Dear 18 month old Madeline Claire,



Madeline Claire 1 year ago.



How did you get so grown up?

The changes in the last six months are amazing.  Your curls have come in, you have teeth (!), you are an effective communicator, a dancer and a drama queen.

You use your words thoughtfully and have a wide vocabulary.  You say, "Here you go!" when you hand us a book, a tissue, an empty cup, etc.  When asked a yes or no question you answer with an enthusiastic "Yeah!" or a huge shake of the head. 

Dancing might be in your future.  Peaking through the two-way mirror during Ellie's dance class is one of your favorite things and you know every step of her recital routine and can do it beside her to the music.  {we really need to get this on video!}



Talking on the phone is another one of your faves.  You grab a cordless phone off of a counter, table, wherever and hand it to me and say a name.  Usually it's your favorite person, Poppa.  I don't know what it is about Poppa but you are smitten. 

There is a photo album of mine from college that is filled with photos of friends and vacations.  Buried in the middle is one photo of Poppa.  You carry this 5x7 album around all over the house and in your sweet voice say, "Poppppppaaaa?  Oh, Poppa?" and start flipping through the pages.  When you arrive at his page you squeal, "POPPA!  MWAH!" and give his pic a big kiss.  So cute!



Madeline Claire now, 18 months old.



Because I am horrible about writing in baby books, I'm sticking it here - you are 32" long and 24 pounds.  75th percentile for height and 40th percentile for weight - long and lean, Dr. B said, just like your mama.  Ha!

But back to you, animals sounds and body parts are your current party tricks.  When we read "Counting Kisses," which we do every night, and get to the chin part you go "Cheeeese!" like we are going to take your picture. 

After a bath a few months ago we put you in a frog towel and then held you up to the mirror.  You giggled and said, "Ribbit!" like the exorcist.  Every other animal is in your adorable high pitch baby voice except the frog - RIBBIT.

We could gush on and on about you, Madeline Claire.  The fact is you are a fun loving, easy going gal.  If we tell you no or say your name in a stern voice you cover your face with your hands and look all embarrassed.  It's adorable and endearing at the same time.

We love you so much and can't remember a time a little over a year and a half ago when you weren't with us.  Happy 18 months!

xoxo