Awkward and Awesome August

My friends, this summer felt incredibly long - in a good way. Maybe it's the fact Ingrid is a toddler and notices things like cow illustrations on yogurt containers ("Moo! Moo!") and since May, has gone from standing to waddling to walking.

The more she communicates and understands, the more I like her, and the more I like this toddler stage. We're get a little glimpse into her world - when she lets us know she's hungry or wants to play cupcakes (just make really loud lip-smacking sounds and pretend to eat a plastic cupcake. And then secretly pine for a real cupcake.)

Every block walked is a new opportunity to pick up leaves. Every trip to the grocery store is an adventure (and they have so many onions!).

This August, the summer finally slowed down and we all had a much more enjoyable time when we just took it easy and allowed these wonderfully awkward and awesome moments to happen:

Awkward: 

• Hair regrowth. Why didn't anyone warn me about sideburns and baby fuzz along my hairline during pregnancy? Pregnant ladies and moms-to-be, consider yourself warned. 
• Getting into the show Weeds six years later (boy do I miss cable). 
• Self check-outs. 
• Ingrid's bubble blowing skills. 

• The number of questions I asked during my first shellac manicure. Turns out it's just a super strong gel that lasts for weeks. It's pretty simple, why all the questions? 
• The amount of time I spent at Family Dollar. 
• Getting cable from a door-to-door saleslady. She had me at Bravo and "record up to four shows at one time." 
• Pictures of Ingrid while trying to hold her: 

Awesome: 

• Farmers market with Ingrid. The mini giraffe wanted to try the cinnamon roll too:

• The parade of kids that marched by playing the following instruments: recorder (natch), flute, drums, trombone and a trumpet. 
• Ingrid and I were paging through an Anthropologie catalog when she pointed at a model with a messy bun and proudly declared "Mama!" Sure Ingrid, we can roll with that today. 
• Feeding of (more) stuffed animals: 

• Trips to the Bay View Alterra, complete with duck races!

• Ingrid's growing love of the moon. She's loves to watch for it every night: 

As the summer comes to a close, I haven't yet embraced fall with open arms. Even though it's hands-down the best season for everything. I'm still holding onto sweet summer moments and loving my little lady during this wide-eyed wondrous stage. 

16ish Months

When did my baby start playing with babies?

Everything is now a baby. The Glow Worm and stuffed animals are wrapped up in a blanket like a baby. Even the sippy cup gets the swaddle treatment.

We've entered the land of Toddlerville. It's hilarious, weird and taxing.

Last summer, I would hold all fifteen pounds of her and try to imagine how life would be in a year. She would have little thoughts. I would be able to hear her budding voice. Understand her quirks. Know her favorite foods. Plan her sweet little outfits.

12 months later, her thoughts center around Harper, pictures of her cousin Wayne, babies, yogurt, slides, plastic cupcakes and - as embarrassing at it is - Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Her little voice is slowly perfecting her favorite words. Harper responds to "Hahpa" and I'm thankful she proclaims "EAT" when she's ready to eat.

My favorite Ingrid word, hands down, is "Wayne":

 


(Try not to get too jealous of that cutting-edge phone.) 

Least favorites words include: "No", and "Buh-bye!" as I'm leaving for work.

She loves to sleep with her over-sized stuffed unicorn and is afraid of the vacuum. She gets a kick out of sweeping alongside of us in the kitchen. She helps to get dinner on the table by working in her little kitchen (I know, I know, must not perpetuate gender roles...).

She's becoming a little kid who grow out of her 18-24 month clothes and understand that purpose of the toilet in the near future.

I don't think there's been enough distance between the baby stage and toddler stage to fully appreciate how wonderfully snuggly those short precious baby moments truly are - because I'm so loving her as a bubbly little 16ish month old.

Even though I'm so tired at the end of the day that I might accidentally slam my head on the keyboard if I don't go to bed soon.