Olivia at 18 Months!

Olivia is 18 months today and is 31 3/4 inches tall (49th percentile) and 28.4 lbs (96th percentile). She had a pediatrician appointment this morning, but thankfully didn't have to get any shots. They did stick her toe to get a few drops of blood that they used to check her iron levels, which turned out to be normal. She's really doing great and is so rarely sick that I didn't have any questions for her doctor. Since we got Buddy, she's learned a few new words. Last month she said Mommy, Papa, Sissy and Ball very well. Now, she also can say Baby (which she said before but now it's clear), Buddy (it sounds more like "Bubby" and is SO SO cute to hear) and NO! She doesn't just say no, but NO!! each time she says it! She's very serious! She also can say strawberries clearly too. Ironically she still shakes her head "no" when she really means yes. If asked if she wants something to eat, she will shake her head "no" and then walk over to her high chair, clearly expecting food.

Since we adopted Buddy last month, Olivia has fallen in love with him! She's happy to see CK or I in the morning when we go into her room to get her, but she squeals with joy and laughs as soon as Buddy runs into her room! She also loves to chase after him and thinks it's a big game. However, she also likes to grab Buddy's skin rather then pet him, so we're working on how to be gentle with the dog.

As far as clothes, Olivia seems to have grown really quickly in the past month or so and we are slowly moving into the 24 month/2T sizes and away from the 18 month already! The 18 month tops fit her, except they are too short since she has an ample belly. She gets her ample belly from her serious appetite! She can eat as much, if not more than, Sofia! She really seems to love all foods that we've given her and doesn't seem to have favorites - it's all her favorite.

A few weeks ago she and I started going to My Gym once a week for an hour and she loves it. She spends nearly the entire hour walking up the stairs that lead to a slide and then sliding down, or walking up the slide and then sliding down....she also likes the little trampoline. By the end of the hour she's pretty tired and ready for a nap, so it works out well. She's still a good napper although she tends to have a hard time getting herself to sleep on her own. Her naps tend to be either long (2 hours or more) or less than an hour so she is fairly unpredictable although she always takes one. At night it's another story. She is basically leaping into the crib after CK gives her a bath and dresses her. Oftentimes she won't even let him read a story! She loves her books though, and will spend time either in her room "reading" or bring books into the living room to "read" by herself. She reminds me of Sofia and "reads" nearly every day.

I know I feel this way every month, but I just can't believe she's already 18 months old! She's growing up so fast and is so much fun! We couldn't love her anymore than we do!

Our sweet girl!


Yes, she loves sucking her thumb and rubbing her belly as much as Sofia loves hers


She's growing up so quickly!


And she's off....she doesn't like to pose for photos for more than a few minutes anymore.


Giving -- and getting kisses from Buddy