1.33

A bit late in posting, but Eliana is a busy little girl (yes, girl!) at 16 months. Her latest stats are (from her 15 month check up):
Weight: 24 lbs 4 oz (69% tile)
Height: 31 inches (63% tile)
HC: 18.8 cm (95% tile)

Her favorites include the following:

* Mr. Bear - she takes him everywhere and is always with her. It's adorable and she loves him so much (we will dedicate one full post to him later)


* Organizing everything from stuffed animals to books to clothes. By organizing I mean she will take one stuffed animal from the couch and give it to me, go back and get another, bring it to me, etc. She'll take clothes out of her drawer and put them back in. It's amazing how long these bits of organizing will entertain her.

* Reading. The other day she spent at least 30 minutes in my lap reading with me. She will now pick out the books and come to me, knowing that she needs to sit on my lap to read. This is the most cherished time for me with her. Totally amazing to watch her delight in books.

* Water activities. Swimming at the outdoor Magnolia pool, water tables, backyard kiddie pool, the sink, the bath, at the Locks, the fountain at the Seattle Center, you name it. She loves it all and can't get enough. At our last swim lesson, she got to go down the big slide with me (with a life jacket) and didn't protest once. In fact, we did it twice.

* Silly games. How Big is Eliana?, High Fives, Knuckles, hand patting her head (especially when she's eating and has food all over her)

* Tricks. Blowing kisses, giving kisses (open mouth), giving hugs, continuous waving (she still does it and I hope she always does - so cute!), sitting down on everything including her books, crawling up and down stairs, even tries to walk up stairs now if there is a railing, trying to put her clothes and shoes/socks on

* Eating. Nate and I debate whether her favorite food now is broccoli or salmon. She will eat up to 6 oz of salmon at a time and chow through a full head of steamed broccoli (cold without salt, even!). We haven't had to cook separate food since she turned 1 and it's a joy watching her eat everything we do. We are blessed. Last night, she chowed an entire chicken sausage, bread and green beans. She continues to love Gold Fish as a snack and we can find the trail o' gold fish everywhere we go...

* School. Eliana has been at daycare since April and is doing really well. She loves her teachers and all the activities they do. We can drop her off now without many tears and the best feeling is picking her up and her huge smile and hug.

* Words. Her only words so far are "uh oh." According to the doctor, she's behind and we should take her in if she hasn't talked by the beginning of July. I think she'll do it when she's ready and am not concerned.

* Giggles. She still loves the "I'm Gonna Getcha" game and when Daddy tickles her under her chin or when I hide and go find her.

* Pictures. She loves to look at pictures of family, friends and herself. I don't think she can recognize herself in pictures, but it is so fun to see her delight in looking at her loved ones. Precious.