19 Months!

Who knew by 19 months that we would have such a big helper on our hands. We knew Riley loved to help cook, but clean...seriously...what a surprise...especially for a girl who loves to clear shelves and dump out her toys. Tonight, we finally gave in and handed over the mop...honestly...we are not abusing child labor laws...Riley was quite persistent about taking over. She had a ball...and even cried when it was time for the mop to be put away at bedtime.


Her teachers at daycare even tell us how much she loves to help them out. When one of the other children are getting their diaper changed, Riley will run over and say "baby, baby" and they know she wants a wipey too, so she can clean the baby dolls. And that is exactly what she does...she will go to the bin of baby dolls and wipe them clean. Tonight JD walked in and Riley was even helping Miss Michelle wipe down some toys. Mmmmm...should we start a chore list now???? I think we will just count our blessings for such a sweet helper. After all, it won't be long before her little brother arrives and we will need all of the help we can get!

What else is happening in the world of our little Sweet Pea who is well on her path to the big 2 year mark??? Riley is:

• Making connections with language and actions. For example, if we sing a nursery rhyme, she will find the corresponding page in the book for the rhyme.
• Feeding herself with a fork and spoon, but still will dive in with her hands from time to time. She has quite a good appetite and is getting better at trying new things. She even ate salad for the first time this week.
• Running, running, and running everywhere...so full of energy.
• Not only good at throwing balls, but has learned to kick a ball too.
• Thankfully outgrowing the "no" phase that she was into last month.
• Learning to help put her clothes on each morning and take them off at bathtime.
• Crazy about splashes of cold water on her at the end of her warm bath...she squeals with excitement.
• Obsessed about brushing her teeth as a family. Her toothbrush is now in our bathroom and she will run to the bathroom and open both Mommy's and Daddy's drawers and help get out what we need. Riley now has 12 teeth plus all 4 cuspids are cutting through.
• Obsessed with coloring...This is her all time favorite activity!
• Obsessed with music and dancing. She especially loves all of the famous children's songs. Some of her newest favorites...Barney's "I Love You" and "I'm a Little Teapot".
• Obsessed with grapes!

Obsessive is a good word to describe Riley right now. She definitely thrives on routine, but she truly has quite an obsessive nature about soooo many things. She likes to drink from the same cups all of the time...and don't try and trick her with putting milk in a cup when she has asked for "ju, ju" (juice). She will ask for the same songs over and over, especially when in the car. And the biggest obsession of all..."da, da"...the girly loves, loves, loves her Daddy!

Riley is simply amazing! We love sharing the excitement of life through her eyes!