Fifteen-month stats

Short version: still tall and skinny, growing fast, likes mostly same foods/activities/toys as she did when she was younger, still sleeps well...just more active now. Still cute and sweet...scroll down for more pictures!

Long, detailed version:

Rebecca had her 15-month checkup this week, and came in at about the same percentages as she did for her 12-month visit: 95% for length (32 1/2 inches); 50% for weight (22 lbs, 5 oz.); and 50% for head circumference (18 inches). Although I'm sure it's nice to be so tall and skinny, it does make outfitting her a little tricky. According to weight, she should be in 12-month size clothing, but she needs 24-month sizes for height. So usually we compromise and she wears 18-month clothes, which fit loosely and are a little short. Her feet are growing very quickly, consistently gaining a half-size every six to seven weeks. She also inherited my wide feet. Right now her shoe size is a 5.5 wide, although she can also wear a 6 wide without the shoes coming off, unless she chooses to take them off. I'm not sure if I'll get velcro for her again or not.

I expressed a little concern that she isn't really saying any words on a regular basis, but the pediatrician wasn't worried, since she is right on track in all other areas of develpment; but she gave me a referral if I want Rebecca to be evaluated further. I know her hearing is fine because she can point to objects in a book if I ask her to, and she can follow simple commands, and she always stops and turns her head when a car or airplane or helicopter goes by, or when she hears the key turn the lock on the front door. Tonight I was standing at the sink with my back to her, and she was in her high chair, and it sounded like she said "dah". I turned and looked at her, and she was looking at the kitchen window. Outside there was a dog barking, and I think she heard it and was trying to say "dog," but I don't know for sure. She also responds enthusiastically when I ask if she wants to go outside or go take a bath (without me pointing to anything). I think I'll wait a few weeks and then decide whether or not to pursue further evaluation.

Her walking is getting faster and faster, although not quite to running yet; and she absolutely no fear of walking far away from Mommy or Daddy. She enjoys exploring, and she is now tall enough to reach the tops of our counters and dressers, so we've had to do some further baby-proofing.

Rebecca's favorite activities continue to be playing outside (collecting sticks, rocks, flowers, shells, etc.); reading books (she'll have the same two or three favorites for a few days, and then her favorites will change); taking baths; opening and closing cupboards and doors; putting things in and taking them out of containers (including trash cans); and climbing onto and off of beds and sofas. She also loves stairs and can climb up and slide down by herself...we don't have any at our house, but that's the first thing she heads for whenever we go anywhere that has them. She is also becoming more skilled at stacking blocks and nesting cups.

Her favorite objects continue to be blankets, books, shoes, and animals (live, plush, or in books--she kisses all three kinds!); and she has a renewed interest in Mr. Glowworm, who sings when she presses his tummy, but we don't let her sleep with him anymore because he makes her take longer to go to sleep. She loves having company, and sometimes cries when our guests leave!

Rebecca's favorite foods are yogurt, green peas, noodles (I give her whole-wheat/veggie rotini), bread, cheese, chicken, avocados, and dry cereal. She never refuses any of these foods. She also likes many other fruits and vegetables, but her preferences for individual ones seem to be inconsistent. She still only has four teeth, but that's not unusual for my family.

Her current bedtime is 8:00, although it takes her 30-60 minutes to fall asleep, and then she sleeps until roughly 7:30, but that can vary in either direction up to 45 minutes. Then she usually has a 2-3 hour nap beginning anywhere between 11:45 and 1:45, depending largely on when she woke up in the morning. Yes, I realize I have a very easy baby, and I am extremely grateful!