She's Growing Up!

Well, now that Hannah is almost 16 months, I figured I should write a post about her changes in the last few months--and there are quite a few! She is definitely seeming more like a toddler every day, and she has such a good, fun-loving spirit. She now walks 99% of the time (crawling is "just for fun" now & then), and she is close to being able to run. Especially when she goes around the corner to "hide;" then when we say "where's Hannah?" She comes dashing out with a big smile on her face. She is starting to say more words, including ball, hot, beep (when she pinches noses, thanks to Grandpa Dale), and she signs a number of things, including more, please, thank-you, music, bird, & water/milk (she has blended the two together). What I think is most amazing is that she is understanding & comprehending a lot more of what we are saying. For example, yesterday I said "Let's go upstairs & take a bath." She walked right over to the stairs & climbed up towards the bathroom. :) It's nice to be able to talk to her & actually get a response. (Now I don't sound so crazy talking, although supposedly some people still think it's weird to commentate during shopping trips.) I also see the effect of the "human sponge," as the other day Hannah started walking around with her arms folded--apparently I do that more than I think...
With all of these good, fun things, also come a couple struggles. I recently read in my Parents mag that often the "terrific twos" rear their heads at the half birthday marks. Hannah is a couple months early, but much to our dismay, the other night Hannah actually stomped her feet after getting upset about something. :) I smile because it was actually somewhat funny to see this little person displaying anger. (And it probably seemed like something really inconsequential--to me--like us taking away the tupperware for the night.) Since then, she has thrown herself on the floor and kicked her feet (you know the body position), but I definitely caught her peeking to make sure I was watching. Hannah also has a very strong will...like others...and I have no doubt she will be making her opinions known for her entire life (a pattern that seemed to be evident from her first days as a newborn.) My mom mentioned yesterday, too, that she is growing into her role as a drama queen as well, so she & Aunt Senia will have a lot to talk about. ;) (Love you, Seni!)
So that is what is happening in Hannah-land. After all is said and done, though, she is such a joy, and like Afton has told me...there's nothing sweeter than watching them sleep...