16 Months: Yes and No

"Wise men (and little girls!) speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” - Plato

Our girl is now 16 months old -- and learning to communicate NO has been this month's most significant change.  She's not actually saying "no" yet (although she is saying lots of other things!), but she sure knows how to shake her head to let Mom & Dad know when she does not want something!

This month we enjoyed celebrating Fiona's 2nd Thanksgiving with friends and both sides of our  family -- although, in my heart it's her first holiday season.  Last year at this time, we were the brand new parents of a 4 month old.  I was back working full-time, still getting up once or twice in the night for feedings, and almost too sleep deprived to function.  Given all of that, I feel a bit like I missed Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2009.  Instead of being sad about that, I'm simply celebrating with gusto this year and considering it our first set of holidays as a (fully-functioning!) family. 

While celebrating turkey day with Ryan's side of the family, Grandma F and I took Fiona to the Children's Museum of the Upstate.  Fiona particularly loved the Toddler Lily Pad.

Watch out Mom!

I'm about to get ALL wet!

After Greenville, SC, we continued to give thanks by gathering with my side of the family in Winston-Salem, NC.  We cooked  a slew of gourmet side dishes and then saved ourselves by ordering a Bojangles turkey.  Yes, that's right...a turkey from a fast foot restaurant.  I, too, was a skeptic at first, but my sister had scoured the Internet finding a myriad of positive reviews.  I now can say that Bojangles might just be a new family tradition.  It was amazingly delicious.  And as a member of our quasi-vegetarian family, Fiona certainly enjoyed her first tastes of turkey!

Other notes from this month:

• Fiona now has 2 molars - with a 3rd about to be here any day!  There have been some long nights for this poor teething girl -- and her parents!
• She is now successfully feeding herself with a spoon and is beginning adventures in fork-dom.  Sometimees the food actually makes it to her mouth!
• Fi seems to have developed a completely new level of empathy for those around her.  While she was in the kitchen, I accidentally cut my thumb cooking dinner a few weeks ago.  Fiona became visibly upset, made the sign for "hurt", and still continues to want to check on my boo boo on a regular basis.
• Our little girl also had her 15-month well-child check this month.  Over the last 12 weeks, she grew 3 inches and gained 3 pounds!!  She's now in the 90th percentile for height and 85th for weight.  Tar Heel b-ball superstar in the making?  Oh yes! At least if her Dad has any say in the matter.