16 month Bug

Happy 16 months and 3 days to our little toddler!

She's gorgeous, right?  When I took the photo I couldn't believe what a grown up she's turned into.  No, really.  She's a grown up, always lecturing everyone and everything in sight.  If you don't want her finger shaking in your face or the words, "No, stop," or "don't" being repeated in your ear, then steer clear of this little supervisor.  Since the holiday decorating, the cat has been on the other end of Bug's shaking index finger, being told to stay away from the Christmas tree ornaments.  Poor McKayla.

New (maybe even old) Developments:

1- The battle of wills.  Our household has become a warzone for will power.  We've begun the constant struggle for authority.  Bug has learned to protest everything from a book to bedtime.  It's awesome. No really.  You think World War II was bad?  A diaper change with Bug can sometimes seem like World War III.  Is there such a thing as the "terrible two's" starting at 16 months (or earlier)?  :/

2-  "Oh, no!"  No really.  As in "Oh, no! What happened..." to anything and everything.  Anything that catches Bug's attention warrants an "Oh, no!"  It's all so shocking.  Picture frames on a wall, the cat running, chicken and rice, flowers she's never seen...anything.

3-  Walking.  Still wobbly.  It's that darn left foot.  Or was it right?  It causes her to just walk in circles sometimes.  The girl is clumsy...in the cutest way possible.  

4-  Movie Star.  On top of "princessa," Bug is also referred to as a movie star at day care.  I guess she's pretty popular...for being able to change her emotions in a matter of seconds.  I always knew she was meant for big things in life.  Perhaps an Oscar.  :)

5-  All about the clothes (and shoes!).  Bug is so good at putting on clothes and shoes (especially Mommy's shoes).  

This 16 month blog is now 16 months and 3 days because 1- We forgot and 2- We've been busy being sick.  Bug caught a stomach bug at school and of course shared it with me.  So on Friday Bug and I did this:

It was AWFUL.  The end.  Good news- we're better...finally!

Today, we took a hike.  On a trail.  A long one.  I know, I know.  If you know me, you don't believe this.  Honestly, I don't blame you for the lack of faith in my athletic ability and/or my motivation to want to be athletic.  Even I doubt myself and I experienced it.  Anyway, it happened.  Totally legit.  It's the beginning of my family's semi-New Years resolution.  It's "semi" because we're starting now, instead of January 2013 and because I don't really want to bind myself to a New Years resolution because it puts too much pressure on us.  I'd rather just try my best. I need new places to take pics and we need to keep ourselves healthy.  So, we will be putting our tennis shoes on and headed to a new trail every week (hopefully).  That's the plan, anyway.  I'm hoping for the best.    We should be taking advantage of the area we live in.  It's full of trails and nature.  Some people like that kind of stuff and even though I certainly am not in tune with Mother Nature, I'm willing to give it a shot.  The sad part- I was going to title this blog "Bug's first hike," but really it's mine too (minus that time my Confirmation group and I climbed up a snow-filled mountain in the winter for our retreat- I won't even go there).  This hike was so much fun and I'm hoping we can stick to this semi-resolution.

She even put on the hat herself.  Mommy wins!

Not sure who this Asian kid is.

This kid with this facial expression...she's mine.

Yes, I know.  Her hair is voluminous.  :)

Once in a lifetime shot- Mommy in workout clothes and she actually broke a sweat.  Hopefully 2013 will bring more sweat (and pounds) off of Mommy!  Skinny here I come!  Hahaa.

 *(Pics of Mommy and Bug courtesy of Daddy.)

Walk with a purpose.

Or get side-tracked.  (Just like Daddy.)

Looking at something on the bridge.  Side-tracked.  See?

Dear Buggy,

You are a handful!  Mobility is still our biggest challenge.  It has given you a new sense of independence that we thought you already had, but apparently had no clue of.  As your parents, this independence kills us, especially because from the day you were born, you've always known what you've wanted and if it wasn't exactly the way you wanted it, you wouldn't settle for less.  You are a spitfire to say the least.  You keep every moment lively, loud, and fun.  It was so awful to see you sick and silent, but we are so glad you're finally better.  You are so funny!  You make us laugh nonstop, especially when you're supposed to be going to bed.  You sure know how to postpone bedtime with lots of water drinking, books, laughs, and hugs and kisses.  I should probably be making you get to bed, but I realize that you're only this age once and one day I'll be begging you for hugs and kisses (please never let that day come).  So for now, I'm okay with the water, the books, the laughs, the hugs, and the kisses that you use against me to postpone bedtime.  I love you so much.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

God Bless,

Kat