Hello! Caroline…18 Months Old

You probably think all I do is sit around and document all the girls happenings, huh?? WRONG! Honestly, I keep a note in my iPhone for each babe and write things down as they happen so that I don’t get to these updates and find I have nothing to report…Mommy for the win! Here is what is going on in Miss Caroline’s world (because let’s face it, it’s her universe, and I’m just living in it–haha).

Growing Too Fast Too Soon. These past few months we have seen a number of changes in you my little one…you started going to MDO two days a week and we have FINALLY gotten to the point where you are excited to go to “school”. Those first few weeks were a doozy because you cried every single time I left you…BROKE my heart into pieces. It’s amazing to see you thrive and you are soaking EVERYTHING up these days–words, actions, people, and the world around you. We went to the doctor for your checkup last week, and you are right at 25 pounds and 31.5 inches tall (55% in both). You are still wearing size 4 diapers as well as 12-18 month clothes and size 4-5 shoes. With fall approaching, we have been stocking up on all sorts of cold weather essentials and it’s funny because you really enjoy shopping adventures. I think we have a budding fashionista on our hands…you love sporting sunglasses, bows in your hair, and the must have accessory these days is Lambie–we dare not go anywhere without that stinky little animal ;).

Eating and Drinking Habits. I think you must have had a few growth spurts as of late seeing as you’re like a garbage disposal when you are at home… you eat pretty much ALL the time Miss Piggy! You love to push out your belly (especially after you come home from Gran and Papa’s house). Your favorites include:
Fruit: peaches, plums, bananas, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries
Veggies: cucumbers, corn, and the squeezable pouches (seems that is the only way I can get you to eat vegetables right now)
Meats: chicken and rice, pot roast, BBQ pork, taco meat
Others: pasta with red sauce, white rice, cereal, fruit snacks, yogurt, smoothies, PB&J, grilled cheese, popsicles/ice cream, and any kind of bread
Liquids: whole milk, water, and juice

The Big Details and Bits of Fun. You LOVE to read books my darling…especially in your room before nap time and bed time. We read about 5 at a time and you love to help turn the pages. Recent favs that never leave the lineup include Where is Baby’s Belly Button and Honey Bunny. Other favorites are The Tickle Monster, all the Sandra Boynton books, and Pouch.
Throughout the day, you enjoy watching a few episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Olivia the Pig on your iPad…it keeps you happy and content when I am trying to do things with your sister and when I am trying to get you to eat so I’ll take that as a success (judge all you want, but this makes life easier).
Everyone told me this is the age where you would start talking all the time and you haven’t let me down…just last week, we were going through all the words you either know/say/recognize and the list was well over 40 words. You always tell everyone “bye bye” when you leave a room and seem to be trying to put words together as of late. We joke that you speak Mandarin because it sounds so funny…but on the other hand, you get SO mad when someone doesn’t understand what you want.
Other favorite daily activities include checking the mail, going on a stroller ride to the swings/slide/park, watering the plants, doing anything outside, and bath time. If we are in a hurry, you’ll jump in the shower with me, which is really helpful on Sunday mornings when we are getting ready for church.
You are quite the little helper when it comes to caring for your sister… you help throw away diapers, will get her paci when she cries, cover her with blankets, and are constantly walking around saying “shhh!” when you think she is sleeping. You always mimic me and care for Lambie like he is your baby-there is nothing sweeter and nothing gives me greater joy than to see what a sweet heart you have Caroline.
The other big piece of news we have to report is that we have started diving into the world of potty training. We bought you a seat of your very own and you have taken to it very easily. We aren’t pushing you, but ask if you want to use the potty and we have had some great success…both #1 and #2 and yes, we bribe with Skittles in our house.