the good life of early toddlerhood

The weather could not have been more perfect this week.

Cool, but sunny and beautiful.

So, of course, we played outside when we got home each day.

Makayla is saying some words more clearly now

and the second we ask if she wants to go "outside"

she stops whatever she's doing and runs to the door

saying "side, side" and pointing.

I sat in the courtyard grass with her yesterday evening...

we just sat and hugged and talked.

She found these five little sticks

and probably spent ten minutes

putting them in one of my hands

and then the other.

Back and forth and back again.

What a great little moment.

Content as can be,

sitting together,

handing tiny twigs back and forth.
Oh, to always be content with such simple joys!

Then we came in and

she ate a yummy dinner:

Such a good eater
and such a cutie in her precious
yorkie dog jumper.

"Doggie" is about her favorite word

right now. One of her favorite

books is called Doggies

and everytime she picks

it up she turns to the same page

(Nine dogs howling on a moonlit night)

and she howls...aaaaoooooooh!

Smart girl!

We were watching boxer puppies

and other doggies on youtube

tonight. She pointed at every single

dog on every video and said "doggie."

I'm pretty sure she will be asking

for one of her own as soon as she

figures that one out.

I love the age Makayla is right now.

Sure the sass is starting to show more,

and there are a few tantrums with feet stomping,

but they are always short lived

and followed by a hug. She is so happy

and smiley and wants to be with mommy and daddy.

She just wants to sit on my lap and hug and talk and play.

I love it. I told Brandon today if babies

were born and then were 16 months the

next day I'd be fine to have another right now.

I think most people love the little tiny baby stage,

but I'm loving this young toddler stage...

even through the trying days and constant chasing.

I love my sweet girl more and more...
it is so fun to see her becoming her own person
with a shining and fun personality.
She makes early toddlerhood easy to love.