"Fall"ing for Reese

There is no doubt about it, it's Fall in Chicago. After a rainy September, we are enjoyng some warm weather but the changing leaves and the early sunsets are an indication that summer is gone.

We've still been getting out and about with Reese. We just have to bundle her up for the weather. Here she is sporting some cute Fall fashion.

Reese continues to amaze us. She is 17 months and can do so much. Walking turned into running, which has turned into climbing. When we go to the park she ascends the stairs or ladders without hesitation and it is a real exercise in restraint for Mom and Dad not to grab her and bring her back down on solid ground.

She is becoming more coordinated in other ways too. She can twirl around, stomp her feet and even kick a soccer ball. I might have to become a soccer mom sooner than anticipated.

The other really exciting development is Reese's vocabulary and comprehension. She can say about a dozen words. Her favorites: ball, bird, bear and baby. (What is it with the "B" words?)

She can also make lots of animal sounds as you can see in this video:



We are constantly amazed by how much she seems to understand. She can correctly identify her body parts and a number of items in her picture books and if you ask her to give something to Grandma or throw something in the garbage, she will, (if she's so inclined).

The incredible thing is, the more she is capable of, the less sleep she needs. She only takes one nap a day now...whereas some days I still feel like I need two.