Sweet little Hannah turned 18 months yesterday, so it's probably time for an update, and pictures! (this is long and mostly full of the little things I want to remember...skip it if it's not your cup o' tea)
Hannah started Nursery two Sundays ago. Her first time I had Daniel go and drop her off, it went well, and when we went to pick her up, they said she was perfect. She shared, colored, didn't cry, and seemed to have a good time. This last Sunday, I was holding her hand walking towards the nursery room. Once she realized where we were going, her feet just stopped. She wouldn't take one more step. I carried her in, and Daniel stayed with her for a while, because there were a whole lot of tears when he tried to leave. She did stay by herself for third hour without crying. I'm sure she'll get the hang of it soon, but even with only two weeks under our belts, I have to say I love nursery.
Hannah continues to be a picky eater. She loves yogurt and string cheese, crackers of all kinds, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, muffins, and almost all fruits, macaroni and cheese, and most other noodles. I have to sneak her vegetables either in a smoothie, or those super expensive organic baby food pouches. It seems silly to buy baby food for an 18 month old, but she's got to eat them somehow, right? I'm pleased though, because she ate chicken nuggets for the first time today, I don't even remember the last time she ate meat. Daniel pointed out that while they are called chicken nuggets, there probably isn't actually that much meat in them...maybe it's progress? I've got The Baby Food Bible checked out from the library right now, I'm hoping for some good toddler food ideas. If any of you have any, please share!
Hannah has been learning a lot of words, as well as how to use them. This week, she has been really into turning things on. If she sees a light switch, she wants to turn it on. She'll say 'on' and point up at it until she is acknowledged. She also can repeat a lot of the simple words we say. They aren't super clear, but you can tell she is working on it. Her favorite words these days are all 'B' words: baby, bubbles, bear, ball, book... Hannah has also been such a Daddy's girl lately. All day long she asks for Daddy, only for me to tell her that he's at work. When he's home, she loves spending time with him. We have had amazing weather the last few weekends, and with a curious, active toddler, we've made a conscious effort to get out and do something each Saturday. Hannah loves spending this time with her daddy, and I love the freedom it's giving me!
Hannah is on a pretty good schedule these days, waking up around 7 most mornings, and taking a two hour nap after lunch, with bedtime around 7:30. Each weekday morning we have an activity, and I think she likes getting out and doing things, but it's mostly for my sanity. I can't stay in all day. On Monday we do our grocery shopping, Tuesday we have playgroup (which I started in our ward when I found out they didn't have one...I think this backfired though, because shortly after I started the playgroup, I was called to be the Relief Society Activities coordinator...they must think I like planning social things?) on Wednesdays we go to story time at the library. Thursday we go to the Children's museum, and Friday, we often go to the mall and share a Jamba Juice....
 |
| homemade chocolate muffins for breakfast |
 |
| after Hannah's first day in nursery she refused a nap, but fell fast asleep in her stroller on a walk. She was particularly cute that day, but would not pose for any pictures. |
 |
| playing on our back deck with a pan of water on a beautiful Monday afternoon |
 |
| uncle Kevin came over for lunch, and got to read "Princess Fairy Tales" to Hannah |
 |
| on the way home from Nana and Poppa's house in Gig Harbor. She was asleep by the time we were crossing the narrows bridge. |
Hannah continues to be such a joy in our family. We love seeing her personality, and her interactions with others. She has such strong opinions and preferences. The other night I was putting her to bed, and I figured since she was being such a Daddy's girl, I'd have Daniel come upstairs to read her bedtime story. He sat down in the glider, only to have her come grab his hand and pull him up out of the chair. Then she grabbed my hand and led me over to the chair to sit down. She may not have words, but she can totally communicate, and we get such a kick out of her. Hannah still loves books, she'll often climb up into the glider and read to herself. She is so snugly and soft and warm when she first wakes up. She just melts into you and gives the best hugs. It's a treat to get her up from sleep, however she always asks for the other parent. If I get her in the morning, the first word out of her mouth is 'Daddy?
We love our little Hannah girl!
