Time Flies

Allie went to her 18 month well-baby check-up a few weeks ago. She weighed in at 22lbs or 24th percentile. Height was 31 inches or 54th percentile. The head circumference was the winner at 49cm or 96th percentile. I've come to the conclusion that I view my daughter with glossy eyes as I don't see an orange on a toothpick when I look at her, though the stats will tell you otherwise.

She is talking up a storm. She is a polite little girl that loves to say thank you. She's also recently started saying flower, socks, shoes and star. "Shrash" or trash is THE word of the moment and also the number one way Allie likes to prove she can help you out. I think we're up to about 25 words and an entire language of Allie-speak.

We're also seeing a glimpse of what's to come with the terrible two's temper tantrums making a visit every once in a while. Washing hair, changing the diaper, and getting her to sit in a shopping cart are now battles that Brian and I don't always win. I've even resorted to doing all of my Christmas shopping online this year to avoid the instore meltdowns.

Allie is also turning into somewhat of a show-off when company arrives. Hmmm...wonder where she gets that from? I think my entire family would vouch that I always welcomed an audience when I was younger. Allie thinks it is hilarious to spin around, ride on her zebra, or just make our guests giggle when they stop by.

We're looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year's in Nebraska. When Allie's Grandma and Grandpa McLennan and Great-grandma McLennan were here for Thanksgiving we celebrated Christmas at the same time. Allie loved tearing the wrapping paper off of her gift to find out what was inside. I can't wait for Christmas Day to see her open package after package.

I'm going to try and get some videos and pictures posted so that we're up to date. Can't make any promises on how quickly that will happen but I'll try.

Allie's Christmas Wish List

I figured it would be easier to provide gift ideas for Allie here.

Little People Farm
Mr. Potato Head
Wooden Puzzles
Children's music CDs
Kid's sized broom (she loves to help her mom)
Outdoor riding toy - big wheel or a trike

That's all I can think of for now. She's asking Santa for Elmo Live. It's a good thing she asked early because it sounds like Elmo may be a hard to find item as Christmas get closer. ;-)

Our Little Monkey

Allie has mastered the area of climbing on the furniture. She now likes to climb onto the back of the couch, sit in the windowsill and play hide and seek with the blinds. Yesterday when we were home together she climbed the coffee table at least 10 times. I think we may need to start enforcing time-outs.

Hail In Phoenix

For the second time in over seven years, we had hail in Phoenix. Allie enjoyed standing at the door watching the storm pass through the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the rain didn't last long and about 15 minutes later you didn't know something had even happened.

Can You See It?

Can you see the outline of a pigeon in our window? Brian and Allie were home together the other night when they heard a loud crash. The next morning as I was walking upstairs I noticed the outline. Brian couldn't resist taking some pictures of it.

Family Trip to the Zoo

Now that the weather is cooling down we've been able to take advantage of our zoo membership. Brian, Allie and I went there about two weeks ago. Allie had a blast riding the carousel, playing with the goats and watching the wallabys.

Trick or Treating

Our trick or treating adventure on halloween mainly involved Allie playing with Piper's boyfriend, CJ.

Looking At Some Books

Reading a few books at Joe and Kristy's during the halloween party.

Happy Halloween!

Allie was a ballerina for halloween this year. We went to a party the Sunday before halloween with all of her friends from my moms group in attendance. On halloween we walked around the neighborhood and stopped to see Allie's neighborhood friends. Then we handed out candy to all of our trick or treaters.

Columbus Day Zoo Trip

We headed to the Phoenix Zoo on Columbus Day with my friend Christine and her daughter Katie. Allie and Katie had a lot of fun.

Read Me A Story

Allie is really beginning to enjoy having books read to her. Before she was always too busy to sit still for a few minutes to listen to a story. Now though she'll bring you a book and plop down on your lap to have it read. Favorites include: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, Pat-A-Cake, I Already Know I Love You, and Baby Bear's Stories.

A Few Pics from the Wedding

Final Cabin Pics

It didn't take her long on the drive home to recover and get her second wind.

More Cabin

Allie rocking on the porch.
Checking out the snake the boys found.
Hanging out with dad.
Bathing with the boys.
Exhausted after having so much fun.

Cabin '08

We had a great time spending the weekend at Worthington Ranch with the McCarty's, Hatchett's, Don, Angie and Ashlyn, and Melanie and Ryan. A big thank you to the McCarty's for allowing us to come to such a serene place. We always enjoy our visits.

This was the first year that there were actually more kids in attendance besides the McCarty boys. Allie, Ryan and Ashlyn are within 9 months of each other. It definitely added a different touch to the trip having all of these babies around. And less sleep for everyone!

We had fun playing games once the kids were in bed, going for walks and just enjoying each others company. We can't wait for spring to get here so that we can make another trip.

Kaden peeing off the deck. He certainly is the apple in his father's eyes!

Ashlyn enjoying her mom's hairbrush.

Helping Out?

Allie loves to play with the laundry and basket. Now if I could just teach her how to fold it and put it away!

Oh My, Where Did September Go?

I haven't posted here for a while because we haven't been home for a while. We went and stayed up north with a bunch of friends two weeks ago. It was a great time but very exhausting. Last weekend Allie and I traveled back to Nebraska to attend my cousin Brandon's wedding. It was beautiful! Seeing everyone was a blast. I'll post pictures of both trips shortly.

I'm headed to Seattle on Monday. I'm scheduled to be there until Friday but it looks like I should be home Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. My grandparents arrive tomorrow to watch Allie during the day while Brian is at work. I know she'll enjoy spending time with them.

On October 18, Allie and I head back to Nebraska. She'll stay there the 21-24 while I'm in New Orleans. We'll head back home to Brian on the 25th.

November should be much calmer, as we are planning on staying in the state. We'll have to wait and see if that actually happens. :-)

Yay! Aunt Amanda!

Aunt Amanda visited Allie a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were all getting over colds so we didn't get to do much. We did hit the shopping mall and went out to eat at Yard House. That place is very tasty by the way. And the beer selection...mmm, even better. Anyway getting back to our visitor. We enjoyed her visit and can't wait to see her and the rest of the family in two weeks!

Walking The Dog

Being Silly

15 Month Checkup

Allie went in for her 15 month check-up on Friday. She weighed in at 21 lbs. which put her at the 27th percentile. She went through a growth spurt as she grew 3 inches since her 12 month appointment bringing her to 31 inches or 69th percentile. Her head continues to place her in the upper percentile. This month she was at 81%, a far cry from the 99% we were at almost a year ago. Her pedi said we're right on track and Allie is progressing nicely.

Her milestones include saying about 6 words - mama, dada, NO, up, yes (we don't hear this one as often as NO!), and see. She loves pointing out airplanes. Even when we're inside and she hears a plane fly over everything else is brought to a halt so that we can all stop to listen. She's climbing EVERYTHING! She has even tried to scale the kitchen cupboards to reach her snacks. Speaking of snacks, she eats constantly.

She continues to antagonize Piper. Piper just tries to remove herself from the situation and get away from Allie as quickly as possible. Allie is still on two naps a day, 9 - 11 and 2 - 4. Bedtime is 7:30p.m. with mom's wake-up call being 6:30a.m. We still have to mix Ovaltine with our milk as plain milk just doesn't cut it. Finally, she is starting to cuddle a lot more. Something that mom and dad are loving!

A New Cup

Allie was excited when I broke out the sippy cup with built in straw. She quickly got the hang of it.

Three Froggy's

Yes, you are seeing this picture correctly. We have 3 froggy blankets now. After realizing that froggy was our chosen "Lovey", we decided we'd need some back-ups. It's a good thing we got them when we did as they are discontinued. Allie loves her froggy blanket, he goes everywhere with her - Miss Natalie's, the bathtub, highchair for dinner, on walks. It doesn't seem that she will be getting rid of him anytime soon.

Swimming

Allie has loved going swimming in our pool all summer.

A Lamb Says 'Baa'

An Afternoon Out

While we were in Nebraska in July, we went to Allie's Great Grandpa and Grandma Hippen's for the afternoon.

She decided it would be fun to try climbing the coffee table.

Allie showing Great Grandma Hippen the rain gage.