18 Months

I can't believe Hannah is already 1 1/2 years old!! I've been trying to get a good 18 month picture, but I'll have to keep trying and post it later :) She's just too busy exploring the world and having adventures to bother sitting still for the camera!
Hannah's love of baby dolls has only grown, and she manages to find them- and collect them- wherever we go. She's come as close to mastering a spoon and fork as I think any toddler really can, and loves feeding herself a variety of foods - her favorites are still pasta and mashed potatoes (who can blame her) although peanut butter sandwiches are right up there. Running is always better than walking, but we've finally convinced her that holding our hands in parking lots is acceptable (and the rule). Hannah has taken after her Aunt Manda - she is a bag lady!! She's crazy for purses, backpacks, gift bags, any kind of bag. . . . . I should have known that the shoe fetish would naturally lead to handbags :)
Hannah has officially moved into her "big girl room" - the pretty purple room painted by Grandpa Gehry and Daddy. Her crib is in there along with the mattresses for what will be her bunkbeds (they will be here in a few more weeks) and her polk-a-dot bean bag chairs (the highlight of the room if you ask Hannah). Our plan is to keep her in her crib for the remainder of the year, but we're hoping she's ready to make the switch to her bed in time for the new baby to move out of the bassinette :)
This past week we had VBS, and Hannah spent her days in the nursery while I worked with the preschoolers. The girls watching Hannah were delighted with how easy-going and independent she is, and she charmed everyone she met! She loved leading the girls on wild tours of the church, and had so much fun singing and dancing during the opening and closing worship times each day.
Tomorrow afternoon Hannah and I will be leaving for a short service project trip with the youth group. We'll be heading to Lopez Island for a few days and are looking forward working hard and having fun!
I will continue to try to take a decent 18 month picture of Hannah for everyone - and I will make sure to post some new pictures when we get back from our trip :)