What a Summer

Well, summer's winding down and work is looming. It's a bittersweet time of year, I'm excited to see what the new year holds and see friends from work, but it is so hard to leave Farah. She has a new babysitter again this year, so she has to adjust to new people, a new schedule, and getting up way earlier than we've been used to. But the summer has been great, filled with trips to the pool, lots of playground visits, a zoo and aquarium trip, feeding the ducks at the pond, petting zoos, and weekly playdates with friends. Farah has developed by leaps and bounds this summer, she has literally learned a new word every day this summer. Her favorite things include seeing animals, especially "kitties," throwing and chasing balls, going on slides, stacking and sorting- basically stashing little things all around the house, and helping mommy to clean and water plants. She likes to harass the dogs, mainly Tucker, but Josie isn't immune to the bear hugs and free rides either. She has lots of energy, she will do almost anything to get a laugh out of us, but she's also a great eater and sleeper (thank God!). She has continued to take two naps all summer, plus sleeps 11 hours straight through the night. Let's just say this summer is about 100 times easier than last summer! Although the start of temper tantrums has emerged. Farah does not like to be taken away from an activity she has started, she has a very one track mind once she starts something or sees something she wants. She is very sweet and affectionate, but also has a definite independent streak. One thing that has not changed from last summer unfortunately is her aversion to car rides. She basically dislikes all types of restraint, especially in the form of a car seat. At least she can usually be distracted, mainly by apple wedges, but many a car trip involves her throwing everything out of the car seat and then screaming...fun times. Well, that's basically Farah at 15 months. Here are some photos that recap our summer.