Emma has learned a new word. And she's not just saying it casually, she's saying it with ATTITUDE! The word? No. Somehow, my sweet little Emma girl, has turned into an aggressive 19 month old that is enjoying the use of that word.

In addition to saying "no", she's starting hitting. She understands "nice touches" because when you say that to her, she models that behavior. It's when you do something she doesn't like, or take something away from her, that you experience the opposite.

My (our) job? To stop these behaviors. Now. Before they get too out of hand. But it's difficult, because she's only 19 months. She's not really at an age where she can understand a time-out (or know that she has to sit there for a minute), and while we're not opposed to spanking when necessary, we are opposed to it with a 19 month old. She's too young.

This is definitely uncharted territory for the Garland home. Ava was certainly never like this. At least not at this young of age. I guess it's just another reminder that each child is unique, has their own personality and responds to frustration differently. I think we have some challenging moments coming ahead - I guess we need to buckle up and get ready for the ride!

Summer Fun!

Introducing Emma's new best friend, Violet Mariam Amaro! We're so glad Violet is here...not so sure I'm so glad that in some of these pics my child was encouraged to play in mud puddles! Clearly, I wasn't around. Oh well, they had fun, and as always Carrie Fay was right there with her camera. :)  We love you, baby Violet, welcome home!

18 Months

My sweet baby Emma is 18 months old today. I am convinced that right now, at this stage in her development, she is changing on a daily basis. For a child who was deemed "developmentally behind with regard to her vocabulary" at 12 months, I am confident she will blow them out of the water at her 18 month appointment. Here is a list (not at all conclusive) of what she can say right now (and what I can remember!):

ma-ma. daddy. bubbles. belle. doggy. tree. up. down. vi-ye (Violet). nano (Daniel). doa (Dora). boo (Boots). yeah. wa-wa (water). uh-oh. hi. bye-bye. blankie. nigh-nigh (night night). sissy. please. than oo (thank you). piggy. frog. bunnny. cow. wow. moo. sheep. baa. nose. eye. belly. cheese. uv oo (love you). milky. ball. baby. bite. hug. kiss. car. in. out. wing (swing). lide (slide). all done. book. more. bu (blue).

Pretty impressive, I think, for a child who could only say 3 words 6 months ago. We couldn't be more proud! We love you so much, Emma, and happy 1/2 birthday!

Swimming Lessons

It's definitely that time again, time to go swimming! Last year, at 6 months old, Emma laid the foundation for her swimming lessons to continue this year. And we couldn't have been more excited to get her started. She is now complete with the process - and even though she is not quite 18 months old yet - is highly skilled in the water.

Here's a video of her last day of lessons. You will see her in her pajamas, they're testing to make sure she knows what to do if faced with an emergency. You will also see her just having fun - she loves to swim now!

It's going to be a really fun, and safe, summer swimming with the girls!

Lazy Legs No More...

Emma has been getting better and better at walking every day. The only thing she has yet to master is standing up on her own, without holding on to anything. Once she does that - she'll be taking off even more I'm sure.

Here's a video of her walking all the way down our hallway tonight! She's getting so big!