Somewhere between 12 and 15 months Mataya has gone from lazy baby to crazy toddler. It is astonishing! At 15 months (and 10 days), she is busy, busy, busy! She is the first of our kids that I have ever classified as BUSY. It is new and fun and sometimes challenging! She follows the big kids everywhere. She adores the trampoline. She has figured out a way to wedge herself against the netting so that she can stay on the tramp even when the big kids are jumping like crazy. She lopes circles around it when it is her turn to do a "trick."
She has a billion teeth - 14 to be exact, with another eye tooth almost through. And in the midst of all the teething, she has taken to biting my shoulder. What started out as teething relief has become a naughty habit. When I am busy talking to someone, she sometimes clamps down on my shoulder. . . hard. . . and then belly laughs when I pull her away. She does a similar "trick" with Sierra and Brenna's hair. The belly laugh makes it hard to get mad; however, the pain keeps it real. When we put her down, she is usually ready to say "sowwy" (sorry) and cuddle sweetly.
Although always on the go, Mataya LOVES books. She begs us to read all day long. I LOVE IT!
She also loves to play with cars.
She does not love the pool, but she does love her water table.
She does her best to tell tales with her words and gestures. She cracks us all up many times a day. Yesterday when Sierra called her a stinker she grabbed her diaper and said "Poo Poo?" The she laughed and laughed at her joke.
She sleeps all night, every night - and she is down to one long afternoon nap. Score!
She knows most of her body parts. Counts to three. Loves to dance - "Ring Around the Rosey" is her age appropriate dance of choice. And can never, ever get enough of her paci.
She has incredibly expressive eyes.
She has become quite outgoing. She yells "Hello!" to strangers in the store. Asks her Grandpa to take her to see the horses. Drags all the toys in her toy box to whom ever our guest happens to be. She no longer hides on my hip - but seeks out smiles and interaction.
Outside is her very favorite place, and I suspect she will adore our weekend camping trip!
Oh I love, love, love her. Her energy, enthusiasm, and sweet, sweet explorer spirit makes every day sparkle. She is such an amazing treasure. I just adore watching her personality unfold.
