Sweet 16

Anika is 16 months today. This past month she just barely figured out how to climb on top of the ottoman and launch herself over the arm of the couch in order to stand on the sofa. Today, however, she forgot how to do it. I must admit, I am not disappointed that she cannot remember how, but I am surprised.

At the moment she is a bit miserable. She has a stuffy nose and a cough and a horrible diaper rash, all of which seem to stem from the fact that she is getting all 4 pointy little canine teeth simultaneously. Up until now we haven't had much of an issue with teething. She is a pretty easy going good natured little champ. But this one is a bit harder on her. poor thing.

I posted last month about all of her words. Well she has lots more words now, and is getting to be a pretty good mimic. My current "favorite" word is when she asks for her Bib. It sounds a lot like "boob" and I just picture myself trying to explain that one in public. Monty is May may, Bridget is BB or Babbette, Da da and Mama are obvious, even though she used to say Daddy. She asks for nack when she needs a snack and says day day instead of thank you and peas instead of please, but uses please and thank you in the appropriate spots of the conversation. Her favorite song is "hush little baby". She hates getting her diaper changed most of the time, loves brushing her teeth, LOVES shaking the bell ornaments while we sing jingle bells.

Still is a big fan of bathtime, and adores her ponies from great Aunt Chan. The pink pony gets carried around the house while Anika yells "NAY". The brown rocking horse gets ridden, and Anika can mount the pony and make him sing all by herself - though she sometimes needs help getting down.

She can eat applesauce from a bowl with a spoon all by herself and probably 2/3 of the applesauce gets to her mouth. Just this week she has started furrowing her eyebrows to tell me she does not like the question I am asking her or she is not pleased.

Ani adores music of almost every kind. Loves to dance, clap, and is trying very hard to get the sign language right for "sing" so she can tell me when she needs a song. She gives kisses on command (or request) and loves to play chase up and down the hallway, though she prefers it if you chase her. Curtains are a big guilty pleasure, as mommy is displeased with playing in them but they are so much fun to hide in. Today I was wearing a long sweater and she decided to hide in that since I have moved all the curtains out of reach.

Most nights she wakes up once or twice before we have gone to bed, but she sleeps through the night until morning. Probably mommy and daddy are noisy with our tv watching and talking. She is very cuddly and still loves to be in the wrap that Jenna made for us while I am cooking dinner or we go for a walk. Hopefully she will still love it after being cooped up on the planes at Christmas time.

She used the potty for the first time this month. Mostly it was accidental, but after she pooped on the floor while getting down onto the potty, she did manage to pee in the potty. It was very exciting. Anika was a bit scared so we have not had a repeat performance. Plenty of time for that later. She does love to sit on the potty, naked or clothed, and we read books and sing.

I hope you have enjoyed this little update. Its good to remember how wonderful it is to have a 16 month old. I want her to stay 1 forever. It is so lovely. We are better rested now, and enjoying each other's company. This week has been hard with the teething and cold, but most of the time she is a joy and I can't imagine my life without her. So in case we don't meet again this month on the blog - Happy Christmas to all!