18 months.

Earlier this week, Emma turned 18 months!  We go in for her 18 month appointment later today, and tomorrow our friend Chris will take some photos of her.  Every month and every stage we say this, but I will say it again...  This is the funnest stage yet!! 

 

We taught her how to gallop, so that has been the preferred method of movement around the Gordon home for the last week, and let me tell you, my calves are sore!  She has really started to talk.  She can even sing!  When I rock her to sleep I have the same 3-4 songs I sing after story time, and she now sings along with me.  Only a few words are real clear, but it is the cutest.  She looks up at me and giggles from time to time during song.  She has a new favorite show, The Fresh Beat Band.  She gets to watch it once when she wakes up and again after nap time.  She will say Fresh Beat when she sees their logo, and then goes crazy into her mad dance moves when their opening song comes on.  She loves to jump, she loves to hug, and she really loves cheese.  She and her friend Seger are a crack up together.  They run around holding hands, they dance together holding hands, and go crazy every time they get together with big waves and greeting hugs.  She still enjoys music class (when we get to go), but does not enjoy sitting still.  Ever.  Definitely has a little bit of mom there.  Emma loves to play dress up.  She loves to put on her pretty necklaces and tutu's.  She also likes putting coins in her piggy bank.  We will empty it out a couple times a day so she can put them back in.  She is really into fasteners of all kinds.  Whenever she gets out of a high chair or stroller, she immediately turns around to fasten the fasteners back together.  She gets a little frustrated with zippers and snaps.  She knows how to do it, but can't quite get her fingers to cooperate.  She is also getting really good at puzzles and gets quite creative with her legos.  Emma is definitely a girl in the ways of play and fashion, but I love her independent attitude.  She likes girly things, but she really loves to do things on her own, and to be silly.  I really hope she keeps that. 

 

This little mama has been busy at work to help with the expenses of infertility.  This process has required a lot of time off for appointments and procedures, with the additional costs of appointments and procedures, so we are playing the catch up game right now.  Also, I did a great job at procrastinating all year, so all of my free time has been spent on professional portfolio's and continuing education.  What I was reminded of Monday while casting my ballot to vote, was what a privilege it is to be able to work.  It's hard to imagine what it was like for women before we had that right to vote, to have an education, and to have an equal opportunity in the workplace. I pray that our economy finds strength and jobs are created for those who are struggling.  My goal is to constantly be grateful to have the opportunity to work, in a field I love no less, and to do this with a smile to set a positive example for my daughter.  My wish for her is that in 18 years, she has the same desires she has at 18 months...  to learn, to be independent, and to seek opportunities to be happy and make others happy.