21 Months!

Talking! Talking! Talking!  Their speech keeps growing and growing.  It is so fun to see their excitement when they say a new word.  It is unbelievable how many words they have added to their vocabulary this month.  Some new words include: Bailey, puppy, happy, radio, dump truck, digger, turtle, Hippo, book, up, bubble, Jay (more like Uncle Gee!), teeth, bath, yum yum, baby, bye bye, tick tock, jump, hat, hot, pool, milk and the list goes on.  I bet tomorrow they will add three more words!  It's amazing!

They are both becoming very strong willed little individuals with their most favorite word being, "No!" They want to explore on their own, read on their own, and play on their own.  There are many days that Mommy gets pushed out of the room and gets the door closed in her face so the two monkeys can play alone.  They are both going up and down the stairs independently and I will even let them stay upstairs by themselves for a few minutes to play before I head up there to supervise.  At first I was a little sad that I am not as needed anymore, but it really is a testament to their growth into little people. They are also both able to follow two step directions now.  For example I asked George to pick up the napkin and put it in the trash.  He did it right away with a smile on his face.  Clara can do the same.  Such good listeners...most of the time. :)

George is a professional jumper these days.  He acquired this skill during his summer kindermusik creature camp and now he loves to jump.  George can definitely get some space between him and the floor.  He is also working on his throwing arm.  George can throw pretty far but his aim is still off which means if you come over you better have quick reflexes! Right now he loves any type of ball play.

Clara is becoming more and more social (if that is possible).  We go to a lot of play dates with our KAMOM group and many times there are new people there.  Clara goes over to them and says, "Up" so they will pick her up.  Once they have her in their arms, she gives them that trademark smile with those big honey colored eyes and the new person (usually a Mommy who is trying to keep an eye on her own kiddos) doesn't want to put her down.  We have to watch out for this one!  Clara, the helper, has also turned into Mommy's right hand man.  If I ask her to "help" me with anything, she runs over eager to lend a hand.  It is very sweet to watch because she is proud of herself when she completes whatever task I've asked her to do.  This is also a great way for Mommy to distract her from something she shouldn't be doing.

Some of my favorite things this month include Clara and George feeding their loveys Dolly and Maggot (yes his lovey is named Maggot...I will write a post about this later) yogurt melts at breakfast in the morning complete with the "Num-num-num" as they put the food to the lovey's mouth.  Sweet!  Recently Clara wanted to call Daddy while he was at work.  She wanted to hold my phone while he was on the speaker.  When I dial John, his picture pops up on the screen of the phone.  While they were "talking," Clara put the phone down on the table, put her hands out, and said, "Daddy up!"  Apparently she wanted Daddy to pick her up through the phone.  Silly girl! One day Clara was throwing a typical toddler fit in our foyer.  George and I were waiting her out on the stairs.  I turned to George and asked, "Should I go get her?" His response, "No." I asked, "Should I leave her down there?" His response, "Yes."  Smart little man!