Evelyn has definitely mastered some new skills this month. She is finally able to show us some of the receptive language that she has developed, and we know she understands us. On April 25th, as we were preparing to travel for Aunt Melissa's wedding, she decided to clap for us when asked. That same afternoon she also began touching her head when asked. Both were so cute, and that helped keep her entertained on our long car ride down to SC. She would laugh as she clapped or touched her head. We are also working on finding noses and feet, but she's not quite there yet.
This picture represents our life so perfectly. Harrison is playing football and Lily is doing cartwheels in the background. This is everyday after school.
She will also look to an object when asked, "where is the clock"? She loves being carried around and will hold her arm out to point in the direction that she would like to go. She definitely has ideas about what she wants to do or where she wants to be.
Evelyn is babbling more and has said a word or two on occasion. One day she had a dirty diaper and Justin and I asked her if she pooped and she responded clear as a bell "poop". It also sounds like she says "what's this" or "this" sometimes, but the most consistent "word" that she uses multiple times a day is when she points to her book shelf and says "ba" or "bas" for books. After she says this, if you ask if she wants to read a book she offers up a huge grin. She could sit and listen to 10 books in a row if you let her. She is so content to listen and look at pictures.
She is happy most of the day, but unfortunately turns into a little grump come 4:30/5:00. She is hungry and ready to eat. This is also the time that the big kids need help with homework, snacks, and I begin dinner prep. There are lots of tears between this time until after dinner. Bedtime is usually 7:15. I really think she would be happy to go to bed at 6:30, but then we would probably be up at 5am, and no one wants that schedule. If playing with Lily and Harrison doesn't calm her down, my only other choice is to offer the one video that she loves. This video has been a lifesaver on many occasions for all three kids. Praise Baby keeps her attention with the babies and young children playing, video of nature and animals, and bubbles, balls, etc. The worship music is nice for everyone.
She loves, loves, loves bath time! It's always fun to watch how excited she is standing over the tub waiting for the water to be ready. Then, she is all about splashing and chewing on her cup while bathing.
This week I began introducing a few more solid foods into her diet. She doesn't like much, I can tell you that. She gags if certain foods are in her mouth, but she will also gag if she just touches a food she doesn't like with one finger. I think this eating regular food thing is going to be slow going. She will eat bits of bread, shredded cheese, Yogurt Melts, and Puffs. She adamantly dislikes peas and macaroni and cheese. She has also refused small bites of chicken.
Yogurt Melts and Puffs are fine,
peas are not.
She loves trying to stand on her own, and if she can't get good balance independently, then we wait for her to hold onto our legs or a piece of furniture. I know she will be walking before we know it because she loves to be on the move.
