18th Month Annibirthery

Today is 18 months. 1 1/2 years. 18 months still sounds like Etta is a baby. 1 1/2 makes her sound more like a toddler. It is a fine line. Some days she is ALL toddler. Running around, deciding what to wear, eat, say...But sometimes she is still a baby. The best times actually. First thing in the morning, just before bed, when she needs comfort.

(And my personal favorite to date: At the high school band concert last night. They were premiering their new marching band uniforms. Etta was AFRAID of them. No kidding. Don't know if it was the big plume on top or what. But she was whimpering and shaking and sucked to me. At the beginning of the concert were two different choirs. She sat with Bob in rapt attention soaking it all in. Then the jazz band played. Either she wasn't impressed or was getting bored but she did NOT want to sit and listen. Then we made it through one more choir. Select girls choir. Very melodic and soothing. Does she choose to fall asleep on my shoulder then? Nope. She wanted to wait for the marching band and drumline. Then it was nighty night on mommy's shoulder. Bob swears that it was all the noise from when she was in utero.) Back to 18 months...

Over the course of the last two weeks her language has exploded. She will echo almost any word that you ask, or at least attempt to, and is starting to put words to objects herself. It is really fun.

She loves to play outside in the leaves and cocks an ear, with hand cupped for emphasis, any time she hears something that is not visible. Adorable.

I haven't taken a picture with the penguin yet today - I think that Bob was right and that wasn't the best idea - oh well...But here are some fun fall pics from the last couple of days.

What are these things?



This is great!



Cheese! (If you can't see the silly grin, please click for enlargement.)



Ridin' with the pumpkins. (I was trying to get her to stand by the pumpkins but this was the only way it was going to happen...to start with at least.)



Attempting to pull the wagon load.



They are super heavy. Can you help me mom? (Another close up may be needed...)



Then we moved to the backyard. Sitting in the chair. One of her favorite things.



And one from last year. She just got to sit in the Bumbo. Not nearly as much fun as running and kicking the leaves.