Izzie-bon-belle

I bet you are dying for an update on Isabelle. You are? I knew it.

Isabelle is 15 months and some change old. Actually, closer to 16 months but who is keeping track. (Except that I am.)

Her favorite words are Yes. And wow, and baby. Sometimes she says dada, mama if she is hurt or crying. We think she said Grandpa the other day- which would fit since she likes him the most. She gives the most delicious open mouthed slobbery kisses in the whole world. Her voice is so sweet and jibberishy- sometimes we just lay in bed in the morning and listen to her talk to herself for a few minutes. She has a lot to say!

And seriously you guys, she is so smart. She understands basically everything we say- she can pick out objects in books, she knows the remote turns the tv on. She knows where we keep the snacks and the juice and the milk. She also knows shes not allowed to put things in the toilet. All of her babies have names and she loves them equally. Except Olivia, who is her eternal companion at this point.

She would rather be outside than anywhere in the world- we walk around the corner everyday and as soon as she is out the door she just BOLTS. She picks up rocks and tastes them and throws them. She likes to use her little hands to swipe the grass to see how it feels. She looks for birds and airplanes and neighbors walking dogs. She can correctly identify eyes, nose, and ears on her face and mine. Occasionally she tries to take the mole off of my face. It doesn’t work.

Her greatest love in the world is Sesame Street. I never thought I would be on board with 50 minutes of TV almost everyday but let’s face it, a woman needs a break and SS does a great job making me feel less guilty. She whines all morning- stepping on my feet or tugging at my pants until I cave and turn it on. She knows all the characters and pays most attention during Elmo’s World and Abby’s Flying Fairy School. I can’t believe Elmo just made my blog. She also loves grapes a great deal. And napping! She sleeps about two hours give or take. And now that I have written that down, I’m sure I have cursed myself and she will never sleep again.

The other day Jazz gave a big sigh and said, “I wish she could stay at this stage forever.” I kind of feel the same way- she is so perfect to us. I love that she grabs on to me when a stranger is invading her personal space. Or that she nods her head hard when we ask her questions. I love that her hair is too short for a ponytail but long enough to fluff right away from her head. I love that she hears music and dances with one arm flung way out to her side. I love her legs when she runs, and her little motion she makes when she skips. I love that she loves to explore with her hands and feel things, run them through her fingers and figure them out. I love that small objects entertain her, and weird noises make her explode in laughter. I love that she is so ticklish on her thighs and behind her arms and under her chin. I love that she looks like the man I love. I love that she looks a little bit like me too.

For your enjoyment: A probably too-long video of Isabelle skipping on her “stage.” Also featured- me singing a certain children’s song. You’re welcome.