Hoffe Family Fun: 18 Months

Brooklyn is 18 months (actually almost 19 months) and her personality is coming out more and more. She is so funny (and likes to laugh at herself), very strong willed and determined, very busy and always on the go, and continues to be a very happy girl (most times). She is talking so much more and repeating everything. She is starting to throw tantrums more and more which are not fun, but they are kinda funny to watch. Ryan and I have a hard time not laughing. Sometimes we have no idea why she is throwing tantrums. Sometimes we think she doesn't even know why she is fussing. She continues to love her baby dolls, is really into building things, loves coloring, reading, and is really into the "potty". She loves to watch us go potty, she LOVES to read the potty book she has, she loves to try to go potty on the little potty chair and the real toilet. We are no where near potty training her, but we aren't about to stop the curiosity. We were planning to work on it after baby #2 is born.

This month (August) I have to be honest was not my favorite month as a mommy. After her 18th month well check appointment Dr. Franck recommended we take away the nuk as soon as we could (preferably before baby #2 arrives). So, we went cold turkey that night. Not fun! After a week of crying/screaming at nap time and before bed (something she never did before) and calling for mama we kept thinking, "it has to get better". We gave it two and a half more weeks. After many days without a nap (see what I mean about being strong willed) and many days of me being crabby because she was crabby (due to no nap), I couldn't take it anymore. Ryan and I decided to reintroduce the nuk (even though I felt like I failed as a mommy). That was the BEST decision ever. She has been a WONDERFUL sleeper the last week - Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!! After talking to many moms, we feel much better about "giving in" and feel that it maybe wasn't her time. She only has the nuk at nap and bed time, but it is almost like she needs it to soothe her and help calm herself down. We will eventually give it up, but now most likely it will be after baby arrives and when she understand a little more.

Other than that it has been a fun summer. I am sad that it is coming to an end, however, oddly enough, I am excited to go back to school. I love the stress and organization of starting up a new year. I will be teaching the first quarter, taking off the second and third quarter for maternity leave, and then returning the fourth quarter. I am excited about the short year, but know it is going to be very busy! I am quite anxious about having a sub for the two most important quarters of first grade, but am going into the year knowing that I won't be in full control and that will have to be ok. It is what it is!!!!!

Here are some pictures from the past month...

mmmm...cream cheese and pita chips

Brooklyn loves to feel different things in her hands and rub them all around.