The Reynolds Fam: 18 Months

Emma Kate is slowly but surely turning from a baby into an independent little toddler. I'm reminded how it seemed like while we were in the hospital with Emma Kate, Harper totally grew up and I know EK is not far from that! Of course we are biased but we think she is super smart and of course very, very sweet :)

We had a crazy busy October but full of fun fall activities! We made a trip to the zoo, pumpkin patch, trick or treated multiple times and had a quick weekend at the beach! EK did end up dressing as Elsa for most of the halloween activities (though she calls herself Anna). She of course had a great time eating candy at all opportunities. We actually went to the UK football game on Halloween but there were so many people handing out candy that I think the girls had a great time still. We went down to Pawley's Island where Andy has a client for a whirlwind trip. It was chilly chilly but we still had a great time! Harper is our beach girl and 50 degree weather at 7AM couldn't hold her back! Emma Kate took a little time getting used to the cold sand but after a couple hours on the beach each day she was loving it and would always ask to go 'back to beach'! :)

She is extremely talkative, we understand most of what she says though I'm sure strangers think we're crazy. She is still pretty darn laid back but occasionally will have a diva moment. We went shopping for shoes and the man helping us brought out three pairs of tennis shoes, same sizes but different styles. He asked if she wanted to put the first one on which she agreed to. He then pulled out the next pair (purple) which she immediately began to swat out and said NO!. Same reaction to the third pair (pink). And finally he brought out the matching shoe to the first one (teal) and she says YES!! and sticks her other foot out to let him put it on. He says umm... 'how old is she?? I'm sorry for you and your husband!' hahaha. Girl's got an opinion and I'm ok with that! :)

She is so polite, loves saying please and thank you, even to Harper. The only time they typically get in a tiff is when Harper tries to snatch toys from Emma Kate and occasionally in the car. When someone tries to take a toy from EK she waves her hand wildly yelling no no no! haha. And in the car, it never fails, one always wants the thing the other has. Overall though, they do a wonderful job of sharing and being sweet to each other.

She is doing great at school, loves going every time which is wonderful to see :) She's still pretty shy, will typically say Hi to strangers but in general does not want to be held by people besides me, andy and our nanny. Although I will say, she has really developed an affinity for her Aunt Olivia :) She also loves, loves Claire Bear. Anytime we go outside and see claire's house she immediately starts pointing and saying Clairebear...always wants to go visit!

EK loves to take pretend naps, will lay down on a pillow and say Night night, then pop up and says I'm awake! Her pretend sleep face is pretty funny, super scrunched up little eyes. She also does this kind of frowny, concerned face occasionally that we're trying to get her to do on command b/c it is hilarious!

She's working on some molars, is drooling a ton and basically always has a finger in her mouth feeling her gums. The left bottom one is so close to breaking through so I'm sure it will be here before long.

She still naps twice/day but I'm thinking she will be cutting down to only 1 soon. She is still quite the eater, not picky and typically finishes most everything on her plate. I'm not sure how much she weighs right now but she's pretty solid! haha She's wearing mostly 2T now.

She is not daring at all, very cautious and actually very rarely gets hurt because she will ask for help if doing something wild or just not do it at all! I feel like most parents with two say their first was more like this and the second was wild but not at all in our house. I think in the college years EK will look out for Harper and Clairebear ;)