Parker - 15 Months Old

We had Parker's 15 month check-up today.  It was originally scheduled for the week before Christmas, but due to me having a stomach bug we had to reschedule.  

Parker did not enjoy this visit.  She usually does OK until she needs to be held down for something, like checking the ears or getting a shot.  This time she started crying (hard) as soon as we walked in the exam room.  I did get her to calm down in between nurse and doctor visits, but she pretty much cried the entire time.  The nurse said that is very typical at this age, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  

Other than the crying, the visit went well.  She easily passed all of the milestone questions:

• saying at least 3 words - at last count she says 11 (Da, Mama, Otis, dog, shoes, thank you, cheese, cheers, uh oh (if that counts as a word), hi, yeah/yes)  
• follows short commands
• drinking from cup (rather than bottle)
• eating with spoon (it's messy, but getting better)
• walking (she runs almost more than walks these days)
• brushing teeth
• sleep schedule on target

Stats:

• height - 32.75 in / 97%
• weight - 24lb 7.5oz / 70%
• head - 18.75 in / 90%

Parker is learning new things every day.  She has many animal sounds nailed now, including cow, sheep, dog, and lion.  She can point to her nose, hair, and belly/tummy, and eye.  Turns out she even know the motions to at least one song, Itsy Bitsy Spider, which I discovered on accident. 

We started doing a little game a few months ago, singing Row, Row, Row Your Boat while "rowing" rowing her arms & body.  This usually occurs while she is sitting on a lap or legs.  Parker loves it and will now grab your hands and say "row?" (add another word to above list).  Here is a picture of Greg rowing with her.

Parker also loves to dance.  If she hears any kind of music, she will start.  Video of her dancing with two different toys (both Christmas presents, one from Aunt Annie and one from Aunt Gennie!)

She also loves to dance with one of us.  Here she is dancing with Daddy, the thing in her hand is a bluetooth speaker.



Parker has always loved Otis but he gets more hugs from her with every passing day.  She has also learned to throw balls for him. 

Parker started in her new classroom at school on 12/31.  All of her classmates moved up together, so she got to stay with her buddies.  The new room already had 6 kids in it, so with the four additions it makes a much larger class.  Parker is adjusting nicely and we've been told that she is a good listener and a big helper (likes to help put things away).  Here are some random photos from the last few weeks (some from school, some from us):

In true toddler fashion, Parker is a little finicky about her food now, but for the most part eats really well.  She will ALWAYS sit down to eat yogurt or applesauce because she gets to use the spoon.  Her new favorite is dipping.  We have given her hummus at home and chips & salsa out at a restaurant.  However, at this point she just sucks the dip off of the delivery item and dips it back in.  Makes for soggy chips.

And finally, the big accomplishment for the last couple weeks.....sushi!  When I go to Wegman's on the way home from work to get groceries, I will often times pick up sushi for our dinner.  A couple weeks ago I gave Parker a piece of raw salmon and she loved it.  She kept coming back for more and liked the tuna as well.  Now we just have to hope that it sticks....