A Birthday and a 15 Month Old

As you can tell, I am still behind on blogging and trying to catch up on our busy month of September.  First, let me say happy birthday to Grandfather!  Yesterday was Paul's dad's birthday and we were happy to be able to celebrate with him.  He is a wonderful example to Paul and myself and loves Mary Frances very much.  We couldn't ask for anything more!  Here are some pictures from his celebration last night:

Grandfather, Mary Frances, and Paul

Grandfather and his birthday cake

In addition to a family birthday, Mary Frances turned 15 months old last Monday!  We had her 15 month check up and everything looked great.  She is still off the chart for height (32 1/2 inches), but has fallen down to 50th percentile for weight, weighing in at 23 lb 3 oz.  While it is normal for their growth to slow down, the pediatrician said she still should have gained more weight in the past 3 months since her 12 month visit.  Therefore, it is our job over the next month to try our best to beef her up for a weight check.  How exactly to you get a 15 month old toddler (who is cutting her molars and would rather play than eat) to beef up?  Not quite sure, but we are going to do our best and hope that it is enough to tip the scales in the upward direction!  Really, other than not gaining enough weight, the pediatrician said she looked fabulous and we couldn't wish for anything more!

our busy little bee

Here is a little glimpse into the life of a 15 month old:
- She takes one nap a day and has started to sleep 13 hours at night (can you imagine what that would be like?!?)
- "no" is a very common word and is usually the answer to any question you ask, even if she means for the answer to be yes :)
- Mary Frances doesn't stop walking which is why she sleeps so well at night!
- She talks all the time and has become quite the little parrot, so make sure you watch what you say!
- She is starting to eat with utensils which is very messy, depending on the food, but makes meal time a lot more fun.
- We are starting to have more of a "dialogue" with the little lady where we can talk to her and she can respond, not necessarily with words, but it is more of an exchange than before.
- She is very inquisitive
- She also loves to help me wherever I am.  Her favorite thing is to shut the refrigerator door for me and help me make smoothies :)
- Mary Frances tells us more and more what she wants, which is frequently being "all done" with whatever it is we are doing.
- She has major separation anxiety (when will this end?!?) and clings to me when I try to hand her off in the nursery at church.  It is so sad, but I know it is good for her and it will pass...  eventually...
- She has 9 teeth, including the one molar she cut last week.  Did I mention we have three more molars to go?  Not sure I'll survive it :)
- She loves to "relax" with Paul and myself on our bed and play with our phones or Paul's iPad.  Much to his dismay, it is her favorite toy!

Goof Ball :)

Playing with her spoons.  Don't you wish you had that much fun
while you ate with your spoons?

Relaxing and checking her messages

With her daddy, whom she LOVES!

Overall, she is a doll and the sweetest little girl.  We love every minute of being with her and are so thankful for this little life that has been given to us!

Love,
Katy