We got festive and put up some decorations - you especially loved putting up the window clings Grandma and Grandpa Ricks sent!
You tried on one of your costumes,
And got to wear all of your adorable Halloween outfits!
You helped Mama do some fall baking,
And helped celebrate when Mama passed her LICSW exam!
You went to the library to play with the new dollhouse,
And to the Children's Museum on a chilly Friday afternoon (it was virtually empty!)!
We went to Menards one day and had to send a picture to Aunt Cassi,
And checked out the Halloween Party at Pearson's Candy Company (it was a little wet and really busy, but you got some candy and loved checking out the decorations!
We went on a family fall walk to see all the beautiful leaves,
And Mommy took you to the zoo for tot time!
Even though it wasn't as cool as it sounded online, Mommy said you had fun making art projects,
Scooping pretend animal poop,
And feeding sponges to the zebra.
We spent as much time as we could outside, knowing that our days of warm-enough weather are numbered,
But we also tried to make our time inside (it is getting darker much earlier, after all), as fun as possible. Mommy got out your ball pit for a few days. You loved climbing in and out, burying your babies, and throwing the balls all over the house just to run around singing the clean up song and picking them up!
We also did a TON of arts and craft activities this month! You made pumpkins and ghosts with Mommy,
Made play dough animals with Mama,
Created sticker art,
And collage art,
You colored A LOT,
And discovered the fun that is chalk!
All in all it was a creative month to be sure. I love that you're discovering (and loving) art!
I didn't love, however, that you also figured out that crayons can draw on lots of different surfaces...like the stove, the dishwasher,
And the floor (and the bench and the table!). Thankfully it all came off easily, and truth be told, it was hard for Mama not to laugh when she saw it!
This month you got to see two of your favorite people! Uncle Marge took you to the Children's Museum one day so Mommy could clean up around the house!
And Aunt Enny came and watched you one night so Mommy and Mama could go out for our anniversary!
You guys played a lot and even made a sign that was hanging up when we got home!
The next morning I came into your room, and you immediately asked if Jenny was "bye bye." I said yes, and you immediately said "Nooooo!" You wanted your Jenny back!
You continue to love going to Nana's for daycare. She was gone for a couple of days this month and you went to your back up daycare. You love your friends there, but confided in me one night that "Sophie miss Nana."
As for foods, you discovered the wonderful goodness of potato salad,
And confirmed that ice cream cones are basically the best.
You love airplanes and motorcycles, and big trucks. You became obsessed with fire trucks this month and can't decide if you love them or are scared to death of them. You also became obsessed with the moon and often ask where it is. I think at first you were terrified of it, but now it seems that maybe it's ok (or maybe you're okay with it now because we told you the moon goes night night so you don't need to worry about it at night). Mama started reading Goodnight Moon every night before bed, and that seems to have helped (somewhat).
You discovered a pile of empty boxes that Mama had stashed away for some unknown reason, and spent hours building towers taller than you!
You continue to love, love, love Ellie. One day you kept patting the floor, telling Ellie to "sit right here." She finally did, and you promptly began reading your book to her. Adorable.
You like to be right next to her, often, whether she is feeling up to it or not.
Things you are saying this month...You said your first somewhat complex sentence! I was getting ready to go, and you came into the room and said "Mama, Sophie go Nancy with you?" Unfortunately, you couldn't come that day, but I was so proud of you for asking!
When you want someone's attention, and you aren't getting it quite fast enough (like immediately), you grab our faces and say "Look, Mama, Look!"
You have discovered (rediscovered?) your scream. Wow you can scream. You scream when you want attention, when you're bored, and for no reason at all. You just love to scream. In a restaurant, in the library, in the car. Doesn't matter. While it isn't always pleasant, I'm happy you have your voice and aren't afraid to use it. I hope you never lose that.
This month you also used your first distraction for avoiding bedtime. Typical toddler distractions? I need water or I need milk or I need a kiss or I need a story. Yours? "Mama, I have hangnail. Clip hangnail." You didn't have a hangnail. Nice try, smarty pants.
You are full of spit and fire, girl. You have such a HUGE imagination, a fantastic sense of humor, and a love of life that I hope you never lose. Hugs and kisses.
