Audrey is growing, healthy and happy. Every day she learns something new... usually from her big sis. Kristen loves teaching Audrey new things.... sometimes the concept is a little over Audrey's head, but it is still cute. This month Audrey has learned the words (or phrases) "high five," "up high" and "down low." This is a game Kristen throughly enjoys and the two girls giggle and smile while having fun with each other. I love it.
Audrey comprehends a lot of words. I don't think I could list them all here. She has said the following words out loud: Momma, Dadda, more, ball, up, and night-night. Audrey has also learned several signs. She wakes up in the morning, cries out for Momma and immediately starts signing for milk. She signs "more" quite often, especially if Momma or Kristen is eating fruit. When she is tired of sitting in her booster seat, Audrey will sign "all done" or "up" and sometimes she pairs it with "please." She waves "bye- bye" and "night night." She bounces her whole body up and down with enthusiasm for "yes." And of course, if she doesn't like something, she shakes her head for "no" (SOMEHOW she figured this one out even though we did not intentionally teach her!..)
Audrey enjoys reading books. She makes grunting sounds and smiles at the pictures. Cody the coyote is her current favorite. (Thanks, Mimi. Great birthday present for both of the girls to enjoy!) Audrey likes turning the pages much faster than Momma can read. This makes for trouble since Kristen wants to hear every single word of the book read and she KNOWS when you are skipping parts!
Our FOMER (!!!) non-sleeper has made progress and everyone in the house is thrilled. On most nights in the last 3 weeks, Audrey lays down around 8 pm and sleeps until 5. YAY!!!! (well, last night she woke up at 12 and 4 because of teething... but you would, too, if those sharp things were pushing through your gums) Naps have dwindled down to 30 minute affairs, so I am thinking about dropping her morning nap in hopes of one long nap.
She is getting ready to walk soon. She likes to cruise alongside the couch and walk around the living room with the push toy. She likes crawling and it is a more efficient use of her time. Seconds count when your big sister is running after the toy you have your eyes on!
She loves fish. Kristen, Audrey and I go to the pet stores on rainy days. The girls love looking at all the animals. Audrey could spend hours staring at the fish, banging on the acquarium and hollering at the fish.
Audrey plays by herself well, "talking" on the phone, filling and spilling any container within arms reach, flipping through books, rolling balls, etc. She also loves playing with her big sister. Most of the time, Kristen likes sharing her toys, little people, babies, play phones, the play kitchen, etc. Kristen has also had to get used to sharing her favorite "toy," Daddy. Audrey loves to be swung and bounced and held upside down... so if she sees Kristen playing with Daddy, she hollers for her turn too.
Just like her big sis, maybe because of her, Audrey loves the baby dolls. Already, the girl acts like a little mother. She holds her babies, kisses her babies, and rocks thems. She likes it when Kristen wraps the baby up in a blanket for her. Audrey LOVES her new stroller and enjoys putting the babies in it and then taking them back out again.
Audrey's primary love language so far is affection. She loves to pet your arm, kiss your cheeks and mouth, and be held in Mommy's, Daddy's, or Kristen's arms.
Audrey made the switch from nursing to sippy cups very easy. We rarely used the bottle, so it was nice to not have to worry about that battle.
Bottom's up!!..
Hasta la vista, baby food, and we won't be back! Audrey is ready for finger foods. She loves apples, bananas, grapes, blueberries - yes I know these are all fruits... but what can I say...she loves fruits.
She will eat cheerios if Kristen is eating them. And she will try anything she see Kristen eating... but it might be spit back out if it doesn't meet her standards. I know everyone says do not let food become a battleground... but when your kid only wants fruit... you have to battle a little. :)
She will eat corn, peas and green beans if they are cut up and hidden in quesadillas. And broccoli is tolerated if smothered in cheese. I will just have to be more creative in getting this daughter to eat well-rounded meals.
Audrey has recently started entering the competition for the loudest girl in our house. Kristen is barely holding on to the title. In the last couple months, Audrey has become more and more vocal. She ooh's and aah's often. She loves to babble, especially if Kristen will babble along with her. She grunts, too - for food, for a toy, at pictures in books, at animals outside or in the pet store or just for fun. And Phil's favorite...squealing when happy. (So far he is doing pretty well with three loud and talkative females...
An early version of "Go, Cardinals!"
Audrey has been such a blessing to our "house"! (even if she made us a little tired and cranky at first) We are so thankful that God entrusted her to us and we pray that He will continue to give us wisdom and grace as we parent her and her sister.
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