7/12/13

Hannah is having the best time swimming this summer.  She was so hesitant last year in her floaties that she didn't get the hang of things until the very end of the summer.  This year she picked up right where she left off.  She will kick her legs and "swim" from the steps to the opposite side of the shallow end.  I am so proud of her.  We also signed her up for swim lessons and those start next week.  Hopefully she'll be even more confident in the water.

We're still having issues with nap/bed time.  Some days are great, but most days it's a struggle.  She's really really good about staying in her room.  But she wants to get on the floor and play, sing, and talk by the door.  If she lays in bed quietly she will fall asleep.  Started a new sticker chart reward system a few weeks ago.  She's earned a few stickers, but not rewards yet. 

I know I've written before about Hannah's imaginary friend named Bunny.  She still plays with him (or her depending on the day) often.  Recently she has started "playing" with various characters from books or TV (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse) too.  And she tells me about her doggies and talking lawn mower.  Definitely not lacking in the imagination department. LOL!  :-)

Hannah was looking at a teaching magazine that came in the mail the other day and noticed the page of animal letter crafts.  She showed them to me and then said "Mommy B says bu."  I told her that was correct and then asked Nathan if he had told her that.  He had not and neither had I.  We talked about how R says "err" and some r words several months ago, but that's it.  Not really in a hurry to teach her letter sounds since she still has 2 full years before she starts Kindergarten.  I started asking Hannah what some of the other letters said and she got quite a few of them right.  And she was SO excited about learning something new.  Guess we'll be talking about letter sounds now.  She totally amazes me in her ability to pick things up.

I'll end with a few photos.  Hannah loves to play with a ball outside.  She is even starting to catch and kick the ball....if she remembers to open her eyes.  LOL!  And the last picture is a new fav.  Hannah threw her arms up like that spontaneously and my mom happened to catch it.  Love it!
 

Eighteen Months

Abigail still talks ALL THE TIME, but I stopped writing down her words.  I couldn't keep up with all the new things she was saying.  My guess is that she has at least 60-70 words.  She says a few things that I can't understand, but most of her speech is very clear.

It's fun to watch Abigail really start to play with her toys.  She has watched Hannah so she knows all about baby dolls.  She will put the bottle near their mouth and say "baby drink."  She also gives them hugs and kisses.  So sweet!

Enjoying hot summer weather by playing in the water.  Hannah absolutely loved the sprinklers (as long as they weren't too high), but Abigail wasn't too sure.  She cried at first and then started laughing.  But her feet were planted in one spot and she didn't move.



We've gone swimming at Grammy's too, but I don't have any pictures yet.  Abigail really enjoys standing on the top step splashing and playing with toys.  Not too sure about the rest of the pool though.  I also decided to create a make shift water table with a plastic tub and cups to play with in the backyard.  We've only pulled it out twice, but the girls have enjoyed it.



Abigail has her 18 month check up on the 17th so I'll post her latest stats soon.  Until then here's my new favorite photo of my little bug.

6/12/13

Hannah has become much braver and independent at the park.  She will climb the ladders and rock walls, not just the stairs.  My dad even taught her how to climb up the slide.  Not sure I like that, since the elementary teacher mantra is "We go up the stairs and down the slide!"  =) Thankfully Hannah usually prefers to slide down and will ask before climbing.
 


She will also pet dogs now.  She has always been so shy and scared she had NO desire to touch them.  You may remember she was also afraid of my parents cat for a while (loves her now though).  For those who wonder about Abigail...she has NO FEAR.  She gets very excited about seeing and touching both dogs and cats!  This is one of my parents neighbors dogs.  Sweet and so pretty!


Hannah and I still enjoy making crafts while Abigail is napping.  Her coloring has become more intentional too and looks less like random scribbling.  We haven't started practicing with scissors yet, but will soon.  Hannah has been able to count to 20 for a long time.  She can now count up to 5 actual objects correctly.

Finally took pictures of the girls in their Easter dresses too!  It was so cold in March and April we had to wait.  Hannah is wearing the same dress as last year.  My mom bought it off of Etsy because she was busy with remodel preparations and didn't have time to make one.  Then Abigail is wearing the dress my mom made for Hannah at 15 months.

I know it is technically Hannah's post, but couldn't resist little turkey trying to get off the bench.  This is SO classic Abigail!  Love them both!