20 Months!

George and Clara are 20 months old.  We are four months away from two years and I am now wishing for time to stop for a little while.  When they were tiny, there were so many days that I wished away waiting for them to hit that next milestone.  Now I adore the toddler stage, tantrums and all.  They are incredibly fun to be around.  I can only imagine it gets better as they are able to communicate more, but right now I want these two monkeys to just freeze in time so I can soak it all in before they get an inch bigger.  My little loves....

John and I counted their words the other day and we think they both use about 20 words functionally at home.  They have said more words but don't use them consistently.  As soon as one masters a word, the other one picks it up quickly.  Monkey see monkey do!  In public, George is practically mute.  I guess he is either not confident about it or has that shy gene his Dad had as a kid.  Clara will say a few words around others but doesn't seem too confident either.  Now George is starting to connect pictures in books to real life.  The other night as I was taking George out of the car after having dinner with Grammy and Pop-pop (this is what we call Grandpa Quinn now), he pointed to the sky and said, "Moon!"  It was awesome.  George likes to sing too.  From Old McDonald, he has E-I-E-I-OOOO down.  He also "sings" along with music on the radio.  Clara is still our little dancer, busting a move any chance she gets.  I love glancing back in the rear view mirror to see her bopping along to the radio on car rides. George seems to be grasping the concept of counting.  He doesn't say the numbers correctly yet, but will make noises with you while you count for him.  Such a smarty pants!  George is more of a chatterbox then Clara which is a surprise to Daddy and I.

George and Clara are both very interested in the potty these days.  I knew potty training was right around the corner but I am so not prepared for it!  The both can say "peepee" and "poopoo."  They let me know when they want their diapers changed and sometimes even go into the bathroom saying, "peepee."  They are giving me all the signs that I should get started so I suppose I should buy the potty seats.  Oh Lordy!  Another thing to tackle!

One of my least favorite things this month is the climbing!  They climb up on everything now.  I used to be able to turn my back on them for a minute and not worry.  Now I am petrified that they are going to climb up on something and fall off.  I have to remember this too will pass!  One of my favorite moments this month was when I asked George if he had a stinky diaper.  Clara walked over to George pulled out the back of his shorts, looked in his diaper, looked up at me, and said no.  Just like Mommy would do!  Silly girl!