Madelyn: 13 months old...

The months continue to fly by and sweet Maddy is now 13 months old!  It just doesn't seem possible that she is now considered a "toddler".   

She is busier than ever and seriously into everything.  She took her first independent steps just after her first birthday on July 10 (in the top of playhouse, of course).  She likes to walk holding one of our hands and will reach out and move her hand around, letting us know she wants us to take her hand.  She is getting braver everyday and gaining more balance.  She is walking all over the place and sometimes topples after about 10 steps or so.  She is quick to get back up though and keep going.  I know she will be running before we know it.

She continues to be our little climber and is up on and into everything.  She knows how to pull chairs out from the girls' table and climb right up (and then usually right up onto the table).  She loves to climb stairs as well so we are constantly watching her.

 

Maddy is still our affectionate little girl...loving to give kisses, hugs and snuggles.  She loves to be wrapped up in her blanket (or even a towel) and like her big sisters, tends to want her blanket with her.

She is learning so much each day.  She can follow simple instructions (go get your water, sit down, come here, etc.) and seems to understand so much.  She loves to give high fives, clap her hands, dance and she is obsessed with shoes!  She is trying hard to say new words and recently has pick up "bye" (Bah...sounds like "bye" said with a southern accent), "hi" (hah...same as with bye), "dog" (dah), "ball" (bah).  She signs "please" by rubbing her tummy and points (and grunts) to everything she wants.

She definitely has an opinion and knows what she wants to eat, where she wants to go, what she wants to do, etc.  She has quite the temper too and is quick to show us how she feels.  She is still a mama's girl and prefers to be right next to me almost all day.  Making dinner is often difficult as she hanging on my legs/feet and crying and begging to be held.

Maddy continues to be the happiest little girl.  Giving lots of big toothy grins to whoever shows her attention.  She is very social, but doesn't like to be too far away from mom, dad or sisters.  She is constantly trying to keep up with her big sisters and wanting to participate in everything they are doing. 

 

Happy 13 month birthday, Madelyn Joy!