17 Months Old

Today our little Maddy is 17 months old!!! Wow, time sure is flying by.

This month has been quite busy. We celebrated Uncle Kevin's birthday, my (Daddy) birthday and Grandma Judy's birthday as well as Auntie Laurel's.

Maddy went back to Underwood Farms just in time for pumpkin season. Grandma Judy came with us and we met Uncle Josh, Auntie Laurel and Cousin Bella there. Maddy had a wonderful time looking at all the varieties of pumpkins, riding on the "grain train", on back of a wagon and seeing all of the animals.

Maddy has also started Wet Tots, a parent and me swim class at the Culver YMCA. The first couple times she wasn't too thrilled about it; screaming at the top of her little lungs while trying to figure a way out of the pool. Last Saturday was much better. She now enjoys sitting on the edge of the pool and slowly falling into Amanda's arms. Not as much screaming so I think we're getting better with the comfort of the pool. We used to take Maddy to Uncle Kevin's kiddie pool which she loved, maybe the Y pool is too cold for now.

We also went to see one of Amanda's friend's brother's art show in Beverly Hills. They had all kinds of art and we bought a few things from the Children's Hospital booth. The kids at the hospital have "art time" and the proceeds of their drawings and paintings go back to the hospital. We bought a fish for Maddy's bathroom and one tear-art that looks like Amanda and one that looks like me. We also bought a painting from the "pop art" section; the alphabet using the letters of different brand labels.

Because October is the month of pumpkins, Maddy went to a few pumpkin patches. One was in Culver City. Maddy rode on a pony and a on a train. Amanda and I were looking for pumpkins good enough for carving but Maddy could care less. She was more interested in the hay. Maddy's play group also met at the pumpkin patch as well as her baby class. We got a few good pictures but it's kind of difficult trying to get her to sit, smile and say "cheese" when she wants to run around, exploring all there is to explore.

Amanda made a cupcake costume for Maddy. We took her the YMCA for a Halloween Carnival which Maddy won 1st place in the "most original" category. Maddy's 1st award!!! Both of us were very proud. Every morning after Maddy awakens, she puts the medal on and walks around the house with a "prouder than proud" strut.

Maddy at 17 months old:

• Wears 18-24 month clohtes
• Size 6 shoe
• Has all four molars and that 4th front bottom tooth finally came through, we now have a symmetrical smile
• New words include: sock, ugg, tights, teeth, nana (banana), arm, cheese, bubbles, head, pee, poop
• Can say and point correctly to her eyes, nose, mouth, arm, feet
• She taps on her diaper to let us know she has pooped and needs to be changed
• Tries to dress herself
• Feeds herself
• Is becoming a much better sleeper and napper (thank goodness!)

Each and every day our little girl is growing up. We love you very much so!

Love,

Momma and Dada