All about Greta at 17 months

Greta is definitely starting to exert her independence. After being content for quite a while to be fed by others she now want to use a spoon to feed herself. This has led to a few after meal baths and some wasted food but she is learning. At times she still gets frustrated and will use her hands for yogurt and applesauce. That is quite a sight to see! She is still not fond of meat but loves most vegetables, fruit, cheese, and eggs. She will eat a huge breakfast but can be quite picky for lunch and dinner. I don't push it too much as she doesn't snack a lot between meals (mainly a few graham crackers and juice) and as a child I ate in a similar manner.

Greta loves to feed herself babybel cheese. She asks for it often because she enjoys taking the wrapper and wax coating off. I only give it to her once or twice a day since it's not the cheapest cheese (thank goodness for costco). She is also quite good at picking up the trash and putting it in the can. Throwing away trash is one of her most favorite activities.

Yesterday we were eating breakfast and Greta was walking around drinking orange juice out of her sippy cup. I got up to get something in the kitchen and noticed Greta was in my towel drawer, a no no place. I told her to put the towel up but she ignored me and started pounding the floor with the towel. I walked over to see what she was pounding and noticed her cup had spilled a few drops. She was trying to clean up her mess although she was about a foot away. A girl after my own heart!

Greta is down to nursing once a day. For some time now she has gotten more and more demanding about nursing during the day - mainly when she is bored and if I tell her no, she throws a tantrum. This week I put her in boot camp and cut out all nursing except for first thing in the morning. This is the only nursing session that she consistently does not cry or demand but waits patiently for. The first few days were rough, but I stuck to my guns, and each day she got less demanding and more respectful of me saying no. Today was the first day she did not ask at all. Graham and I have also noticed a positive change in her attitude when she is told no in other situations. I know she'll continue to have tantrums but at least in this particular area, she seems to be respecting our authority.

Which leads me to a tantrum story....

Earlier this week, on boot camp day 1, Greta had a really rough temper tantrum. I was very frustrated myself and needed some time out. I put her in her club chair, walked to my room, and shut the door. She followed me and banged on the door for about a minute and then she walked back to her room. I waited a few minutes and noticed she wasn't crying. After a few more minutes I came out and walked to her room. She was sitting in her club chair laying on the arm sniffling. It about broke my heart she looked so pathetic. We hugged and she snuggled on me for a good while. I don't love the tantrums but the snuggles afterward are so sweet.

Greta has also become more open to strangers, particularly men. Almost each time we go to publix, she "asks" the bag boy to pick her up. She is also very fond of the regular nursery workers at church and gives them sweet hugs upon arrival.

Greta has added a few words to her vocabulary:
tinky (stinky)
tweet tweet (in response to "What does a bird say")
voof voof (in response to "What does a doggie say")
Mooo (sometimes, in response to "What does a cow say")
Mow (sometimes, in response to "What does a kitty say")
shoes
cheese
nana (banana)
leassshs (leashes)
bess you (bless you)
bye bye
ni ni (night night)
wu you (love you)
bahp bahp (when she hears a beep)
bah (bath, when pointing at the tub)
where go? (asks when someone or something has disappeared) this is accompanied by her arms raised and a puzzled look

doose (juice)
cah-ker (cracker)
cooo-kie (cookie)
kish (kiss)


She knows quite a few more words than she says. I am constantly amazed at her comprehension.

She will point to the correct body part when asked "Where is your belly button". We never worked on this, I just asked her one day on a whim and she's been pointing to the correct place ever since. She also knows where her mouth is and will generally point to it. Ears and Eyes are very confusing and she almost always points to the other one when asked.

Greta is truly a joy and we really enjoy her crazy antics. She is such a sweet girl and has recently started to give and request kisses. One of her favorite nighttime delay tactics is giving the dogs kisses (ewwww). I think I am enjoying this age more than any other. Now if we can just get her potty trained.....

January - playing in her tent with her train in the buff.

Learning that drawers can be used as steps.

Climbing in her stroller to get a good read.

Enjoying black beans and rice.


February - Valentine's Picture