20 months

Happy girl (she often walks around saying "Happy, happy, happy!)

So ticklish.

Contemplating life.

JJ makes everyone laugh.

The munchkin is as busy as ever. Most people can't believe how big she's gotten...it is pretty surprising to see her do such toddler-y things, like run, try to jump, talk constantly and assert her independence ALL THE TIME. She is a real hoot. I really like the part of the day when Parrish and I trade Sylvie stories...if he had her without me there I love for him to tell me everything they did and everything she said. As if I don't get enough of her all day, I need the play-by-play when I'm not around.

Anyway, we are finishing our year at Mother's Day Out, and praying that they will offer a summer program (come on, moms, you know you need that day off just as much as I do). I don't have a "school" calendar, I just have a calendar, and Mama needs four hours a week to do what she do. On a different note, Sylvie received her first child bite at MDO, a milestone and good teaching tool. Apparently the cutest little girl you've ever seen stole Sylvie's snack and as she was trying to retrieve it, the thief took the chance to nip Sylvie's finger. I made sure Sylvie didn't deserve it before I reacted, but you don't take food from a King, so go for it, sister, and get back what's yours.

Sylvie has learned the word "mine" among many others, so we're taking every opportunity to make sure she knows that not everything in the world is hers and we're not here for her entertainment only. Such as, that's mommy's underwear, daddy's computer charger, mommy's earring still in her ear, etc. Such a joy to have an almost two year old.

One of my favorite new tricks is her desire to put lotion on my legs and back. Word to the wise, train your kiddos to do these things and you can have spa day whenever you want it. She brushes my hair, scratches my back and puts lotion on...in return she gets all of her needs met. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

We are currently working on colors and numbers. She knows blue and purple, although really everything is blue at this point. She also knows "one," "two," as in the bunny has two ears. So funny. She also sings the abc's, always remembering "q" at some point. Have you ever heard a toddler say "q?" It is very funny, trust me. She also said magazine the other day which freaked me out, and she thinks turtles growl and are ferocious (case in point when I picked up a box turtle on our daily walk and you'd have thought I presented her with a viper. I have no idea where she got that idea).

The other day she came home from Papa's house with quite a story to tell. It went something like this: babble, babble, babble, POOL, babble, babble, babble, PORTER, babble, babble, babble, PAPA!!! (translation: Porter fell in the pool and Papa saved him). Very exciting.

We've also decided to let Pete, our Easter bunny, go live at the farm (a real farm, not as in he bought the farm). He just doesn't seem very happy with us, as indicated by his left ear hanging limply off his head. I think he needs to burrow and sow his wild bunny oats. Bless his heart. I do think this is the shortest I've ever owned a pet, save my goldfish, Britney & Justin, that I purchased after my mom suggested that the reason Harry was so ornery was because he was bored. They lasted approximately 36 seconds until Harry (remember ornery?) decided he was in the mood for fresh seafood. My mom got the task of relocating the pair, since she was the one doling out cat owner advice. Anyway, wish us luck with trying to explain where Pete went when she asks for him each morning. Luckily her attention span is about the length of a rabbit pellet, so I don't think it will be a big deal. This does now leave us open to a new kitten the neighbors are offering...a Cody look-alike. Hard to resist a 6-week-old mew. Pray for me. Bye-bye, bunny.

Up next, swimming lessons and lots of summer travel.

God Bless!
Katie

PS...I finally made a perfect poundcake. This feat has eluded me for several years. Turns out it pays to pay top dollar for a good pan instead of a Wal-Mart special. Thanks, honey.