Ready for the Big Leagues

Well, I took Elena to her 18 month doctor's appointment this week. One funny discovery we made is that Elena now remembers the doctor's office, and what happens there. And, more importanly, how much she dislikes it! She loves the waiting room, because there's a big fish tank. But as soon as we started walking into the back she started fussing. And then she was fine playing in the exam room, until Dr. Garb actually came in! As soon as he came in the door, she made a beeline for my lap and started fussing. Then, he sat and asked me questions for awhile, so she got down and started playing again. As soon as he stopped writing and started talking to her and coming towards her, she was back on my lap and fussing. It was pretty funny, really.

Anyway, in Dr. Garb's own words "She's still got a big head" (Nice, thanks Dr. Garb!). Here are the stats:
Weight: 21 lbs, 14.5 oz (20th %)
Height: 31 1/8 inches (35th %)
Head Circumference: 19 inches (90th %)

So, yep, still petite with a big head! :) [WARNING: Bragging mommy moment ahead] But, apparently it's to hold all her brains, because he also said that she had an above average vocabulary. I knew she talked a lot, but since I'm not around many 18 month olds, and she's my first, I didn't really have anything to compare her to. But the benchmark he asked me about was does she know 10-20 words. And I said, wow, definitely more than that. As the rest of the day passed, I started thinking about the words she really did know, and thought that I would write them all down. So I started listing them, and she actually knows (as in consistently uses and [mostly] understands). We came up with around 120 words! And we kept saying "Oh yeah, she knows xxx, too." It was amazing. Body parts, people, animals (and animal noises), food, clothes and then just the random ones; she can actually communicate with us. I know it sounds silly, since she obviously didn't learn all those words in one day, but it kind of struck me how much bigger she is getting, now that she can actually communicate! It makes her so much more a little girl instead of a baby; it was kind of shocking.

This age is so much fun though, she climbs on everything, runs everywhere, and jabbers a mile a minute! Of course, those same 3 things can be absolutely infuriating (hello, Terrible Twos) when she's climbing up to sit ON (not at) the table, dumping the leftover soda from dinner all over my book for work. Or running in the opposite direction when we want her to do something. Or screaming and throwing a giant fit (she's kind of a drama queen, and VERY independent) because she can't have another "kuhkuh" (cookie). But she really is growing up... she is incredibly independent, very determined to get her own way, and stubborn to the point of stupidity sometimes (might have gotten that from her mom), like when she gets in trouble for hitting, glares at me in defiance, and as soon as I let go of her hand, rears back to hit me again. Yeah, we're going to have an interesting life with her!

Anyway, that's probably more rambling than I meant to do, I just haven't really updated on her in awhile, so I thought I'd update everyone. The not-so-good news from the doctor is that she had fluid in one of her ears. He says she's not a candidate for tubes, because the fluid goes away, and because it switches from ear to ear, and she's obviously not having trouble hearing anything, since she's learning so many words. But he gave her an antibiotic to just clear it up. The amount of antibiotic he's given her will last for 30 days, once a day. My doctor/other mom friends: is that an unreasonable amount, or is that a normal dose? I'm debating calling and double checking, but I hate to be annoying.

I guess that's about it... the new daycare is going really well (she's been there this whole week). This morning when I dropped her off she wasn't even interested in coming to me for a kiss. Of course, that's because she was over by the fridge, and there was a chance she was going to get something to eat- I think the lady that watches her is afraid she's going to eat them out of house and home (she's an eater- that might be from both sides of the family!). But she has fun, and she's happy when I drop her off and when I pick her up. So, I think we've successfully transitioned!

This weekend we're headed to Springfield for Leila's first birthday party! So expect fun pictures next week!