The Sweetest Eighteen Months

And eighteen months look so beautiful on you, my daughter.

At eighteen months old, you like to ride on Daddy's shoulders, help Mommy push the shopping cart, and feed yourself with your toddler fork and spoon.

Everyday when you wake up, you inform me that Daddy is at "Burk!" (work). You love to rock and sing "Baby Mine" and "Jesus Loves Me."

Some call you a mommy in training.

Sometimes you say "Hi, Mommy! Hi, Daddy!" repeatedly to make sure we see what you're doing...good or not so good. ;-)





You like kitties and flowers. And hugs and kisses.

You are very careful in everything you do -- you don't like to get hurt.





When you want to be held, you say "See me, Mommy!?" or "See me, Daddy!?" in the sweetest little girl voice you can muster.

"Meenee" is what you call your favorite blanket. As soon as you touch it, your thumb goes into your mouth.








You still try to hold in your giggles, practically choking on them as they try to escape. More and more often you lose that battle, sweet baby.










You are busy, but some of your favorite activities involve deep concentration. You like to color, put buckles together, and take your shoes off over and over again.





Flies make you run away screaming. You call them bees.

You weigh a petite 22 pounds.

Naps are still a favorite. In fact, sometimes you request one.






Every night we read together and you make us laugh with your storytelling abilities.

You're not often quick to warm up to new people in new places, but you never fail to enthusiastically bid them a loud "BYE!"





You finally drink milk from a cup instead of from mommy. But that doesn't mean you have stopped asking for mommy milk.

You talk and talk and talk. All. Day. Long. And we love every moment.




Keep growing and learning and changing, but know that we don't mind if you're in no rush. We love you sweetheart!

(Photos by Debbie Kilduff)