The Richardsons: Ryleigh makes it to 20 months

I say that Ryleigh "makes it" to 20 months because her Father and I have been trying really hard to get her there these past few months. As in, we've been trying really hard not to lock her in another room and forget about her.

I say that with lots of love : )

Obviously we LOVE our stubborn little lady, but she is becoming increasingly difficult. What happened to my perfect baby that slept through the night at such a young age and ate whatever mashed up goodness I spoon fed her?! Now it's crying and whining over every single thing. Tantrums on top of tantrums, hitting, and telling Mommy "no". Excuse me, but since I became "The Mom", NO ONE tells me "no". There are days I just want to pull out my hair and better yet, lock myself in another room. The worst part of all this is...I'm pregnant. Which means, no wine : /

But then there are the good days. When she is so heart-whelmingly adorable. When she kisses my boo-boos, listens when I tell her no, doesn't hit Lucy in the face, and eats her dinner without a fight. I know God plants these days into my week strategically. Just when I think I'm going to toss her out the car window, she melts my heart and my patience is back at square one again.

It's hard to believe that in just 4 short months she will be 2 years old...and in 7 1/2 months she'll be a big sister. She has really grown into a toddler these past months. Her vocabulary grows by the day. She can now say "outside", "school", "play", "banana" and she even says little sentences, like "where it go?" She is also singing her ABC's (although not all the letters are understandable, she's getting there) and she sings along to songs on the radio in the car. Our little girl has definitely got some rhythm! She has tons of energy and LOVES pushing her shopping cart all over the house. She likes to rock her babies and is still fascinated by books.

Even though she's a toddler now, Mommy still makes sure to get in some cuddle time every night when we calm down before bed. We sit on the sofa, cuddle under the blanket and watch a cartoon. I'll be sad the day she decides she doesn't want to do this anymore. But until then, I'll keep cuddling.

Here are some pictures and videos of Ryleigh over these last few months. Enjoy the cuteness.