21 Months this past November

November 20th - Riley turned 21 months. She is growing so much everyday. At 21 months:

• Her vocabulary exploded & she she seems to know new words every day!
• She shifted from Backyardigans to Finding Nemo & knows most of the characters: Nemo, Fish, Dory, Dude (Crush), Shark & Ray. (Although, I think she will always love her "Backy.")
• On our recent trip (I will blog more specifically about it later), she became fascinated by elevators. She loved to ride them, push the buttons & get on & off. She says "wee" when riding them & says "thank you" when getting on & off.
• She also loves boats. (Which is not surprising because we just vacationed on a huge one for 7 days.)
• She went on her first water slide(s).
• She chipped her first tooth. :-(
• She went to her 2nd country outside the US (Mexico) & she is not even 2 yet!
• She is a great sleeper. As long as she has her "fyer" (which we know she will have to say goodbye to soon) & her "night night" (blankie) she goes down for naps & for the night really well. We are very blessed!

Parenthood has been such an amazing journey so far. It has been full of ups and downs; times where I begin to doubt; times when I feel stronger than ever; challenges; extreme joy; miracles; & a greater understanding of, well "life"...if that makes sense. Growing up, I never could understand why adults seemed to have this persona of wisdom & understanding about them, parents in particular. I can now grasp a little bit of what that essence they have is. I am not sure I am there myself yet, but everyday, through my daughter, I learn more...more about her, myself, relationships & what is important in life. Parenting is the most challenging, but also the most wonderful, educational & joyful experience I have ever had...& I think it is only the beginning.