16 Months

It's time for another monthly update. Seeing as how it gets later and later when I actually write these, I keep thinking I should just do something different. Then I start going through pictures from the month and immediately change my mind!

So here's a look back at January...
It was cold, as in bitterly cold. No fear though, we were prepared.

Doesn't she look thrilled?

Mom's hat will keep me warm

There were a couple nice days when we made it outside. 

Much happier here

Kylie is pretty good at helping pick up her toys. In fact, she is actually quite organized making sure everything is not just put away, but in the correct spot. 

Kylie had help from a new tooth (#5) as she practiced eating with utensils.

The big change in nutrition this month came as we finished nursing. My goal had always been to make it a year, so when we surpassed that by four months I felt very fulfilled and thankful. We had only been nursing once in the morning and once at night since about 13 months. Then in the past few weeks she self-weaned from her bedtime feeding first, and soon after the morning feeding. It was a smoother transition than I ever imagined! And while there were a couple difficult times in the early days of nursing, I am so glad we stuck with it. There were also many, many, many hours spent both with my girl and pumping to provide the best for her while I was away. In fact, our stockpile has actually outlasted nursing! I am a strong believer in doing whatever works best for your family, and not judging others or making comparisons. With that said, I am so grateful for the special bond we've had this past 16 months. It is sort of a strange freedom now that she is no longer dependent solely on me. 

Kylie's thoughts on her handmade orange juice

Kylie continues expanding her vocabulary, though for some reason she refers to everyone as "dada." She can also randomly whistle, which I didn't give much thought to until our daycare provider inquired about it one day. It was then I realized how often she actually does whistle. And of course, she loves to laugh!