Love Notes: 15 Months

Dear Helen Claire,

You are a 15 month old who is turning into such a big girl. You are growing everyday, and we took you to your 15 month check up to see just how much you really have grown. You weigh a full 20 pounds now and you are 30 inches tall.... you are such a little lady! That is in the lower percentiles for both height and weight (both are around 20th percentile), but it is growth for you, and we are so thankful!

All of the sudden your 12 month clothes did not fit, and now I know why. You are wearing 18 month clothes now and still in size 4 diapers and shoes.

You continue to be a good eater, but you prefer snacky foods over real food now. Don't worry, I am going to keep giving you fruits, veggies and protein, and I think we'll get through this little stage. Honestly, I think there is just too much energy in that little body for you to sit still and eat. You would rather grab a bite of a snack ( a cheerio or a goldfish) and keep on going! This picture is blurry, but just look how mad you get when you have to be strapped in your high chair.

You are much happier feeding yourself, so we let you try cereal and yogurt on your own a few days ago. It was a mess, but you were one happy girl. You have a fierce sense of independence lately, and we know that is your job as a toddler right now. You are trying to figure out boundaries and learn how things work, and we are trying to help you do just that.

You have moved up to the toddler room and have been there almost a month. Your teachers, Mrs. Jessica and Mrs. Michelle, tell us that you are doing really well. They say you are friendly and sociable and have adapted well to the new room. They say that they really love you and love having you in their class. Before I drop you off everyday, we pray for you and talk about how Jesus is always with you and you are never alone, because you have been a little sad when I leave you in the mornings. I always tell you that just like the Llama Mama comes back to get Little Llama at the end of the day in our book, I will come back to get you. I tell you to mind your teachers and show God's love, and I ask Jesus to protect you everyday.

You have always been a daddy's girl, but this month you have been a mini me. You are my little shadow lately, and you hang onto my pants leg and walk wherever I walk. You help me wash dishes in the kitchen and get your own little bowl of soapy water. You also have your very own cabinet in the kitchen where you play with tupperware and your little dishes.


Ever since moving up to the toddler room, you seem so much bigger. It seems like you grew up overnight. Mrs. Mickey and I (she was your teacher in the baby room) were talking the other day about your hair, and your shoes and how much you are walking and running now. It is the highlight of your day if you get to see Mrs. Mickey or Miss Lindsey from your old class. You still love them so much and will give them big hugs and kisses.

We were out of school and work for Labor Day, and we let you use color crayons for the first time at home. That was a big day for you, sweet girl! We found out that you love to color!

You will color for as long as 20 minutes, just working away, busy as can be. Now, you know where we keep the color crayons and you will point to the mantle and sign "please."

You also decided to pretend to be a dog on our day off. Look how silly you were- you were getting in Jordan's bed and you thought you were so funny!

You also love to play with sidewalk chalk now. We tried that after the color crayons and figured they would be a hit. We were right. You will stand at your baby gate, signing "please" to go outside just so you can chalk. It keeps you very entertained.


We have been trying to play more games with you, especially after supper. We play "I'm gonna get you," where we chase you, and you love that. We color or "march" to music, which you also love. You have a fun, playful personality, and you have become very expressive. You say "whoa," and make a little "o" shape with your mouth. It is hillarious!

At school, you read "Brown Bear, Brown Bear." We have it at home too, and you love to tell us what the fish does and make a fish face.

Then you put your finger over your mouth like you are saying "shh." That is what the teacher does.

If we ask you what the children do or get to that page in the book, you raise your hand.

You are learning so much everyday, and we have to be careful with what we do and say because you are definitely soaking it all in!

I took some new videos of you, trying to capture your "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" impersonation and some other fun stuff you are doing.





We love you so much, sweet little Helen Claire. Happy 15 months!




Love,

Mommy and Daddy