little moments

Coranelle went in for her 15 mo appointment today and I thought I'd give a little update. I don't have all the paper work in front of me because it is still sitting in Ryan's car, but I'll give a few rough stats. She weighs about 19.5 pounds. I thought she had broken 20, but I guess we were wrong. That puts her back down in the 5th percentile. She is 31 inches (53rd percentile). Her head is the 81st percentile, so I guess she's a smart little cookie.

She now has bald spots on both sides of her head as she seems to be still pulling her hair out. So, we discussed this concern with the pediatrician and didn't learn a whole lot. We just need to keep her hair short (which makes me terribly sad) and distract her from the habit when we can.

Ryan got to come with me to the appointment this time and it was nice to have his perspective and have him hear everything from the doctor and help entertain Coranelle as we talked. Once again, I almost cried as we watched Coranelle receive her shots, but Ryan was much stronger about it. She's currently upstairs, sleeping off the trauma of 3 shots, a hemoglobin test, and her finger nails being clipped. Poor little one.

The pediatrician asked me if Coranelle was getting any easier for us. I didn't really know how to answer. I wouldn't necessarily describe my days with her as easy, but it makes me sad that people see her in that light- as a kid that is so hard that we might not be enjoying parenthood. I know I have done my fair share of worrying about her, and complaining about her, but I have to make myself clear... we LOVE her so much! She is such a gift and though she is not a super chill kid, we totally enjoy her personality.
Here are a few of the things that I get to enjoy on a daily basis with Coranelle:
1. Her big wet kisses on our cheeks with her tongue out
2. Her huge smile in the morning when I come to get her out of the crib
3. The intelligent way she signs "more", "help", "all done", "bath", "bed", "change", "please", and "I love you".
4. When she anxiously chooses a book and crawls into your lap to hear you read it
5. Sometimes, when you're sitting on the floor, playing with her, she'll run into your arms and give you a big hug
6. The way she loves to push her stroller around everywhere and help out
7. I sweep often and Coranelle loves to grab the broom and help me out
8. The way she babbles and chats in her carseat
9. I love it when she is shy in a crowd and holds on to the back of my legs until she feels comfortable
10. The way she can look deep into your eyes and read your soul

She is so smart and affectionate and sweet and we are so thankful for the last 15 months.