items that we say (fish, ball, dog, cat, leaf, doll, boat, car, bus, train, etc...)
• She LOVES puppies. NO! We are not getting our own puppy. Ryan and I are not pet lovers. We like other people's pets, but do NOT want one of our own.
• Kisses, kisses, and more kisses. She will give kisses when asked, but she also gives kisses without being asked. She now makes the smack sound of a kiss, which is so funny.
• She is trying to say more and more words. She repeats words we say, even though they don't always sound like the word.
• Her new words are "okay, milk, more, thank you, please, baby, nana, papa, ni-ni (ni-night), wa-wa (wash), war (water)" just to name a few.
• She is very friendly and says hi and bye to everyone we see in the stores. It is so funny.
• She does really well at following directions "Lets go up stairs and take a bath", " Go pick out a book." "Lets go wash your hands (she goes to the sink)"
• She knows where her hair, eyes, ears, nose, teeth, mouth, tongue, feet, toes, hands, fingers, knees, belly, belly button, and arms are.
• Although she is very happy most days, she does throw fits. Sometimes they are so funny and for no reason. We are ignoring them right now (as long as she is in a safe spot). They usually don't last long. We also try to change the subject or scenery.
• When we say "stop" or "no" she does it more and more (the little stinker). I guess that is the process of learning and becoming independent.
• She shakes her head no and nods yes. She says yes, but doesn't say no yet (which we are A-OKAY with).

We LOVE summer!

Showing her artistic side

One hot day last week we check out the local splash pad at our neighborhood park. She was hesitant at first, but then loved it. Too bad the big kids always got in the way.

washing the car

I am thoroughly enjoying summer. It is going by so fast! I love spending time with Brooklyn. Next summer will be a little busier, so I am trying to get as much quality time with Brooklyn as I can. I love her so much and she always seems to amaze me more and more every day. Ryan and I always giggle (with joy) and still find it hard to believe that she is our daughter!