Daddys computer helper

Daddys computer helper

Snack time

Not the most logical spot. ..

Picture pairing

A fun pairing of photos.   Picture perfect Johanna and the real Johanna.   Thanks Jen and Michael!

Goal met....almost

My goal this week was to be at the top of the leader board but a little stinker snuck in.  Maybe I should unfriend him just to get a screen shot.....

Fun at the playground

Johanna 18 Months

Johanna turned 18 months around Easter time. 

Personality

• Our Little Helper -  Johanna loves to help, especially in the kitchen.  Her specialties include Sunday morning Jiffy muffins and mom's coffee.  She is very good at throwing items in the trash when asked or putting our shoes and clothes away.
• Outside Play - Outside is her favorite place to be!  She can now climb the slides by herself, she has learned how to swing on the big-girl swing, and she likes to go for walks (actually walking herself).
• Observe and Lead - Johanna is a very good observer and picks up on things quickly.  She is also very good at directing and leading.  She will grab your finger and persist until you take her to where she wants to go.  She doesn't like being strapped into the stroller or bike trailer for too long, she would rather make her own path.  And she throws some epic tantrums when her directions are not followed :-)
• Caretaker - Speaking of observing, Johanna picks up on a lot of items from daycare.  She puts toys down for night-night, and does so in a very specific way.  Lay the doll down, cover it with a blanket, pat the back twice, then stroke the back, repeat patting and stroking.  She has even tried to diaper her doll.

Favorites

• She loves reading books, usually multiple in one sitting.  Some favorites include I'm A Little Teapot (when Tony doesn't hide it) and the Bible series from Grandma and Grandpa Arnold.
• Johanna really responds to music.  She likes to dance and has even started singing a little.  Her favorites include the Hotdog Dance from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Let It Go from Frozen.
• Puppies continue to be one of her favorite things which she eagerly points out.  She noticed most dogs pant instead of bark when she sees them in person and she now makes a panting noise when we ask her what a puppy says.
• Cheese (and really any dairy product) are her favorite foods.  Sometimes we put Parmesan cheese on her veggies to bribe her to eat them.  Giving her milk solves most problems.  And hotdogs are a reliable dinner item.

Johanna-isms

• Any fruit is called an apple "ah-pole"
• Her blanket is her night-night "nigh-nigh"
• She likes to recognize Guster by saying Hi Guster and says No Guster when he gets too close to her things "No Da-der!"
• Diapers are called Elmo "ahl-mo"
• When asked to say please and thank you, she includes the name of the person she is speaking to and often tilts her head as a way of being extra sweet "Peeze Mommy"
• And the most common words spoken.... more milk "mo mik" and outside "ow-si"

4th of July

Fireworks and parks (and yummy food), a great holiday.

Tony the chef

Best homemade meal I have ever had!  Grilled spinach and cheese enchiladas (3 kinds of cheese) and homemade salsa.  Secret to grilling?  Soak the tortillas in oil first :-)

Cookie monster

Good times

Fun in the pool