One-and-a-Half

Ella just turned 18 months old. Otherwise known as one-and-a-half. Otherwise known as really, freaking old. Otherwise known as creeping towards her teen years. Ok, now I'm getting carried away, but all of the sudden our little peanut seems like a really BIG little girl!
Her vocabulary is enormous and growing every day. Her word recognition and repetition has quickly turned into word connections. If she says Aunt Sharon (which she loves to say these days), Uncle Joshua, Caleb, and Ezra aren't ever far behind. Bubby Always comes with Zaida, Grammy always comes with Poppy and O Brendan. And of course two comes with three through twelve. She is also starting to use the language structure of sentences. Now instead of a quick word or two she'll babble a sentence that ends with a real word or two. As if she's realized the importance of the sentence pattern but isn't yet ready to put it together. It won't be long before the babble turns into whole sentences of all real words.
Always a fan of jumping, Ella has finally caught air!!!
Finally, talk about a pleasant little lady! There isn't a more pleasant 18 month old around. As a testament to this we are now on day 15 of total chaos and she is none the worse for wear. Through packing, moving, and unpacking Ella is as happy as can be. She is happy to fill and empty boxes, climb on and in boxes, and explore every corner of new and old space to keep her busy. Last night at 4 am the makeshift blind/big beach towel fell off of her window, woke her up, and freaked her out. After 30 minutes of sadness and an unwillingness to return to her crib, Kelly finally brought her to our bed to sleep the rest of the night. She hasn't slept with us since she was still nursing. She was always so distracted and such a bad sleeper. But she just put her head down and went to sleep right next to me. It was very nice and a sure sign of being almost a grown-up.
We know it must be coming but she still doesn't really test us. She still gives up easily and doesn't ever fight to the toddler finish. In return for the occasional snuggle, milk, and time outside she stays on the sunny side of the street almost always.
I am sad to be giving up my flexible grad school schedule with Ella for a real work schedule soon. I am blessed to have the next two weeks off to spend with Ella and it is sooooooooo fun! Then I'll reluctantly pass the part-time torch. Ella, you are so wonderful right now! This is definitely hardest time to give up the extra time with you. You should know that after you go to bed every night we talk about how beautiful, brilliant, and bubbly you are. We love you lots and continue to impatiently wait for the coming days, months, and years with you while we gloat on the ones that have just passed. So far it has only gotten better.
Happy year-and-a-half, Ella-Bella-Boo!!!

Sometimes instead of smiling for a picture I just have to keep practicing my counting.