Laurelea and Will : 17 Months Old

Our little Bee is 17 months old. Between Maine and Grammy being here it's been non-stop fun for an entire month. It feels like you are now officially a toddler. It makes us sad to not have a little baby anymore, but also thrilled to see your sense of independence and willingness to try things without us. You have actually started to sign more to help indicate your wishes -- you sign when you are hungry, need help, and need more food. We've lost track on how many words you can say but I would guess it is over 20. My favorite development of this month is that you call you dad, Daddy and Cory. Cory when you want his attention and Daddy when you need something from him. It is pretty adorable to hear you call his name. It sounds like Cooray. We both thought that this might be a phase that we would have to go through when you were 16 years old! But, it just demonstrates to us how observant you are because you even use the same tone and inflection that I do when I say his name.

Physically you have also developed a lot this month. You love to climb up on everything! You can now get up onto the couch and chairs. Your Daddy has taught you to get down going backwards and so most of the time you are really cautious in your dismount, which we are thankful for. You are so close to jumping and getting both feet off the floor. You also have learned how to kick, spin and dance this month. You are a moving machine and we love having dance time in the evenings when we crank up the toddler tunes and watch you go.

Our pool has been a highlight of this month and you are fast becoming a little water bug. We are still pretty nervous about getting water in your ears but so far we have not had any ear infections. You love your "poo-poo", which is what you call your pool. The first few times we thought you could be pooing in the pool but quickly realized what you were saying.

The hardest part about this month for me is that you are starting to wean. I know it's time but it's hard to give up the connection. We starting feeding just during the morning and night, but more recently we only feed when you ask for it. You generally always still want to feed in the evenings before bed, but you have gotten up on a couple of occasions without needing any milk in the morning.

We love you Sugar Bee and can't wait for all the adventures we will get to experience this next month!