Avery's 15/16 Month Update

The 27th of each month comes way too fast.  Avery just turned 16 months and she is growing and learning so much every day.  Here's what she's up to these days!

15 Month Stats

Height - 26 inches

Weight - 25 pounds

Clothes size - 18-24 months 

Dominant hand - LEFT!
Teeth - 14 and counting

EATING

Avery is learning to use a fork, and sometimes a spoon when she eats.  She still eats pretty much the same few food items.  Her diets consists mostly of bananas, strawberries, green beans, butter toast, yogurt, cheese, macaroni and cheese, crackers, cheerios, and veggie pouches.  The only way she'll eat veggies is the in pouches or if I'm eating something she wants, then she'll eat them.  So strange to me, but if she wants to eat lima beans out of my soup bowl, fine by me!  

We aren't giving her as much milk as she used to get.  I'm still wondering if she has a slight milk allergy and maybe that's where the ear infections are coming from.  I'd like to ask for a referral to a pediatric allergist to test for the milk.  

We also said goodbye to ALL bottles at 15 months. We now use Nuby sippy cups with straws exclusively.

SLEEPING

Avery goes to bed around 7 p.m. and sleeps until about 7 a.m.  She still occasionally wakes up randomly at night crying.  As long as she's not sick we have her try and put herself back to sleep, which usually is the case.  If she's sick we will rock her but she loves the rocking so much that she'll fuss for more after you put her down.  When she had a terrible cold two weeks ago I rocked her for six hours one night.  It is hard but I know one day she'll be able to keep herself in bed.  I'll enjoy the cuddles while I can (even at 3 a.m.).

She naps once or twice depending on our days.  On Sundays, MOPS Mondays, and Thursdays she usually takes one nap.  Other days she may need two naps depending on what time she wakes up.  

TALKING

We have a little talker on our hands.  She also mimics us a lot.  Her favorite thing to mimic are animal sounds and she just loves to roar like a lion.  Favorite words are mama, dada, baby, cat, dog, Elmo, bubble, apple, up, cow, pig, Pops, ball, choo choo and car.  She has other words too but doesn't use as often as these.  

PLAYING

I've got an in-motion girl.  She can destroy a room in five minutes flat and that's okay with me!  She loves blocks, her farm set, balls, books, kitchen utensils and spoons, ABC cards and foam letters, puzzles, and shapes.  She loves to climb on her toys and twirl in circles, while falling and giggling of course.  We read a lot of books and she can identify all of the Sesame Street characters when I ask her to point to them.  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stops her dead in her tracks.  

Since this winter has been so yucky with germs, I'm keeping her home from our usual fun activities but once it gets warmer we'll venture back to the Children's Museum and other local play areas. She is a playful thing and loves to try as many fun toys as possible! 

BEHAVIOR

Avery does listen for the most part, but if she's being slightly naughty I'll give her a firm "one" as a warning and she usually redirects herself.  If she keeps up the behavior and I get to "three" she gets a little panky on her hand.  It hasn't happened many times but she will not be allowed to do what she wants to do and get away with it.  We are going to be firm yet loving as she learns boundaries.  It's very hard work, but I think to have a well behaved child you have to have structure and firm rules and not give in to the child.  I know she's only 16 months old but that's my philosophy as she gets older.

All in all Avery is a very sweet child and is starting to share food with us, which I am positive about because hopefully that mean's she will be a sweet little girl who loves to share her toys and show kindness to her friends.  That's all that matters to me.  I want her to be sweet, love others, and love Jesus.  Beyond that I don't care if she goes to Harvard, has a 4.0, or wins sports tournaments.  None of that matters, I just want a sweet hearted girl.  

A little meltdown.  We document the good and the bad.