23 months

23 months. The last monthly post before the 2 year mark. We've had an explosion the last month. And not the diaper kind... more like the language kind.

She's saying EVERYTHING from Grammie and Grandpa to Elmo and Bert to Ouchie and Milk to Book and Berries. Holy cow. This girl can talk. But only around her immediately family, of course.

She's also started to string words together more in phrases. Not 15 minutes ago when she went down to sleep she said, "Bye bye Bitty. Bye bye Elmo." (She also tucked a toy in to bed with them so that when they woke up they'd have something to play with.)

She is learning her Sesame Street characters from looking at her diapers (Pampers Baby Dry). Elmo has quickly replaced Bitty Baby as her favorite word... and "person." Although she has room for all her "kids" in her heart. She even kisses Chuckles' "ouchies."

She is drinking out of a big girl cup more and does it pretty well with no turkey sticks in sight.

She is finally jumping for real and getting some air. She likes to gallop around too.

She still loves her little foam letters and especially likes sticking them to the wall in the bathtub.

She is able to recite Mr. Brown almost all the way through. If we read the words, she'll do the sounds.

She is back at library time and old enough now to check out books! She is really getting used to books that have a storyline with some length, not just baby books that rhyme.

She getting used to being around other kids and people. Still a bit hesitant and tentative in new situations, but not the Stage 5 Clingon that she once was.

The last month has brought so many changes and it finally seems right that our little girl is about to turn two. Happy 23 months, Chloe Jo, we love you!