18 months

Carly is 18 months old now. Where did the time go? This time last year she was just learning to crawl, and now she runs everywhere. And climbs. And jumps. And dances. And spins.

She's very talkative and knows a lot of words. The pediatrician asked me how many. I tried to keep up with her words back when she was 1, but I gave up months ago. She learns at least one new word every day.

She still loves her school and has a best buddy named Laney. Carly and Laney were recently moved up to the 'big kids' class - mostly 2s and some 3s. They both love it!

Over the last few months, Carly struggled with bedtime. Back in November, she'd go to bed around 9 or 9:30, but she'd cry every night. We finally developed a new bedtime routine this month. Now she tells me when she's ready to go night night. We head upstairs, read a book or two, then she tells me 'night night' and she's off to bed. Ahhh. Bliss. She's normally asleep by 7:30 or 8.

She had a great checkup this week. Best part was NO SHOTS!! Woo-hoo. Unfortunately she has an ear infection. She hasn't acted sick, so I had no idea. She's been a little grouchy lately, but I thought she just was developing her terrible 2s attitude. Apparently her ears were hurting. Poor baby! I'm hoping the infection clears up fast and we won't have to talk about tubes.

I haven't taken many pictures of her lately, and the ones I have aren't fabulous. Here's what I have.

Playing tonight with Daddy. She suddenly rediscovered the Laugh & Learn Puppy tonight. She loves to dance and listen to music, so she kept pressing the buttons to listen to the songs.

Carly, my dear, you're a little young to be driving Mom's car. She climbed up here all by herself while I was busy putting some things in the car.



Today I left the back passenger door open, so she went ahead and climbed into her car seat. She even started buckling herself in. Such a big girl!

Making a silly face for Mom.

Christmas Videos

I forgot to post some Christmas videos, so here they are a month late.

A few videos of her playing with her new Christmas presents.

Fun with Cousins

Carly's cousins Amber and Sasha stayed with us for a night while their parents drove to Austin for a wedding. We enjoyed the time with our nieces, and Carly loved having playmates around.

We bathed the girls in our big tub. Oh my gosh, they were hilarious. All three had a fun time. Here's a short video of them enjoying the jets and the bubbles.

Christmas #2 in Colorado

We spent several days after Christmas with the entire Mayer clan (10 adults, 7 children) at Sharon and John's house in Denver. Lots of fun as always.

Carly loves her tea set.

Carly was a little overwhelmed by all the people and activity the first morning, so she was not cooperating for pictures. All the other kids were sitting on the couch, but I had to hold Carly.

We went on a really really cold sleigh ride in Winter Park. It was fun, but boy it was cold.

Sasha (23 months) and Carly (17 months) enjoyed bath time together

Carly got some great new books. She loves them!

It was 60 in Denver the last two days we were there, so we enjoyed some time outside. Carly (17 months) and Evan (11 months)

Carly (17 months), Sasha (23 months), and Amber (5 1/2)

Presents!

Christmas in Arkansas

We spent the first part of the Christmas holidays in Arkansas. Carly and I spent a few days with my parents before John joined us, then we all traveled to Stuttgart to see the rest of the family.

Carly walking in my Dad's size 14 shoes.

She had fun unwrapping presents!

Aunt Ruth and Carly

Meemaw and Carly

Taking a walk with Meemaw and Grandaddy

Hugs for Pop!

I don't have many pictures of Christmas Day because we used my Dad's camera. Dad, you owe me some pictures!!

Christmas Portraits

We took Carly for her first ever professional portraits. It was an exhausting experience, but we love some of the pictures we got. Here are a few favorites.

And finally, this one is my favorite. That grin is SO Carly.

KPMG Christmas Party

We took Carly to John's company Christmas party on December 5. She enjoyed the decorations, especially the life size snowman and Rudolph.

We used the picture below for our Christmas card. Carly didn't cry at all with Santa. However, I think she was smiling because the snowman wasn't far away.