Sweet 16

Happy 16 months to our precious Skyler! It has certainly flown by. Our Baby went from an infant to a toddler in just a blink of an eye. Our days are filled with much laughter and she's just as delicious as ever!

Cheers!

We were told by Dr. Eanett, during Skyler's 15 month check up, that she was very intellectual and advanced for her young age. Toddlers can usually say 3-5 words by the time they reach 18 months. Skyler can now say 31 different words (yes, I'm keeping a book, lol) just by seeing the object and without being provoked. It's amazing how quickly she learns.

Speaking of sharpening her communication and social skills.........Before Papa & Glammey left for their month vacation to Cancun, Papa spent a few minutes showing her how to celebrate with a toast. After a few tries, she had it down perfectly! She'll raise her glass, click yours while saying "cheers", takes a big sip and then a heavy "Aggghhhh" when done. It's absolutely adorable. Skyler definitely likes to try big girl things, such as wearing jewelry, parading around the house with my purse strapped over her shoulder and now toasting. Here she is after breakfast!

Along with the Baby Einstein dvd's, the Mickey Mouse Playhouse has become quite popular in our home. Skyler enjoys watching the program with "Baby". It just melts my heart seeing her love on this doll.

Together watching Mickey Mouse

Hugs & Kisses for Baby

Baby's hair style has drastically changed within the past few weeks. She started out with straight bangs and parted hair that was tied back in cute pony tails. Well, the purple ribbons don't hold much hair. In fact, Baby looks like she has a Mo-hawk! Ready for a chuckle?

Had to throw in 2 random pics of our pretty girl who's growing so rapidly, especially in the teeth department. On September 15th, Skyler welcomed her two bottom molars! That's now a total of 12 pearly whites. Isn't she just looking so mature?.......

Sliding into Fall

We're Florida girls. We don't see the colors change in leaves, but we do notice when the weather drops from a blistering 99 to a warm 92. Welcome Autumn! Today was that day, so Skyler and I took advantage of this friendly weather. We played outside without perspiration. No wet clothing, just a few grass stains.

Skyler is certainly enjoying her play ground, from Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles, especially now that she's physically in motion 100% of the time! Our cutie loves the slide and can go down all by herself. For the past 2 months, her climbing skills mimic a monkey in the wild jungle and boy can she climb, especially on furniture! Our long legged, monkey-girl tried to conquer the slippery slope by walking up it after sliding to the bottom. This became a fun afternoon game! Daddy joined us after he arrived home from teaching. Enjoy the action shots on our first Day of Fall..............

Reason #5029

One of the most fabulous things about being a mother is the daily dose of laughter I receive. As I watched Skyler get creative with her toys, it was during all that laughing that I realized Reason #5029 why I loved her so much.......she brings me pure joy!

Skyler loves jewelry, especially beads, and likes to wear them with her outfits. She calls jewelry "pretties" and will immediately pull your hair back to look for them in your ears or around your neck. It's a delightful habit she has gotten into. Watching her put beads on makes me giggle.

She has obviously outgrown her infant bath tub, but enjoys using it as a toy as she takes daily rides. Her creativity, causes me to laugh as she places her favorites in this tub and then begins yelling "boat"!

I hope you all start your week of with a dose of laughter as I know I have! Certainly the best medicine around.

Oh Baby!

Glammey & Papa visit and see Skyler every Tuesday, but this last Tuesday was extra special for Sky, because she received her first real doll from her Grandparents. I proudly introduce "Baby"........

This cutie has says over 50+ little phrases and also recognizes different playful positions like bouncing, flipping, flying like a birdie, upside down and dancing & also responds accordingly with lots of silly sounds and phrases. It definitely has put our Blondie's imagination to work, unlocking tons of fun play and bringing "Baby" to life! Skyler loves to give "Baby" kisses!

Below are many pictures of our little girl enjoying her new doll. It's just a shame she insists on carrying it by her hair! Now that "Baby" is almost 2 weeks old, her blond locks have taken up a new style. lol.....How precious is this? Skyler hugging Baby (below).

She quickly placed her in the stroller and even shared her airplane with "Baby". After pushing the doll around on her plane, Skyler decided she also wanted to sit & ride.

These next pictures take you step by step of Skyler enjoying her plane with "Baby". She managed to balance herself with the doll while climbing on. Her coordination skills are great!

Even after a full day, the two blue eyed, blonds hang together before bed time to read and cuddle. Thanks Glammey & Papa for a wonderful and very entertaining gift!

Lots of Labor Day Love

Labor Day is recognized through out our wonderful country as a weekend full of relaxation, family, friends and of course, food! This was Skyler's second Labor Day retreat to Winter Haven's Lake Roy Resort. She was definitely taller, much more active and showered in love! I present to you all a Now & Then photo....Amazing what a year can make......

2010 (above) & 2009 (below)

We arrived at Lake Roy that Friday evening and Skyler quickly found her girlfriends and also the sand. After trying out her new beach toys and then a quick bite to eat, it was on to the next game with Dan & Jordan.

Cousin Jodi, Jamie, Ashley & Jordan with Sky.

Skyler's Auntie Kevie finally arrived and the two became inseparable. Our sweetie even wanted to watch the sunset next to her Auntie K as they chatted with Ashley and Debi.

Hard to believe she acts like a "little" grown up. Skyler is definitely changing each day and her personality seems to get more vibrant. Again, I just had to throw in another 'Now & Then' picture....

Skyler began her Saturday morning down at the Lake. She had such fun watching her cousins and friends water ski. Every time her Uncle Larry drove by, she would point and say boat and immediately ruptured in laughter and applause!

Uncle Larry & Auntie Kevie bought Skyler her very first pair of water skis! The love she has for water makes me convinced that our little mermaid will be skiing at next year's reunion! This was the year to just get acquainted. She loved the painted fish on the skis and even had to test out the handle. Testing for Skyler means "it goes in the mouth"! lol.....

Skyler, her new water sport & Debi.

It was back to watching the water sport action and cheering on her cousin Jodi as she skied by.

We braked for a late lunch and Skyler discovered a love for cheese balls. **Note to self** Buy lots of cheese balls at Sam's Club!

Sharing with Cousin Jodi's dog, Dingo & Uncle Larry.

And now I present to you a new love desired by Skyler, CHEESE BALLS, courtesy of Ron & Debi VanderBaan. A huge hit for sure!

I am not accustomed to any type of water sports. I figured I better get my toes wet and start. I've got a 15 month old on my heels, so I need to get prepared. Heck, I just can't get beat out by my own kid! lol...I tried my luck at tubing with Auntie Kevie, Robin & Debi. What a hoot!

I'm trying to make Skyler proud with Debi!

And the fun continues.....

Cousin Jared checking in on us!

Below are a two more Lake fun photos and Skyler's new game "catch me if you can"! Trust me when I say that those little legs can move. Perhaps I have just found my new future running partner......

Skyler spent most of her Sunday chillin' at the pool with her family. Here she is showing off her new bikini from Cousin Nikki (who was greatly missed) Yes, our sweetie loves the camera and can certainly strike a pose!

Speaking of chillin', Skyler and her pool float with Cousin Jodi and Dustin before a slight rain storm tried to emerge.

We thought it would be a good time to practice with the skis, so a quick re-introduction and a first lesson from her Auntie Kevie. No boat needed. We had Uncle Larry pulling the rope!

All that hard work called for a twizzler break with Jordan. The rain never came so we countined our outside fun.

More twizzler treats with Jamie. (below)

We got cleaned up for our family dinner and Skyler got to spend some time with her Cousin Matt from Gainesville. They recently met for the first time at her Christening & Birthday party. After dinner, it was back to the Lake to enjoy some more skiing action!

Pefect Labor Day outfit from Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles!

Twizzlers for desert and play time with Jordan's sister, Meg. (below)

Monday arrived so it was time to pack the car and clean out the rooms before the 11Am check time.

The owners of the Resort allowed us to enjoy the outside facilities until we left for home around 2PM. It was a quick change into our bathing suits and Skyler wasted no time finding her cousins!

After countless attempts all weekend of trying to put Skyler in her own life jacket, we finally succeeded on the last day! She wasn't too thrilled.....

It was another amazing weekend with our dear family and friends. The sun eased dropped on our laughter & fun through out the 4 day get-a-way! Skyler gave out her goodbye kisses before heading home and as soon as her Daddy fastened her in the car seat, she fell asleep within minutes! We brought home more memories and a 10th tooth! Yes, Skyler's lower left lateral incisor popped out at Lake Roy.

Kisses to Grand Lee. (Uncle Larry's Mum)