Long Time No Post

Between a big work deadline and getting a new computer, I've been away from the blog for a while. We're doing fine. Mia's language skills are growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of two-word sentences. She has progressed from adjective/noun combinations ("big hat") to noun/verb combos ("See toes"). Sometimes, it feels like a real conversation! Mia received some more Signing Time videos for her birthday and loves showing off her new signs and teaching them to us. Some of them are really challenging. Jeff and Mia were watching the Signing Time episode about farm animals today, and Jeff called to me in the kitchen, "I don't think we'll be saying goat too much."
We continue to enjoy lots of reading time. Mia once made me read her the board book version of "Go, Dog, Go!" eight times in one sitting. Tonight I had to read the long version 3 times.
Sarah has been teaching Mia her letters, and Mia recognizes quite a few. She recognizes more letters than she can pronounce. K and G and J sounds still elude her most of the time.
The other reason I haven't been posting as much is because I decided I need more hours of sleep every night. I have a bad habit of sitting down at 11 p.m. to write what should be a 5-minute blog entry, and 45 minutes later I'm still writing, selecting the perfect photo, editing the text... and before I know it, it is 11:44 p.m. and I still haven't hit "publish."

24-Month Checkup

Mia continues to impress us with her growth. She is now 35 inches tall, 32.3 lbs. She is at the 95th percentile for both height and weight and 90 to 95th percentile for head circumference. She doesn't like doctors and she especially doesn't like immunizations. Fortunately, Sarah was there to provide a welcome distraction by reading "Go Dog, Go!" (Mia's current favorite book).

And by the way, Mia now says "Sarah." Talk about cheers and applause the first time we heard her say it. She says it in a funny voice, whispering it as if she thinks it is the secret password. At some level, it probably is.

Mia Turns 2 Today!

Our darling girl is 2. She is growing up so fast. Somedays when she gets dressed for preschool, I see a glimpse of the young woman she will become.

We played one game over and over again yesterday. Mia sat on our bed and motioned me to pile the pillows up on her. Once she was covered up, I'd call out, "Where is Mia? Is she in the bathroom?"

Mia (muffled): "No!"

Me (going out in the hallway): "Is she in the hallway?"

Mia (muffled): "No!"

Me: "Is she under the bed?"

Mia (muffled): "No!"

This would go on and on, until eventually...

Me: "I've lost Mia! Where is she?"

Silence

Me: "Oh, no! I've lost Mia!"

Silence

Finally, Mia pops out from under the pillows and squeals, thrilled that she has eluded me. I tickle her. She laughs and squeals some more. Pure silliness.

Mia is now saying lots of 2-word sentences, which is an important milestone. It is really fun to see her express herself in words. She uses lots of ASL signs and really tries to say the words, too. Yesterday, she started saying the dog's name correctly. Words starting with an "S" have been difficult for her, which means she would say Nam or Lam for Sam. Now that she can say "Sam", can "Sarah" be far behind?

Dear Mia -

Your Daddy and I are very proud of the progress you have made in the last year. You are growing and blossoming before our eyes. We love spending time with you, talking and playing. We love your hugs and kisses. Thank you for being our precious daughter.

Love,

Mom

The Aftermath

Mia's playroom after the party. We both needed a nap afterwards. Daddy did the cleanup while we slept.

Mia's Birthday Party

We had a birthday party for Mia on Saturday. Three of her friends (and their moms) joined us for play time, design-your-own pizza, veggies, fruit, and cupcakes. Jeff had assembled an indoor playground in our exercise room. There were slides, balls of all sizes, mats, and a sit-and-spin. It was really cute. Dog tattoos were optional. For party favors, every child received an apron on which I'd stenciled their name and a dog. It was a lot of fun. My only regret is that we didn't get more pictures, but we had our hands full!