Anna Claire is 15 Months!

Some days I can't believe that Anna Claire is 15 months, and others I can't believe that she's only 15 months. She is definitely my wild, strong-willed child. But, she also is so so sweet when she wants to be. She absolutely cracks me up!! Her little quirks and mannerisms make me smile every single day. She absolutely adores her big sister and tries to do anything and everything that Ella does. She is a climber!!!! Anytime I leave her with a new person (at church), they always comment when I pick her up how much she loves to climb. All I can say is, "Yep!". Our house is pretty 'Anna Claire-proofed', so I don't really worry about her here. She has free reign off most of the rooms (those that she's not supposed to go in have closed doors), and it's all safe...but when we go somewhere else, I have to watch her closely. We walked into Mimi's sun room not too long ago and she was standing on top on the breakfast table out there. She just laughed and tried it again when we took her down.

She loves to talk! I think she's just trying to out-do her sister. :) I understand about 80% of what she says, and she is adding new words everyday. I'm sure I will miss MANY words, but here is the list (as far as I can remember): Mama, Dada, Sissy, Ella, Grizzy, Cat, Dog, Meow, Woof, Tweet, Bye, Hi, Bottle, Num Num (for snack), Cracker, Juice, Done, Thank you, Please, Yaya, Deebo, Mimi, Baby, Pa (for Paci), Blankie (although this is her own word - I just know what she's talking about), WoooPig, Nearly all the animal noises, Shoe, Diaper, Waffle ...I know there are a few more, but these are the words she uses most often. She nods her head yes and no, and when she nods yes, it's this very slow and concentrated nod - hilarious. She can point to all of her body parts, and names them as well. I feel like she's a lot faster on talking than Ella was - which isn't unusual for siblings - they've got great teachers and have to keep up with them!

She is a great eater and doesn't miss many meals. She loves to eat!! She's not overly picky, but still prefers meat and bread to veggies, and will still eat most fruit. She really likes yogurt and jello (which her sister still won't touch), and is using her fork very well. Again, I don't remember Ella doing so well with her fork at this age, but it wasn't something I kept a close watch on, so I really can't compare the two. We have started peanut butter (yes, we talked to her doc first) and she is a HUGE fan! She will also eat PB&J sandwiches! YAY! Dr. Ledbetter suggested that we try Almond Milk after discussing all her 'poop issues' with whole milk and still a lot of issues with the soy. Almond milk is fantastic!!! She has had SOLID poop since the day we started using it!!!! I really can't say when the last time she had consistent solid poop...maybe never. She loves it too - even without chocolate! She does fine with yogurt and cheese, so I don't think she has a milk allergy, but I think she's extremely intolerant of drinking milk - that is, until we tried almond milk. (Only a mom would get so excited about solid poop...it really is the little things). She is drinking between 10-15 ounces of milk a day. 5 at morning and night, and maybe another 5 during the day. It usually depends on if she is awake to eat lunch. If she's awake, then she doesn't usually drink that extra 5 ounces, if she's asleep, then she gets the extra 5, since she missed lunch. She eats a big snack once or twice a day, and drinks [watered-down] juice or water during the day and with meals. She does seem to enjoy OJ as much as Ella did/does, but since she will drink 'plain' (not chocolate) milk, then I'm still giving that to her in the mornings. She does still get her morning and night-time milk in a bottle. (Don't judge...Ella did too and she's just fine). Dr. L didn't seem to care as long as she is bottle-free by 18 months...and she will be. :)

I can't complain about her sleeping habits. I train my kids well! :) She goes to bed between 8 and 8:30 at night (occasionally 9 if she's taken a late nap, but 8 is average). If she is allowed to sleep as long as she wants, then she will sleep until 8:30ish (give or take 30 min). On occasion, she will wake up around 6:00. If she does, then she gets a bottle and goes back to sleep...and she sleeps until at least 9:00. On school days, she gets up at 7:00. She may nap mid-morning (not a long nap - at home is about an hour, at school, about 30 min), but goes down for her 'big' nap between 12 and 1:00. She's been sleeping for a good 3 hours - sometimes 4. I don't usually let her sleep more than 4 hours. She plays very hard when she's awake, so she sleeps well when it's time. She is a lighter sleeper, and is pretty dependant on her noise machine. I have figured out other 'alternatives' if we don't happen to be at home, but she doesn't like to sleep in silence.

She is a terrible car rider! Movies only work for a very limited time. I try to plan 'long-distance' trips (longer than 1 hour) around naps, but she doesn't nap well in the car, so it only works for about an hour. I am pretty sure it's being restrained in her seat that she hates so much, because she doesn't enjoy going around town any more/less than she does longer trips. I am hoping she grows out of this very soon. We try not to take her anywhere that she will have to be in her seat for very long...but it's not always possible.

She's still not all that interested in tv (which isn't a bad thing - other than it's nice to be able to offer a distraction every now and then). I have discovered one Barney movie that she will watch 75% of. They sing just about the entire time, which is why she likes it. She will also watch the Cedarmont Kids movies (Toddler Tunes, Bible Songs, Action Bible Songs). She really likes these. They aren't very interesting, it's just [real] kids singing their songs in their 1980's attire, but kids sure do love it! She will even do some of the motions to the songs! She's always loved music, and I don't think that is going to go away...maybe she will get a voice like her Auntie Lisa!

I took her in for her 15 month check-up and shots today. I have to say, I was a little shocked by her weight, I just knew she weighed 4-5 pounds more...she seems so much heavier to me! Her weight was 22 pounds 13 ounces (50%), height was 31 inches (68%), and head circumference was 18 inches (45%). She was given a clean bill of health and is up to date on her shots (other than yearly flu - which she got today) until she's 4!

Anna Claire is my hilarious little ham and our family just wouldn't be 'right' without her in it! I can't wait to see what the future holds and to watch how she develops into a big sister!