Eden Amelia is 18 Months Old!

Today, August 23, was Eden's half birthday!  It's been a while since I've done an Eden update so I'm hoping I can squeeze everything in that I want to share with you all.

Words, pictures and short little videos cannot really express what a joy Eden is right now.  For those of you who have the privilege of interacting with her know that she is just so much fun and the cutest thing ever.  Not to say that parenting her isn't without its challenges because she does continue to be whiny and clingy at times, disliking sleep with a passion, and generally, just a toddler (tantrums, etc.).  But the good definitely outweighs the bad and when I can keep a level head about things (a.k.a. when I get adequate sleep), life is pretty great.  Some particularly cute things she does right now are say "cheese" anytime she sees an iPhone and wants her picture taken, scrunch her nose up in a cute little face, say "wee" anytime she's rocking in her rocking chair or some other fun activity, say "please" in the most adorable way, bark anytime she hears or sees a dog, and pat her baby dolls (or anything really) and say "shhh."  I'm sure there are many more but that's all I can think of for now.  Her language has exploded in the last two months and she has a vocabulary of about 25 words.  In addition to exclamations like "wee," "uh oh," and "ow," she says Mommy, Daddy, Nanny, Poppy, Nana, Pop, Mallory, Ollie (my parents' dog), teeth, night night, cheese, yummy, hi, hello (which sounds more like "o"), bye, eyes, shoes, owl, pee pee, tattoo, ball, baby, please, trash, and bug.  She can sign "more" and "all done."

She's very bright and does little things that amaze me and Jeff.  She notices every little detail and is not easily tricked.  She loves to sing and dance.  She continues to dislike riding in the car but does okay if I sing to her.  We have quite the repertoire of songs.  Her favorites currently are "Wheels on the Bus," "The ABC song," and "Old McDonald Had a Farm" where she joins in and says "e-i-e-i-o."  She also continues to thoroughly enjoy being read to.  Her current favorite books are "Pajama Time" by Sandra Boynton and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.  She also continues to love "100 First Words" and "Peek-a-Who?"

Eden had her 18 month checkup at the doctor on Friday and other than a few little skin issues, she is super healthy.  She is in the 50th percentile for weight and height at 24 1/2 pounds and 31 1/2 inches respectively.  Her head circumference is 19 1/2 inches which is greater than 97th percentile.  Apparently this would be concerning if there wasn't a family history of huge heads but Jeff and I both have pretty big noggins, especially Jeff.  LOL.

I have lots of pictures to share since I haven't done a picture update in several months.  (They are in no particular order because Blogger hates me).  Enjoy!

Eden at her 18 month check-up the other day!

Being silly looking at Mommy through the window!

Eden and her great-grandma, "Hootie"

Looking at Daddy out the window this time. Pretty girl.

Saying "cheese" while holding both of her baby dolls.

Hanging out in the doggie bed.

We had fun playing with Brianna and her puppy, Shadow!

Painting with water.

Riding the horsey at Nanny's house.

Playing on a playground in Harrisonburg.

Sitting with her friend, Aubrey.

Visiting her great, great aunt, Marjorie, for the last time.

Selfie with Aunt Marjorie.

Giving kisses to Hootie.

Sitting in her little rocking chair.

Saying cheese while looking adorable all ready for bed.

Trying on a hat at Aunt Marjorie's house.

Riding on Daddy's shoulders at Target.

Wearing her ladybug bikini.

Hanging out on the steps at our friend's pool.

Playdate with friends, Aubrey and Xander.

Sitting with cousins Karly and Mallory.

This is quite possibly the cutest picture I've ever seen.  I can't get over her smile and her hands.