What's New

Riley Kate you were 21 months old today. You are a handful but what a joy! You are really challenging me and my patience lately. I remember these days with your sister but it was different back then because I only had 1 little girl to deal with...now, thank the Lord, I have two!

You are such a blessing to us! The best part of my day is waking up in the morning, going upstairs to your room and being greeted by your beautiful smile! You love to "pretend talk" to me as soon as I walk in the door. You are pointing and trying to tell me all about your dreams and what you want to do that day (at least that's what I tell myself) but of course - none of it is actual language. It's just Riley Roo talk. I ask you if you slept good that night and you shake your head 'yes' every morning. Precious!

Then there are parts of the day when I am quickly reminded of the struggles a mom of a toddler must endure. You DO NOT like to sit in the buggy at the grocery store! You want your independence and I understand that, I am a VERY independent person - ask Nana, I always have been. I try to encourage that in both you and your sister but come on...in the grocery store??? It's not the time to figure out how far Mom will let you wonder down the isle - while I listen to Avery say "Hey Mom, Mom, Mom, hey Mom!!! Look at my chipmunk stand on the box of pasta! Mom, you aren't looking! Mom! Watch my chipmunk!" and check items off my list as quick as humanly possible. So, since we HAVE to go to the grocery store or anywhere else with a shopping cart, for that matter, I hope we can quickly get through this stage. P-L-E-A-S-E!!!

You DO NOT like to be told what to do. This includes having to hold hands in parking lots - you either A.) fall to the ground and start crying  B.) yank your hand away and take off or C.) kick and scream as I carry you to the car, squirming and trying to get back down on the ground, only to do A & B again! It's a real treat going out in public with you! Thanks for that! :)

On a positive note:  You do enjoy blowing bubbles outside. It's one of your new words too. "Bubbles"

You are slowing down on your eating habits. You love breakfast and eat a pretty good lunch but dinner is hit or miss. Sometimes, just what I think you wouldn't touch, you gobble down! I made crock pot lasagna last night and you had 2 helpings - but I must say that it was pretty yummy. :)

You are still using your paci. You only have it in your room/crib when it is time to sleep. We started that about 2 months ago and it's been working great. You even take it out of your mouth on your own and put it down in your crib before you get out. I'm hoping to give it up entirely before you turn 2...so you better enjoy it for a few more months! :)

I think you are about to cut your bottom 2 "eye" teeth - also known as cuspids or canine teeth.You constantly have your fingers in your mouth just chewing on them with that part of your gums. I feel bad because it seems to be taking forever for those last 2 teeth to come in. Soon enough, baby girl, hang in there.

Riley Kate, I love that when I look at you, I see your Daddy. I love that you dance when you hear music - no matter where you are. I love how you run with your arms up to the sky - as if it makes you go faster. I love that you adore your sister and you copy everything she does. I love that you still bring things to me so I can help open or close them - helps me to still "baby" you in a way. I love that you LOVE to sleep. :) I LOVE YOU!

Only 3 more months and you will be TWO!! Whoa!