Paisley the 18-month-old

Well, it's official, Paisley is a year and a half old.  We have been anticipating this for quite some time, as it means that she can finally attend nursery at church!  Paisley is equally excited about this, since it means lots of friends, tons of new toys, and no more walking around aimlessly with Mom or Dad in the halls in the middle of what's supposed to be nap time.  We all enjoy church a lot more these days! 

Honestly, I thought that once we got past her year mark, the changes from month to month wouldn't be so noticeable or worth documenting.  Boy was I wrong! Here are some of Paisley's latest developments:

• She's getting really good with a fork and spoon.  But fingers are still way more fun.
• Her favorite foods are chicken and rice.  And french fries.  And anything sweet, of course, but we're talking real food, right? 
• She loves the playground and is getting pretty daring when in comes to trying new things.  
• She's not shy at all when it comes to meeting new people.  
• She's become very affectionate lately.  She gives lots of kisses and hugs, and says 'love you'.  This is not limited to family members; in fact, it regularly extends to stuffed animals and dolls, friends her size, and occasionally perfect strangers whose acquaintance she's just met.  
• Since returning home to Utah, she's picked up the habit of saying "Oh my gosh" (Oh my doss).  She says it when something surprises or amazes her, and especially when she sees something pretty.  For example, this week she got new shoes.  Every time she sees them, she says "Oh my doss, so pretty, oh my doss."  She sounds so much like a little teenager, it's hilarious.  
• She's become very attached to her blanky, Pooh Bear, and other stuffed animals lately.  She doesn't want to go to sleep without them, and won't leave her crib without them in the morning.  
• She loves to pretend she's talking on the phone.  She'll pick up a phone and have a conversation that usually goes something like this:  "Hello?  Hello?  Jeff?  Grandma?  Oma?  Chloe?  Oh.  Not there.  Bye."  This can go on for some time, and all the while Paisley is pacing the floor with a serious expression on her face, pushing past people as if this is a very important conversation and she is not to be interrupted.  Jeez, where does this child pick these things up?  
• Her hair needs to be cut.  The debate is whether to grow the bangs out, or keep them long. What do you think?  For now they're just at that awkward long bangs stage. 

Cooling off at the water park.

Sportin' the Longhorns hat.

Ready for back to school.  Love the hair-do.

Digging up veggies in Grandpa's garden.

Giving kisses to the deer in Grandpa's garden.  We have to tear her away from these every time.

Training with Dad on the Mountain View track.

Getting ready for football season.

She did the twirly slide all by herself!  Her new favorite thing.