Somehow Juliet is turning two in just a couple of months and I am loving this stage because things just seem like they are getting easier and easier.

Juliet is independent and can do and understand so much. It is amazing to me how much growth we still see from month to month. The biggest change I notice is her independent play. This morning she wanted to stay upstairs reading in her room while I got breakfast on the table. Just having those five minutes alone to make breakfast was amazing. Usually B and I take turns getting ready and watching her, but today I felt like we got a little glimpse into the future.

I can ask her to go get her socks and she happily heads to her dresser and pulls them on. She loves to put her shoes on (although more often than not they go on the wrong feet), wash herself in the bath, and drink from big girl cups. At home she takes herself to the potty a few times a day without us having to ask (and usually points for me to stay downstairs, waves, and says bye-bye.) We haven't tried nap or nighttime potty training, but this still feels like a huge milestone. I don't expect to be fully potty trained any time soon, but the thought of only one in diapers is thrilling!

Juliet loves her baby dolls, drawing, her water table, Elmo, and books. She is still so easy going and mild tempered. We switched her bed into a toddler bed mainly because of my growing belly and the fact that we still rock her to sleep, but she took to it and loves to just sit on the edge for a quick read or little break. She is finally attempting to talk more, and although she is just using the beginning sounds of many words, it is hard not to feel so proud and happy at her effort.

At 21 months, I can't believe we are already beginning to think about her second birthday. But I try and remember to take each day one at a time, and really each moment by moment.

Happy 21 months to the girl that still makes our hearts soar.

20 months

19 months

18 months

17 months

16 months

15 months

14 months

13 months

The first 12