Continuing to Grow

I know just about every parent says things like this, but I can't believe how much Ann has grown!  And I'm not just referring to her size (though she is definitely a tall girl).  She has grown so much in terms of her language, and play and choices in food.  I think back to Christmas break when she was just barely starting to say her own name, and now she knows so many names and words.  She's even starting to learn her colors and letters, which absolutely amazes Tom and I.  A few nights ago we had Costco pizza for dinner, and Ann pointed out the letters F and B on the box, saying them as she pointed.  And just today after lunch, I heard Ann saying something and realized she was saying "k" while pointing to the letter K on a box.  She gets colors mixed up more, but she usually gets purple, yellow and green correct.  I can just hardly believe how much she's learning.  It is so much fun to teach her and play with her.

Newest addition to the lunch rotation: peanut butter sandwiches.  I don't know if I've ever mentioned Ann's massive aversion to bread on here before, but for the longest time she wouldn't touch the stuff (or anything like unto it).  Only recently has she decided that she actually really likes it (thanks to the help of Costco rolls).  And earlier this week Tom gave Ann some peanut butter to try, which also was a hit.  So I figured, why not try peanut butter sandwiches??

Approval is written all over her face :)

Ann been doing a lot more pretend-type play, especially with my old teddy bear.  One day I heard her say "Bear...box...push" and then she put the bear in this box and pushed it around the apartment.

She has also started to pretend to change the bear's diaper.  She lays the bear down, says "bum", and pretends to put one of her diapers on the bear.

After the diaper is "on", she says "pants", and gets one of Tom's dress socks and pretends to put pants on the bear.

Standing the bear up to pull the "pants" up (and yes, this is the exact routine we follow when changing her diaper)

Eating cheerios on the couch while watching Daddy do something on the computer (I probably shouldn't just let her eat on the couch like that...)

This morning after dropping Tom off at school, Ann wanted my sweater that was in the closet.  After getting it on she wanted the broom and proceeded to "sweep" the kitchen.  I tried to get a picture of her in the kitchen, but she came out before I had the camera ready.