17 months

If I had to choose to characterize Mary Frances at 17 months of age I would say she is a: a creature of habit and b: a rule follower.  Although, next month I might have to alter part b to that statement as I can tell she is beginning to test the waters!

Almost everyone I know is a creature of habit in some form or fashion and Mary Frances is no exception!  I laugh when at the end of meals she asks for a wipe so that I can wipe her hands and face and then she can get down to go play.  I love it in the mornings when I get her out of bed and she goes to find daddy.  I love our bath time routine and how she almost jumps in the bath tub once I take her clothes off.  I smile when I put her down in her bed and she asks for the following three items in addition to her lovies: baby, elmo, and pookie (pink pig).  I love how she helps me turn off the light at bedtime and always says "hepper" (she is my little helper!).  I enjoy listening to "sic" (music) with her while we eat our meals.  Sweet little thing knows how things are supposed to be around her and definitely keeps her mommy and daddy in check when something is out of place!

Playing with her lovies and Maggie's leash

Now, on that rule follower bit...  I have realized that Mary Frances enjoys praise (who doesn't).  And, much to my delight, I have found that she likes to receive praise when she obeys.  Not that we are perfect over here, or that she obeys every time, but it is good to know how she is motivated.  That said, Mary Frances is definitely learning the rules around here and what it means to obey.  When she does what is asked of her, such as picking up legos, she looks at me and says "bey."  Her little "bey" comes out just as much when she does something she knows she is not supposed to do, like throw her cup from her high chair.  In those circumstances it is usually preceded by a "no no."  Sometimes I think, if you know you aren't supposed to do it, why do you do it?  I guess it is human nature!

Love this sweet girl!

Anyways, Mary Frances likes to enforce the rules as well, usually with Maggie.  The other day Maggie went down the hall towards the bedrooms, where she isn't supposed to go.  I guess Paul and I weren't paying attention because next thing we knew we heard Mary Frances yelling, "Maggie! Maggie!" and pointing down the hall.  Suddenly we realized she was telling us Maggie was getting into trouble.  Poor Maggie doesn't know what is about to hit her!  I guess we'll have to work on tattling as well as obeying :) One thing at a time!

Our sweet lady sitting with Maggie

Having fun walking in her daddy's shoes!

As you can see, those are just a few of the fun characteristics we are beginning to see in our little lady.  Of course she is still so sweet, kind, loving, and funny.  We are having a blast watching her grow into a little girl who loves babies, trucks, legos, books, etc.  Looking forward to 18 months!

Love,
Katy