McKenzie | 16 Months |

Dear McKenzie,
Happy 16 Months!!  This month has been so much fun!  You are growing up and becoming more of a toddler each day.  You are inquisitive about the world you live in and work hard to figure everything out! You laugh from your toes, which makes me laugh even harder! You are sweet and caring! If someone is upset, you know it and come hug them! You give kisses freely and are the sweetest!
Each month gets better and better!  We are so blessed to have you as our daughter.
Here are your stats for the month:
Weight: 23 lbs - 75th percentile
Height: 32 inches - 90th percentile!  Where did that come from!?
Both Dad and I were shocked at your stats!  Everyone always tells us how small you are, but according to the charts, you actually aren't!  Keep growing strong!
Clothing Size:You are officially in 18 month clothing.  I have a feeling that you will be in this size for some time!
In clothing news, you have so many cute Fall clothes!  I loved your summer clothes, but feel like I've seen you in all of them...multiple times!  I am ready to throw new outfits in the mix!  And Fall clothing is just so cute!
What's Happening:
Toddler Bed
We've transitioned you to a toddler bed!   You can read all about it here! You are doing incredible with it! You still haven't realized that you can get out of it on your own and we are okay with that!  You have however, figured out how to get in a out of it.  The other night, Dad and I were talking, when we looked back into your room, you had climbed into your bed with a book and were reading.  It made us both stop and realize just how big you are getting!
You love when other people try to fit in your bed with you!  You don't require anyone to sleep with you...thank goodness...but love when people will lay there with you during the day!   A- Ra (your Aunt Jessica), jumped in to bed with you and pretended like she was sleeping.  You giggled and then snuggled right up with her!

First CircusYou went to the Circus and loved every minute of it!  There were circus dogs as part of the show.  Those were, by far, your favorite part!  You saw them backstage when the curtain opened and kept pointing and yelling "dog-dog!".  There were 3 acts before their segment and you kept calling for them!  It was so cute and you were so excited!
Favorite Thing
Your favorite thing this month is being outside!  You'd spend all day outside if we'd let you!  At daycare, you get to ride in a wagon with Ms. Jen each day.  You walk with her to drop off and pick up the boys from school.  You love the wagon and want to spend all of your time in it! Most days, there is a slight melt down when we have to leave, because you would rather stay and climb in and out of the wagon.
Playing like a ToddlerI know that you are becoming more independent each day, but you are truly playing like a toddler these days.   I stopped and just stared at you one day when I came to pick you up from daycare.  Instead of wandering around the yard, playing on a blanket, or climbing in and out of the wagon, you were in the playhouse with the other kids.  My heart actually sank for a minute!  My little baby is now actually  playing and interacting the way the older kids at daycare do!  It was such a happy and sad moment!    So fun though to see you getting so big!
WordsYou have a few new words this month!  Dad calls our German Shepherd (Kemo), Bubba.  I'm not sure why.  He just started referring to him that way one day.  Well, you now call him Bubba too!  It's kind of embarrassing that one of your first words is Bubba, but so cute that you call for him!   When we make you do something that you don't want to do (like change your diaper), you call for him!  It's adorable.   He always comes running to your rescue!
You also say Bye as you wave goodbye to people!  You say Up as well, when you want us to pick you up! You say other words here are there, but these are new ones that you use consistently!
When you aren't using your words, you have finally started using sign language!    You will show me the sign for More, when you want more food!  It's so nice that you can communicate with us, even without words!
Songs
We have always sang songs to you, but this month you have become more interactive! You love The Wheels on the Bus and If You're Happy and You Know It!  You will swish the wiper blades, clap your hands and stomp your feet.   On our card rides home, if you want me to sing the songs to you, you clap your hands for me.  I start singing, you follow along with your charades and we laugh and laugh!  Love it!

EatingYou have become a picky eater recently, but still eat fairly well.  You are eating more than most toddlers your age, but your appetite on previous months would always include second helpings and shoveling the food in your mouth as quickly as possible.  Some days now you don't eat as much and other's you do.  We may have to try a few different items, but you definitely still eat!  Your favorite food is avocado and guacamole! See the picture below!
This month, you have started using your booster seat at the table, instead of your high chair!  It's nice to officially have you at the table with us!  You think you are so big now!

Temper Tantrums
The temper tantrums have been getting better this month, but that doesn't mean that they are completely gone!  Most of your tantrums revolve around not being able to go outside or having to come in from outside. Life just isn't fair, is it!?
Please take note of what is in her hand in the picture below!  Still loving her little sandals!  We have since hidden them from her because she would truly wear them every day if she could!

McKenzie, you are so much fun!  You make us laugh so hard!  Our family is now complete with you and we love how exciting you make our days!
I can't wait to head into the Fall and the holidays with you!  They will be even more special this year!
We love you more than there are stars in the sky!
Love,
Mom and Dad