Copy cat

Mallory turned 18 months old yesterday. I was inspired by my sister (who has done a MUCH better job at this than me) to write a little update on what she's doing. So, here is a summary of our Mallory at 18 months!

*She copies EVERYTHING we say (and do). On the way home from the doctor Monday morning, I was talking to my mom on the phone. Mallory repeated practically everything that I said right after I said it. Funny, but scary what she picks up. I guess we have trained her to be a polite little girl. When she is playing, she'll come over to us, hand us a toy and say "Tank you!" before we say it to her. Here's a little video of what she learned after daddy sneezed during breakfast this morning. She literally saw Brad sneeze, did the motions herself and added the "ah-choo" without any prompting. Of course, to get it on video, I had to prompt her a little bit...

*She is really into accessories. Nearly sometime every day, she wants her shoes on (with her footed Pjs), a bow in her hair and "beads!" This afternoon after her nap, she saw her shirt that she wore to bed last night. She brought it to Brad and basically (in her own little language) asked him to put it on her. So, he did, and she didn't match for the rest of the day. I don't know if I'm ready for that yet!

*She loves "manya" (bananas), cheese, turkey, peas, water, "shish" (goldfish) and any kind of fruit. Actually, she loves any food (almost) and that is a real blessing!

*Books are probably her favorite toy. She could read (and re-read) all of the books in the basket all day long. And, she wants to sit in your lap to do it. Pretty sweet, but there isn't much room anymore, so she squirms around until she gets comfortable. She also loves puzzles, and is pretty good at them.

*She loves our dog, but unfortunately, he still isn't too fond of her. When Connor barks, she goes to the back door and says his name followed by "Hiiiii!". When we bring him in while she is awake (doesn't happen often since he's basically afraid of her), they just go in circles around the house. She runs after him and he runs away from her!

*She doesn't like to have her hair messed with (I think I've given up on the pig tails, she cries every time still). But, she does love to pick out her bow for the day!

*She is getting a little more maternal. She walks by Morgan's room and says (again, in her own language) "Morgan's room!" She knows Morgan is in my belly and will hug/kiss it. Last night she was holding her baby doll on her hip and tonight she "rocked" it...and then promptly threw it on the floor to play with something else!

Basically, she is smart, cute and a whole lot of fun right now. I think this may be my favorite stage with her (at least until Morgan gets here!). We just sit on the couch and let her entertain us at night. I've been a little sad that the time with just Mallory and Mommy is ending. I've really enjoyed watching her grow and learn all sorts of things. I know it will be different, but I hope that I can enjoy all of it with Morgan just as much. Life with 2 kids is going to be interesting!

**Speaking of 2 kids...as of Monday, I am dilated to a 3 and now we are just in the waiting game. My doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if I had her this week. It's now Thursday and nothing has happened, so we'll see when Morgan will make her appearance!**