2 1/2

Harper turned 2 1/2 years old on Sunday. Where has the time gone? We are LOVING every minute of this fun age. I don't think the 2's have been as terrible as people make them out to be. (I hope I didn't just jinx myself) Harper is so funny....and sweet....and smart.....and lovable......and polite....and caring......her worst characteristic?????? SHY!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is not a fan of strangers and completely ignores people when they try talking to her. She will look away or turn her back to them. It is bittersweet - it's frustrating, yet a good thing that she won't talk to strangers.

Weight: 31.2 lbs

Clothing Size: 2T bottoms, 3T/4T tops

Shoes Size: 7-8

Eating: The only thing Harper does not like is corn. Her favorite foods continue to be yogurt, apples, cottage cheese, grapes and chips. A few of her new favorites are french toast and bananas.

Sleep: Harper does NOT like to take naps. Unless she is super crabby, we usually avoid the fight and just let her stay up, or take a nap in the living room. However, she is very good about going to bed at night. We have a pretty good routine so she knows what to expect. She willingly crawls into her own bed every night and stays in bed all night. She will sometimes wake us up because she has to use the bathroom or wants a drink.

Speech: We have officially reached the "Why?" stage. After about the 5th "why," I just ignore her. But if we turn the tables and ask her "why?" she responds with "who cares?"! Harper says some of the funniest things - as do most 2 year olds. Harper has figured out the power of using manners. For example, whenever she wants something that she knows we will probably say "no" to, she folds her hands under her chin and says "pleeeeease" in the sweetest little voice. Which of course we can't say "no" to!

Favorite Toy: Baby Sandy

Favorite Activity: playing babies, coloring, or singing/dancing

New Things:

*takes showers
*no more pull-ups/diapers - even at night :)
*able to dress herself, other than her shirt
*recognizes all 26 letters of the alphabet
*can count to 20 with a little encouragement
*knows her 'basic' opposites (up/down, stop/go, fast/slow, etc)
*favorite TV show is Caillou
*loves to sing songs, a few favorites are 'Ten in a Bed' 'If You're Happy & You Know It' 'Row Row Row Your Boat'
*gallops
*can accurately count objects in books or if you hold up fingers

Like I mentioned before, this stage of Harper's life is absolutely amazing. She is learning so much and is so funny and sweet. Can I freeze time for awhile?!?!?!?!?!?!

PS - the party planning has already begun for Harper's 3rd Birthday Party :)