Kate at 14 months

Kate is 14 months.  And, I haven't blogged an update about her in ages.  :(  She's such a little almost-toddler these days.  :)

Dearest Kate-eroni

You have so many nicknames and I have no idea how most of them came about.  :)  Kate-eroni, Kate-oppatomus, Kate the dinosaur (ok, that's because you LOVE to knock over any tower Eli creates or really just get into anything someone is working on - laundry, dishes, blocks, etc), and Kater-tot are the main ones.  Our little twin friends and their darling mom, whom you adore, call you "Kitty Kate."  I'll try to add the others as I remember them.  We all call you "sister" most often.  Sometimes Eli and I throw your name in front of anything we can think of - Kate-a-pizza, Kate-a-crayon, Kate-a-combine, etc.  I think you like that we're talking about you.  :)

Teeth 7 & 8 finally made their official appearance and you have been a bit crabby as a result.  In the past, you would smile at anyone and everyone.  Now, you are more likely to give a stone-cold stare as you scope out this stranger.  And, you've never really experienced separation anxiety... until now.  It has only happened the past two Sundays as I drop you off with your as-sweet-as-possible teacher, Miss Stacy.  I have no idea what is causing that and it is baffling to me!  But, hopefully it's just a little residual crankiness that will pass (or only appear occasionally) once all of these pesky teeth make their official debut.

Your "Are you Serious, Mom?" face

Peek A Boo!

Giving her baby kisses

Helping yourself to some snacks!

You are still an excellent sleeper.  You are currently taking two naps - 8:30/9 - 10:30 (I have to wake you up so as not to ruin all hope for a 2nd nap) and one after lunch around 12:30 - 3 or so.  Mr Eli sleeps from 12:30 - 4:30 or so, so you and I get some one-on-one play time before he wakes up.  You like to be in bed by 7:45 and sleep until 7:15/7:30.  Eli's been waking up earlier lately and I think that causes you to stir a bit earlier than desired.  You sleep with a paci and your little satin blankie.  Your daddy wants to take those away right now, so maybe that will be my mission after the bottles......

First touch of snow!

You are LOVING your bottles, which you receive first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed.  I weaned the other two quickly and easily, but attempting to wean you from these two has NOT been successful.  You know what you want and won't take substitutes.  :)  Can't say I blame you.  I still cherish the quiet time holding you as you drink.

You love to eat and want snacks all the time.  Your favorites are dried yogurt snacks, rice puffs, goldfish and fruit.  You eat very well, but eat even better if I let you attempt to use a fork with your meal.  You are surprisingly accurate and successful!  I think you like feeling like a big kid... :)  You eat your yogurt best when I just hand you a spoon and let you go to town.  Talk about Miss Independent. ;)

Which leads me to this odd but so cool development.  You have historically needed mid-bath toilet time.  Apparently you get that from my baby days, but whatever.  No excuses for pooping in the tub, my dear.  ;)  Anyway, your daddy and I are on hyper-alert during bath time to try to catch any signs of a catastrophe before it actually materializes.  So, you've been using the toilet for several months now.  But, just in the past week, if you and I are standing in the bathroom (which one does with a 3 year old who still needs help wiping) you often say "poo poo" to indicate your need to use the facilities.  I ask "Do you need to go poo poo?" and you shake your head/body in a full body shake to say "Yes."  So, off goes the diaper and you sit up there like a big girl until you sign "all done."  I'm not lying.  It's incredible.  It leads me to wonder.... are you a 3 year old trapped in a 14 month old's body?  Kidding, kidding...  ;)

You love books and that was appropriately your first word to fully annunciate.  It sounds a little Russian, with the "K" sound being a little thick.  It's precious.  :)  We read the ones in your room over and over.  You demand them when you wake up and when you go to bed... and any other time you feel the desire.  :)  You also love pre-nap book time in Eli's bed.  You climb up on his bed with us and then proceed to crawl/roll/sit/climb all over us as we read.  We all laugh so much together during this sweet time!  You also like to show off your standing skills, which we so rarely see! Which leads me to....

You still haven't even attempted a proper step!  But, you are making strides in the sense that you let me help you walk by holding you under your arms and letting your feet walk.  Two months ago - no way.  You would either sit down or pull your legs up so they weren't touching the ground.  You have started showing off your ability to stand unassisted, but you're very stingy with how often you show that trick.  Now, the reason I can say this all so lightheartedly is because you cruise all around the house.  Everywhere.  My pants, kitchen cabinets, between the couch and chairs in the living room, the bathtub, the bookshelf in Eli's room, hence you are entirely capable of walking.  I am trying to do my part to build your confidence, but I'm afraid it's mostly up to you, my dear!  As a somewhat control-freak mommy (which I battle daily to suppress), this is yet one more example of the control that is NOT in my hands.  God is teaching me that all the time and I'm pretty sure you're just one more vehicle for Him to use to get through to me.  :)  Not everything is textbook.  Duh.  I'll get it eventually.  ;)

You jibber jabber all day long and have a list of "words" a mile long.  You love to point ("this") and do the full body "yes" nod.  Your comprehension is astounding - I am able to ask you pertinent questions and receive an appropriate head nod or shake.  You love making the animal sounds, especially chicken, cow, horse, and pig.  You SCREAM "Dada" when your daddy comes home everyday and you speed crawl straight to him.  He loves every minute.  :)

You are VERY ticklish and love playing games.  You love playing hide and seek.  Recently, I've been letting you pick out which shirt we buy, which breakfast  you eat, etc.  It's hilarious to me how passionately you select your choices!  You get so excited.  I love every minute.  :)  Future shopping buddy?????  :)

13 month chair picture - "Cheese!!"

We love you so very much, sweet angel!  Thank you for making our world a brighter place!

Love!!
mom