Day 18 - A Photo of Somewhere I've Been... and an update

Just 6 months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to visit Malawi, Africa on a mission trip. I've written all about it here and below is a photo taken on one of our four hour drives.

It was hard to choose just one photo to post, so.. I chose five more.

I love that the challenge has forced me to blog every day; however, I realized last night (yes, 17 days in) that the challenge is taking away from the original purpose of the blog: everything Waverly. So, here's what's new with my girl...

The terrible twos are here... at 18 months. Not a whole lot of "no", but there are definitely some temper tantrums. She has challenged our patience and discipline strategy like crazy. We do a lot of talking through why her behavior is bad, while trying to back it up with Scripture. A conversation may go something like this, "Waverly, you do not hit. That is ugly and you need to treat others with respect, yes ma'am/sir?" and we expect her to respond with "yes ma'am/sir" which she's really good about doing. In public, when she screams or acts defiantly, one of us takes her somewhere private and we have a discussion. When we get back, we redirect her attention. At home, I do more ignoring because I know she is doing something for the attention. Our last resort, when she is especially defiant and disrespectful, we spank, but always follow up with why her behavior was unacceptable, a hug, and an "I love you." 

Is it working? Well, some days are better than others. She's pretty independent and can be stubborn. 

On a more positive note, Waverly is just a bundle of energy and fun. I have said it before and I must reiterate: she is a spongy parrot. Her fake sneeze is so realistic and funny. When I sew, she likes to be right up in the chair with me watching everything I do. 

Little girl loves her daddy. He makes her laugh and she gets upset when he has to leave for work. She's a Momma's girl because she is with me all day, everyday, but she love, love, loves when her daddy is home.

She loves to watch "Oh, toodles" (Mickey Mouse Club) every morning, particularly the "hot dog dance" at the end of each episode. She's becoming more interested in cartoons and animated movies.

And does this child ever love to talk. All. the. time. And she talks about everything. 

She is the best thing that has ever happened to Chandler and I. Babies rock!