Hollyn Monroe: 16 Months

*You started walking really good right before Christmas! Best Christmas present ever!!!  And now that you're walking, you're practically running!!! 

*You are 23 lbs, and 32.25 inches tall.  You are 50% in weight and 87% in height.  You wear a size 4 diaper and 18-24 month or 2T clothing.  You don't have quite the belly that your sister's always had at this age.  You seem to be a little skinnier in that area and about the same everywhere else.  

*You're always trying to do a somersault.  It's so funny.  For months, you've been trying to roll over and you finally did it! You always bend over and try....with your head tucked down and your arms on the ground, ready to roll....but it's turned into one of those funny things you always do.  Now, you actually roll.  Yay!!  Once you start, you keep going until you're dizzy! :)

*You are still a heavy breather and a smacker right before bed.  It's seriously so funny and just your little "thing" that you do to settle in.  Even the church nursery workers have commented on it....to the point that they actually worried about the heavy sighs you let out when they laid you down.  I've assured them that it's your sleep ritual.   

*You say only a few words clearly, other than mommy and daddy.  "Dank you" is one that we can usually make out, but if it's something other than that....you will sign or point to help us out.  

*You are still taking a bottle because I can't let go of that one thing that still makes you an official "baby".  This month is it though.  Onto a sippy cup and lids/straws only. Tear.....

*You've been sick for several weeks recently with a runny nose and a pretty cruddy cough.  It's been so hard on you.  You have felt pretty miserable lately and you just love to be held.  I can't wait to get my happy and healthy baby back.  

*You're still a stinker when it comes to eating!  You cannot be bought, bribed, or coerced in any way.  No meat, no cheese...."not much of anything" is the name of your game.  Thankfully, you've started eating some mac 'n cheese and peanut butter/jelly sandwiches.  Thank you Jesus we've had a small break thru!!

*You smack your lips together when we ask for a kiss.  It's the sweetest thing ever.  

*We have a new zippidy zip (a less constricting swaddle) that you love.  We zip you up and you can move your hands and feet, but you stay warm and snuggly inside.  It's got a cute little pattern of peacock feathers in turquoise, green, and purple.  It's so cute on you and you love the coziness of it.  

*You LOVE to play peek a boo behind the dining room curtains and hide from me under the table!  It's become a fun little game for you and Charli.

*You love to play with all kinds of bouncy balls.  Ansley is usually playing with either a basketball or soccer ball and you love to join in!

*We can finally get your hair in a top ponytail!  It's your little water spout.  :)  

Hollyn Monroe: 14 Months

*You love everything that is soft and snuggly. The minute you realize that there's a possibility that is may feel cozy in some way....you bury your face into it and lie very still for several seconds to snuggle. It doesn't matter if we're here at home or in the middle of Walgreens....you'll plop right on to it and bury your face. :)

*You love to take your socks and shoes off in the car. It's a game to see how many times you can do this during multiple stops in the car.  You think it's so funny and then you say...."uh oh!!" Thanks turkey!

*You are quite the cantankerous eater. You don't eat meat of any sort or many vegetables either. You love carrots, green beans-that have been doctored, oatmeal, crackers and bread, and any fruit. That's about it. Feeding a child has never been so stressful for momma.  I know you're getting enough, but I don't want to resort to letting you eat junk just to get something in you.  Hoping this little battle that we have ends soon.
  

*Your personality is coming out in so many sweet ways. You love to snuggle up to us all of the time, maybe even more than Charli and Ansley combined (both girls love to snuggle). You have also started nodding "no" to us. You're really good at that! I'm really starting to see the smiling baby that you once were. For a bit, we were only seeing a more serious girly.

*A "momma clinger" is not even the best way to describe you. Ha! Some days I think I've created a cling-on monster. I mean that in the nicest way possible! 

*My favorite time of the day with you is at bedtime. You are the most loving little thing and we have a sweet bond that happens every night before lying you down.  You nuzzle your head into my shoulder and piled high with all your blankets....I sing Winter Snow to you (a song that I have been practicing for church).  This became your favorite and after I'd start this tune, you'd put your head on me even if you weren't ready for bed yet.

*You have lots of teeth now and you love to brush them (10 that I've counted)!  You are quite the teeth brushing champ. Neither Ansley or Charli liked for us to brush their teeth, but not you...you enjoy it!!  It's one of your favorite things to do.....find your toothbrush in the drawer and brush your teeth.  You even get the toothpaste out and carry them both around the house pretending that you are squeezing toothpaste out.  It's so cute.   

*You and daddy love to play chase. You giggle uncontrollably and it's the cutest thing ever. You also love daddy's animal sounds. Once he starts, he's not allowed to stop!

*You are a busy little bee, Hollyn! You are into everything, love to play with your sisters (when they share), and you make us laugh all the time!

*We dedicated you to the Lord in front of our church family on October 18th.  You were a squirmy little thing on stage as I held you and made a few little cries/grunts, but you looked like an angel.  You are precious in His sight and ours, Hollyn Monroe. We love you so.