22 Months

(This photoshoot was a bit of a disaster - Annie did not want to sit in the chair AT ALL (kind of a miracle that this is the first time that's happened in 73 of these photos, I guess) and then would only look at me and smile in this one single solitary shot - so behold, Annie and Raggedy Ann "stup" as Annie said - standing up. She did all the arranging here :) Also, this outfit is DEFINITELY a bona fide "daycare outfit" - forgot it was picture day when getting her dressed!)

My dear little Annie,

You are just 2 months shy of 2 years old now! I'd say that is hard to believe, and to slow down, and all those things other parents seem to say, but really I have just loved watching you get older and seeing you figure out the world. This month especially has seen a huge explosion in your understanding and vocabulary, that's for sure! The things you say are so funny, and you're starting to develop a lot of sass and a sense of humor with your words. Just last week, you slammed your milk on the table, spilling a bunch, so I said "Don't do that! Okay?" and you gave me a look right back and say right back to me, "Don't do that...... okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay??" and now do that every single time I even give you a look - I definitely couldn't help laughing at that one!

Just recently, you've started saying "Annie's turn" when you want to do something yourself or basically want to do anything. I think it is pretty cute for now, but I can see that getting a bit out of hand! Usually you are pretty good at letting other people take a "turn" too, if necessary, but theirs are always shorter than yours. Right now, this is also a good way to get you to do something you don't want to do - such as put your hat back on - if your Dad puts it on and says "Daddy's turn", you immediately want it back, saying "Annie's turn!" Whatever works! You also like telling me "No cheese mommy!" if you are in a bit of a mood and do not want your picture taken anymore.

You still love playing pretend, and now can actually "read" stories to your babies, instead of just turning the pages. You remember some of the words on each page, and say them, or point out items. It's amazing to see all the things you can remember! Some of your dolls have gotten names - if I ask, most are named Annie, but you did name your magnetic dress up doll "Nola" (after your friend at daycare). Your baby dolls and books are definitely still your favorite toys this month, but sometimes you enjoy playing "catch" (which is more like fetch, but... whatever) or playing with Legos and other random toys. You love filling up bags and purses, putting them over your shoulder, and telling everyone "Bye bye!" as you walk out of a room.

This month you've learned your colors much better, and can name them accurately most of the time. You randomly announce the colors of things throughout your playtime, and at dinner, and definitely want to be acknowledged. You also like to point out (and have for a few months now, I just forgot) who things belong to, and point out "Mommy's cup" or "Daddy's jacket" or "Annie's shoes" as well. This used to be just Daddy, Mommy and Annie, but you've started identifying the actual objects now too. Your version of counting right now is pretty hilarious - you always start with 3, and it's 3-4-5-4-5-4-5 most of the time - you'll get it eventually :)

You're still a pretty good eater, with things you like. Your favorite meals are chili, black bean soup and spaghetti, and you will certainly never turn your nose up at carbs or anything sweet. You like to ask for a bite or more, and get quite insistent if we don't immediately respond. If you see anything resembling bread, you ask for "muffit" (muffin I guess), and you always want a napkin, which you for some reason pronounce "mackack", although if you get one, all hope of you eating is lost because you just then want to wipe up the table. You also love to "help" bake and cook - if you see me baking, you have tried to bring over a chair so you can stir and watch. I look forward to many afternoons making cookies and cakes together!

Daycare seems like it's a really fun place for you - you still love your new role as a "big girl" and greatly enjoy doing crafts. I guess several days you have completely not napped because you just lay there "chatting" with your friend Imogen. Imogen and Nola, who both just turned 3, LOVE to help you out - when you get there in the morning, one of them always pulls out your chair at the table while the other puts your booster up since you're a little too short for the chairs. They apparently alternate these roles - Susan runs a tight ship over there! Imogen and Sienna frequently try to hug you when we leave, but you're typically halfway up the stairs yelling "BYE BYE" and won't come back - as SOON as I get there, you run for your jacket and the second it's zipped you are off and running - you love pointing out the many things we see on the way out, too - the bears in the basement window sills, the rocks in the neighbor's landscaping, and now the nativity and the Christmas trees (pointing out all the different colored lights) that are up. It usually takes a good 5 minutes to get from the door to our car, and I think you'd sit out there for an hour examining things if I let you!

What has really been fun for family is that now you are GREAT at remembering everyone, including their names. Thanksgiving was especially fun for you, as you randomly proclaimed family names and pointed everyone out around the table. You have so much fun with your family, and they definitely love hanging out with you too!

We are so lucky to you have you in our lives little bunk!

Love, Mom