18 Months Old!

I can't believe my little girl is already 18 months old! 

Not only was today her 18 month birthday, but also her first official day in Nursery (thanks for her pretty dress Grandma Erickson!). Because I am the music leader in Primary, Daddy took Livi to Nursery; he stayed with her during the second block to help her get accustomed to her new environment. It was ward conference, and our ward only met for 2 hours, so next Sunday will be a better indicator of how she's doing. After church, Aaron mentioned how he teared up a little watching her in Nursery; not really because she's now in Nursery, but more because it's is an indicator that she's growing up. And it's true.

Daddy wasn't sure he wanted to take her in! 

Olivia is quite the independent little girl. She brushes her teeth, cleans up her toys, reads books to herself, acts out scenes with her toys, chooses between which snacks she wants, makes it clear when she likes or dislikes a meal I prepare for her, asks for music time/story time/nap time/tub time at the appropriate times of day (although she'd take a bath every hour if I'd let her), and follows most all of my simple commands (as long as she's okay with doing whatever the task may be). She still sleeps through the night, although she's waking up earlier and earlier. Livi's a great eater, even though she's far more picky these days. She loves cheese quesadillas with salsa, string cheese, cereal (especially Lucky Charms), strawberry yogurt, macaroni and cheese (she doesn't know I slip in sweet pots/carrots into her sauce every time), muffins, blueberry cereal bars, PB&J's, fruit snacks, and anything sweet. If Aaron and I eat something in front of her, she has to have some too. And if Daddy happens to sit down with a bowl of ice cream, Livi will eat most of it. She loves to drink milk, and has recently acquired a taste for apple juice (she hasn't been a juice fan before now). And, drumroll please....she drinks out of a real cup! Sippy cups are now reserved only for church and car trips. Yay!!!

She is our little dancer. It doesn't matter where she is, if she hears music, she will dance; and she has quite the moves! At home, she dances to the radio stations I play on TV, her cash register and her laptop (both of which play songs). There are days when I have seriously considered throwing the cash register off the patio - I hear it so often that the songs even play in my dreams! Olivia can now jump with 2 feet - quite the feat for a little person! She loves jumping, and doesn't seem to mind when she occasionally falls into walls, couches or tables.

Her favorite books include Peek-a-Who, King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, If You Give a Moose a Muffin, The Wheels on the Bus, Baby's First 100 Words, and Goodnight Moon (she likes to look for the mouse). Her favorite loveys are by far the 3 B's: blanky, binky and baby. Lala (Grandma Laurie) bought her a baby doll during our last visit to Livermore, and "Baby" goes with her everywhere and has to go to bed with her. Close behind the 3 B's are her Big Bears. They sleep with her in her crib, and they wake up with her too! Carrying all three can be a challenge.

Livi Lou and her 3 B's, right before bed.

Lisa went in to get Livi after her nap, and Big Bears had to come too!

Snuggles.

She loves to play ball - it doesn't matter what size ball - they range from marbles to basketballs, and even include things such as dice, magnets, and binkies. Playing with her train, farm, and on her slide are everyday musts. She loves to run from one end of our apartment to the other, a game we started at Lala and Grandpa's house. And she loves to run basically anywhere! Her run is hilarious, she kicks her feet in front rather than behind - and flails or flops her arms at her sides - it looks more like a hoppity-skippity-going-to-fall-over-at-any-time run. Olivia loves to play at the park - slides are her favorite. And at the beach, she could spend the entire day either digging in the sand or playing in the water. She loves to watch home videos on Mommy's phone and off the few DVD's I've made, although she's not terribly interested in any full length movies or tv shows - for which I'm grateful (except for when I've been down with a cold or flu). Livi still loves computers and electronics, her favorite thing is to call her grandparents, aunties and uncles on Skype. If she hears the Skype sound at the welcome screen, she'll come running from whatever room in the house.

She can easily identify all the members of her family, and quickly picks up on friends too. She only says "Dad" and "Lala" though. That's right, still no "Mommy". Her other words are: teeth, keys, eyes, hi, "trah" (truck), yeah, and "ight" (night). She signs: ball, food, drink, diaper, tub, milk, phone, water, juice, flower, baby, more, Livi (points to herself), and just learned mom and dad. She understands 99% of what I say, and I keep hoping that her expressive language will kick into gear! Hearing the little whine to get my attention ALL DAY LONG, does get a little old. :) She points to everything, asking "Da?", so I know she understands the concept of labeling. She loves to make animal noises - her favorites being duck, dog and monkey noises.

She is still a little shy around other kids, but uninhibited around adults. We're hoping that Nursery (and perhaps a sibling) will help with that. No, not pregnant yet. :) She does have some great little friends that are patient with her. And she even has a not so secret fan - Liv - the 10 month old daughter of my friend Laura. Liv just lights up when she sees Livi. Livi, on the other hand, is not so sure about Liv yet.

Livi is still a mama's girl - but enjoys her daily Daddy time. She usually insists that Mommy put her down for her naps and to bed each night - but she prefers that Daddy help her brush her teeth. She has also started mastering some of the craziest and cutest faces. Our favorites include her silly grin when she tries to make us laugh, her "I'm not going to smile" fave that is a half smile/half frown with a slightly bowed head, and her newest - the "O" face - where she purses her lips and lowers her chin as she says "O".

Needless to say, she is still the center of our lives. We can't help but want to stop time and enjoy her at this age for a few years - but we know there are only better days to come. We love you Bug/Monkey/Lovey Dove/Livi Lou. :)