18 Months Old!

My baby girl is 18 months old. This month Addison has transitioned from a baby to a toddler. I am certain some of it has to do with her being the younger sister but part of it is her personality. We have always nurtured her differently then we did Alexa. I know for me personally I was holding onto the baby stage as long as I could. Well this month we came head to head with the toddler years. So we have some big changes ahead. We are now encouraging Addison to use her words more and we are not responding to the tantrums. So far we have seen some small changes and feel like more are coming.

Super cute things I don't want to forget:

• When I ask Addison if she wants a banana her response is always "Nana" with a lot of excitement.
• Addison has a Buddha belly. Before a bath she is usually standing when I need to take her diaper off. She will suck her belly in so we can take it off. Soo precious!
• When I walk in a room that Addison is in she says "Hi Momma" over and over again.

Addison's well visit appointment was pretty rough. Addison wouldn't sit on the scale so I had to carry her and then we had to take me off of it. Her weight is somewhere between 22 & 23 pounds. I wish we got an accurate weight but I need to get over it. She is 31 inches tall (at least). Again she wasn't the most cooperative for the height check. Her head measured 50 centimeters. She moved down to the 99.69 percentile. Yah! She hit all her developmental milestones and we had no concerns. The doctor even gave us some advice on how to deal with a baby with such an intense personality. 

Addison is growing into a sweet little girl. She cuddles on occasion and always gives the best hugs. When Justin is trying to change her she will back up slowly and then run into his arms giving the best hugs. She gives kisses and blows them when we are too far apart. Addison loves to eat. (Clearly since she has gain 4-5 pounds in 6 months). Her favorite fruit is bananas and her favorite meal is any sort of breakfast. She even has her Momma's sweet tooth. Speaking of teeth. Addison has 13 teeth. She should be getting 3 more before she turns two.

Settling in

California is feeling like home. We have quickly settled into our new routine. Alexa has school just two days a week and then gymnastics, swimming & Cubbies one day a week. She keeps pretty busy but still has plenty of down time to run around and play with Addison. Alexa has quickly taken to the beach. The first time we went she just wanted to play in the sand. Now she jumps in the water and really enjoys herself. She asks us every day to go to the beach. We go 2-3 times a week for some short play time. We are becoming "regulars" and already know when to avoid the touristy times and spots. Alexa has even asked why so many people where then when we went on a weekend. Haha! Overall I think Alexa is feeling right at home. The move was an easy transition for her.

Addison is growing into a little toddler. I cannot believe how much she has grown physically and developmentally in the last few months. She is pushing 22 lbs and looking as old as ever. People are generally surprised to hear she is only 17 months old. Most assume she is 2! I am guessing it's the hair and beautifully large head. Addison talks up a storm. Of course most of what she says is just gibberish but we enjoy listening to her baby voice. She does still squeal like a pig. I am hoping some toddler etsy will help her out grow it. My ears can only take so much. Just two months ago Addison was afraid of the sand even while wearing shoes. Now she walks and plays in the sand barefoot. She also LOVES outside time. I am hoping to get her to the pool in the next few weeks to see how she does.

Both of the girls went to the dentist this last week. Alexa has been 4-5 times already but she was getting x-rays for the first time. They let her sit in my lap during the x-rays. She said her favorite part was getting to bite the paper (the x-ray paper). Her gag reflex had some issues but we were able to help her through it. She has no cavities. She was very proud. Her cleaning was a bit of an ordeal. After figuring out how the suction worked she had more fun.  Since Addison is only 1 years old she didn't have quite as exciting of a visit. She did enjoy looking at the really cool puff fish and running around the waiting room. The dentist counted her teeth and that was about it. They wont try x-rays or cleaning her teeth until she is 3-4. We will bring her back once a year and Alexa twice a year.