Mischievous Mellie is 20 Months Old

Melina turned 20 months old last week. One word that best describes her: MISCHIEVOUS!! (even though she looks like a sweet angel in this picture)

Melina is 18 months old today!

What words come to mind when I think of our now 18-month-old baby?

active, doesn't sit still, impulsive, loving, sweet, non-sleep-loving, LOVES cheese, adores her big sis, showers kisses upon her Mama while being held or in the sling, kisses and hugs her Daddy's leg repeatedly as he leaves for work, persistent, a CLIMBER, doesn't take "no" for an answer, likes to call her Daddy "mama" (to get his goat I think), LOVES books (will go to anyone who foolishly thinks they can sit down for a moment and take a rest and climb into their lap with a favorite book), still LOVES shoes, loves animals and imitating their sounds, and last, but certainly not least, wants to do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING her big sis does.

Nap time--yay!!! Mama can get a short break from a toddler constantly on the go!

Birthday Milestone Pictures

Rochel is a wonderful friend who started taking pictures of all of us while pregnant. Last week I arranged for her to take pictures of the girls for their 1- and 5-year birthdays, instead of making the usual trip to Sears out of town. I was quite pleased with the turnout, although my newly turned 1-year-old really didn't want to be cooperative, and my newly turned 5-year-old wanted it to be all about her (go figure!). Here are some of my favorites; more are at dropshots under the dates Sat., Aug. 2 and Wed., July 30.