Macy & Ruby Gracie: 23 Months Old

Dear Ruby,

I thought we talked about this - you were going to slow down and quit growing up so quick! Here we are just one month away from being two and I am feeling a little sad about it. Thankfully whenever I feel sad about losing my little one you do something like sing or count and it reminds me how much I love you and all of your "big girl" talents. You are such a FUN little girl and I just love witnessing you grow. So yes, it's a bit of a contradiction but the bottom line is I love you, the little girl you were, are today, and will be in the future!

Your 22nd month of life was particularly busy. We had lots of birthday celebrations and activities so it really felt like we were always on the go. When we were at home you pretty much spent all your time "Out-FIDE" (Outside) which is your favorite place to be. Daddy not only finished your playhouse but he also built you a big sand box and you are in HEAVEN. You absolutely love playing in the sand and it keeps you entertained far longer than any of your toys inside so I too am a big fan. The only downside is the presence of sand in our house but hey, your happiness totally outweighs the crunchy sand on my bare feet. People pay good money for that down at the beach right?!?! :-)

Your 22nd month will also always be know as the month you were potty trained. You did a great job! Mommy and Daddy are still in disbelief that we already conquered that major milestone. Just like I prayed it would, sometime right around the two week mark you really turned a corner when it came to going #2 in the potty. You had some real fear but once we started our little ritual of naming all of your "people" and how they go poo-poo on the potty you felt inspired. (Yes friends and family - if your ears have been burning it's probably because we've discussed how YOU go poo-poo on the potty. Thanks for your help!) Anyways, it's been weeks since you've had an accident. WOO-HOO!

Other things we want to remember about you at 22 months:

You tried (and loved) your first "real" sushi dinner this month. Sure, we've been going to sushi since you were born but you finally tried some raw tuna and various other rolls along with your normal miso soup, tofu, and rice. You kept asking for "Mow Mama" (More) Surprisingly you also love to eat the ginger which is a pretty strong flavor for a little one but you eat it up!
Another random thing you love to eat - black licorice. Yep, you have Mama's taste buds for sure.
Your singing became more like singing this month instead of just a little whisper along with a silly face. You actually chime in with the right words here and there and I can't really get enough of it. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Row Row Row your Boat", and "The Wheels on the Bus" are your favs.
You close your eyes when you are doing something naughty or when you have something I don't want you to. I ask you to give it to me and you clutch it tight and shut your eyes. I've tried to explain to you that "I can still see you!"
You jumped out of your crib again this month (You did this one time before at 16 months). We put you down for bed after our Candlish family night and you were pretty wound up after a night of running around with your cousins and I figured you'd fall right to sleep since it was far past your bedtime but I think you wanted to keep the party going. Daddy and I were on the couch and we heard a big crash and thud. When we went in you were sitting on the floor in the dark holding your head and crying. Thankfully you seem to have gotten the picture because now you tell me "Boo-boo Owie" while shaking your head no when you point to the ground from your crib. I can't help but laugh...
Daddy scored a free slide on the curb in front of a neighbors house and you are having a ball going down it - and sending your babies down it too. Simple pleasures.
When you wear your pink cowgirl hat you say "Shee-Haw" instead of Yee-Haw. It makes me laugh every time.