I’m about a week behind, but I wanted to note what all Kamy’s learned in the last month.
- She’s big time into mimicing right now — especially things that Momma and Daddy do around the house all the time. She’s trying to open doors, wear our shoes, use our cell phones, and brush her hair. We were already careful about what we say and do around her, but it’s ramped up even more. One thing she’s always interested in is whatever game Daddy is playing on the computer. He let her play “Solar” the other day for about 5 minutes and she really seemed to enjoy it! Nothing like starting a little hand-eye coordination early! It’s a very simple game that just requires steering around with the thumb controller — something Kamy had NO trouble learning. As Daddy puts it in the video, “We’ll work on strategy later.” Lol!
- Kamy’s getting more and more interested in the potty. I’m going to start doing my research on potty training and find a potty we can set up for her in the bathroom. It’s just a matter of time before she’s ready … my little girl is getting so big!
- McKamy has added a bunch of new words and signs lately. These include banana (word and sign), blanket (word), bed (sign), bath (sign), teeth (word and sign), phone (sign), and down (word). Her vocabulary continues to grow by the day and I know she’s understanding more of what I’m telling her each time. She also will follow directions and put her books in the basket or bring something when I point to it. And when I ask her to find something or someone, she’ll say “there it is!” Well, maybe not quite that clearly, but that’s definitely what she’s saying. =)
- We are in a transition in Kamy’s nap schedule right now. She’d been taking a good hour long morning nap and a second hour long nap after lunch. However, she really isn’t sleeping in the morning anymore — though for the most part she’ll play quietly and amuse herself while I get some things done around the house for about 30 minutes. The after-lunch nap is a pretty sure bet right now and can last as long as 2.5 hours. However, dropping out that morning nap is making bed time a bit rougher lately. She gets tired around 5 or 5:30, but we put her down between 6 and 6:30 depending on dinner. I know it’s an early bedtime, but she’s definitely tried. She’s really fighting sleep and will often cry in her crib for 30 minutes until one of us comes to calm her down and then she’ll sleep. I think she still needs a short morning nap or an extra afternoon nap, but her timing hasn’t made the transition easy at all. Hopefully we’ll find a new happy-medium on naps and bed time, because sad baby makes for a sad Momma and Daddy.
- Books are still the all-time best thing ever! We probably spend 60% of our time together reading one book or another. She’s also been interested in “big people” books and will pull them off the bookshelves and read them too. I’m keeping an eye out for a good deal on board books online so I can restock the supply — I’m getting tired of most of her books and can quote many from memory. =P
- Kamy’s really making strides on counting and understanding sequences. Two weeks ago while in her pack n play at Grandpop’s house, Keller heard her say, “one, two three!” There’s little distinction between the actual sounds of each number, but she clearly understands order. She also knows that certain things come before others — bib before food, bath before bed, putting on shoes means we’re probably going somewhere.
- I see more and more of an independent streak developing in McKamy. She’ll read her books alone or play by herself for 10 minutes at a time. She is also starting to say “no” just to say no. She’ll point to something, we’ll hand it to her, and she’ll shake her head “no” and point to something else. Silly girl! I know this age can be challenging as toddlers learn how to assert their independence, but <crossing fingers> it’s been really mild so far. Right now we’re trying to figure out how to discipline her so she understands we really DO mean “no” when we say it.
- She’s also been growing a lot lately. She’s in the process of transitioning to 18 month clothes and size 4 shoes — her 12 month pieces are getting rather tight and short on her and her shoes are pretty snug. Again, watching online sales to rebuild her wardrobe.
- Lastly, Kamy’s still a good little eater. We have several meals throughout the day — breakfast 1 and 2, lunch, snack, and dinner. She’s learned how to use her fork too! She’s also upgraded to a sippy cup with a straw and will drink from Momma and Daddy’s drinks if she can have a straw.
It’s hard to believe that in less than 3 months we’ll have another brand new little one! Kamy’s going to look so big and grown up when he arrives, I’m sure something will really come as a shock to us. In the mean time, we’re doing our best to fill Kamy’s days with attention, love, and learning. We love you sweetheart!
