Georgia: 18 months

I still very much think of Georgia as a baby, even though she really isn't. She is the baby of our family, but so NOT a baby anymore. I think there is honestly a trick the brain plays on mothers (I heard it on NPR, must be true) where they physically see their youngest child as younger than they really are. I think it's Darwinian. A protective mechanism; a way of ensuring they are cared for and given the best chance. Also, prevents you from wanting another baby. :)

She had a good check-up, no concerns. Still about 2 pounds less than Ellen at the same age, so she is just starting to fit in the clothes that Ellen had already outgrown at this age.

Her speech has really expanded in the last few weeks, and now includes "wa wa" (water), "ow" (when she hits you, herself, or something else), "at" for hat, "appa" for apple, "baa" for ball, "ack ack" (quack), "ooof" (woof/dog), "ow" (cow), "ay" for tray, "baby" (says it with this deep voice growl), "muh" (milk), "ouh" (outside), "uh" (up), "duh" (down), "oom" (vroom / car).

She watched a bit of Sesame Street the other day - the first time she has ever shown the slightest interest in TV - and say Elmo. Ellen told her his name, she repeated it, and she has been a fan ever since! Ellen dug out her little Elmo doll and Georgia loves to carry it around. Also, I've realized that Georgia calls Ellen "Duh Duh". I have no idea why. And, she says "Elmo" clear as day, but can't say "Ellen" which is so similar?!?

First meal outside!

First HyVee horse ride!

Georgia continues to be busy and a climber. She is daring and mischievous. She darts for the street when she can, yelling "no no no no!" the whole way.

One bouncy ball in each hand, as often as possible

Her favorite toys are things I would classify as choking hazards. She loves to dig through all the tiny things that Ellen has collected over the years and, well, I mostly let her. She loves to wear jewelry around the house and can play with the necklaces endlessly.

She loved these little Easter nesting dolls, until she got one of the smaller pieces stuck between her front teeth with her jaw hinged open. (not)fun times.

This is her testing me: look at me! I could jump right over this couch!

She really likes being outside and, if the weather would just stick to "spring-like", I think we would all enjoy it more. I realized this week that she is terrified of the baby swing, but loves the big girl swing. She loves sliding all by herself!

Bouncy Ball.