Talk, Talk, Talking!

Allie is my little chatter box and I just love it. She says so many words now that I can't even count. But, I thought I should do a post with a few of my favorite words/sayings so that I don't forget. Here the are:

--Here you go. (When she shares a toy with you.)

--Oh boy!

--She can count to seven by herself and up to ten with a little help.

--Where'd he/she/it go?

--Shoes.

--Biiiiig poop! (It's time to start potty training!)

--Yellow.

--No way. (The first time she said this I said, Allie can mommy have a hug? Her response, NO WAY! Nice.)

--Bless you. (After I sneeze.)

--Thank you.

I downloaded some old photos and found these from about a month ago. Allie woke up from her nap with some outfit issues. Not sure what happened, but she was not happy!

1.5, 18, 78, 548

1.5 years, 18 months, 78 weeks, 548 days. That is how long Allie has been a part of our family. When I think about it in those terms, it seems like a long time. But, it feels like it's been just a blink of an eye. I can't believe our "baby" is already a year and a half!

We had her check ups today and our girl is healthy! In Canada I take Allie to the doctor to get checked out for the more physical check up and then to the public health nurses for the shots and the developmental check up. Allie's stats are:

Weight: 26 lbs (75%)

Height: 32.5 inches (75%)

Head: 18.7 inches (75%)

Both the dr. and public health nurses were very happy that her percents where all in line, which they say is just perfect. Both also commented that Allie is way ahead of the curve with her talking. I had a feeling since the girl never stops talking and is already putting multiple words together, but it is nice to hear nonetheless!

At 18 months Allie:

-Loves, loves, loves to talk and I so love that I can finally understand most everything she says. This is such a fun age!

-Understands possession. She loves to say "my nuk", "my dada", "mama shoes", "Bella ball".

-Loves to explore. She is a very confident little girl and isn't afraid to venture away from her mama if something catches her eye. I love that she is so curious, but we have to keep our eyes on her at all times, or she might wander off.

-Loves to dance. Her idea of dancing is stomping her feet and then twirling in circles.

-Is extremely social and friendly. Loves to say hi and bye to anyone she encounters throughout the day.

-Loves pools, lakes, and baths in her tub. HATES showers.

-Is a dada's girl. Usually if dada is around, she prefers to be with him. I don't mind though because it just melts my heart to watch Dan with her. There is something VERY special about the father/daughter relationship.

-Is not a girly girl. She much prefers balls and dump trucks to baby dolls. Too bad she has a mom that loves to put her in dresses and bows. Luckily she tolerates both very well! :)

-Loves books and is now at the stage where she will "read" to me. :)

-Can eat fairly well with a fork and spoon, unless she gets distracted, then it is a big mess.

Happy 18 months Allie! We love you and are so thankful for you!

Vacation

We just got back from two weeks in the States. The first week was spent up at Love Lake at my parents' cabin in northern Wisconsin and the second week was spent at Dead Lake with Dan's family. We wrapped up the vacation by going to the Twins game with friends and family for Dan's birthday. It was a WONDERFUL vacation.

When Allie and I arrived at Love Lake on the 4th of July, we saw the damage that the tornados had done. Thankfully nobody at Love Lake was hurt, but I was shocked by all the trees that were down. We had to survive a number of days with no power, and I think we did a pretty good job of "roughing it".

Our driveway.

My uncle Art's cabin. (Our cabin was fine).

The "old" staircase down to the lake.

Isn't it amazing what can survive untouched in storms of this magnitude? Thanks Uncle John for the photos.

The storm didn't damage the world's most beautiful view!

From the cabin.

From the dock.

Boat ride with popi!

She figured out how to make it go faster.

Trying to beep the horn, but it isn't in the same place as on her "car" at home.

Allie loved the water!

Swimming with popi! Allie would have walked straight into the water, over her head if popi would have let her. She has NO fear.

It was a great day when daddy got to Love Lake. Then Allie could swim in the water WITH her dada! Notice the necklace she is wearing. Allie always likes to look her best! :)

One of Love Lake's loons, or ducks as Allie called them. Close enough.

We then headed over to Dead Lake, near Perham, MN where Dan's family rents a cabin every year with the same families. This year there were 16 kids under the age of 10! It was busy, but so fun!

Allie and her cousin Gavin. She was upset she didn't have her own animal crackers!

Luckily dada got her some and took a break to have a snack with her.

Allie's buddy Gabby. What a cutie!

Allie and Gavin playing on the golf cart. Could they be any cuter?

Allie went in for a kiss.

Gavin wasn't having it.

Then Allie was trying to play peek a boo. I had to tell her to concentrate on the road.

Allie is definitely her dad's daughter. She reached in with bare hands to grab little minnows and loved to play with them. Not my idea of a good time! :)

And, again the next day she was fascinated!

Here they are playing with the rocket the boys brought up. She referred to Brennan and Gavin as "the boys" the entire week and continues to ask for them.

You can see the "rocket" in the left behind Gavin.

Our little Twins fan!

Allie LOVES Aunt Deanna.

And playing with Uncle Dave.

Allie and Nana

We went into the town of Perham to participate in the "International Turtle Races". I'm happy to report that Allie was the international participant that day, coming all the way from Canada.

Waiting to get her turtle.

Let's just say that Allie did not love the turtles like she loved the minnows. Luckily her turtle did not win, so she was only forced to race one time.

Brennan didn't race a turtle, but he did get to jump around in a big bounce house.

Allie loves her cousin!



Here is our attempt to get a picture of Barb with all her grandkids.

Dead Lake was so much fun and we were sad for our vacation to come to an end. But, we did get to go to the Twins game the next night, on Dan's birthday. We figured that since we had to sell all of our season tickets since we live in Canada, and because this was the only game we could go to all year, that we would get a suite and invite both sides of our families and some friends to come with us. The Twins won and I think this was one of the best birthdays Dan has ever had!

Barb, Dan, Lisa, Ken, and Ryan

It was so humid my camera lens kept fogging up.

Mary, Sarah, Tim, John, and Josiah.

Mitch, Cassie, and Dan.

Deanna, Ryan, Allison, and Jeff.

Josiah had a lot of fun.

Everyone enjoyed the view.

We were also able to squeeze in a quick celebration of Dan's birthday with my side of the family since Tim and Sarah flew in from Chicago for the game.

Dan and two of his favorite girls, Allie and Mercy.

The birthday crown that Mercy remembered to get for Uncle Dan. She even matched it to his shirt!

Oops, Allie ended up with it!

Helping dada with the candles!

It was a great vacation, but it was nice to come home and see Bella. It is always a good sign when you are happy to get home!