It's been a few months since I've done an update on Miss Halle Kay. As of the 17th, she is two months away from TWO!

Here's a glimpse in to what life looks like for her these days.

{ Natasha Fyfe Photography }

I have a one and a half year old!!!

Halle Kay turned 18 months on October 17. Here's a look back at life with her this past month.

As you know, the big news this month was Halle becoming a sister!! She and Autumn are 17 months and 9 days apart. I hope they will be the best of friends. They are off to a great start as Halle seems like she were meant to be a big sister. She is curious but also not bothered by her. I think her young age helps. She is aware of the changes taking place but does not seem to be too jealous or upset (yet... *knock knock*.) Halle is very gentle and careful around her. She is kind and smiles and coos at her. And I think her favourite thing is when I lay Autumn in her crib when she wakes up so she can see her up close. She also tries to share things with 'sis sis'. Like one morning when she offered Autumn her bottle and I just about melted at the sweetness because she did it all on her own :)

Of course having a newborn all of a sudden makes my toddler look huge but Halle definitely had a growth spurt this past month. She feels heavier, looks bigger and is filling out her clothes. I just finished packing up her summer things and 12 month sizes. She is wearing a mix of 18-24 now. And is needing just about more of every clothing item these days! Her hair is finally growing thicker too. She's been sporting a baby mullet for a few months but I've noticed more growth on the top lately. Patiently waiting for the day we can do pigtails ;) but her little ringlet curls might just be cuter all on their own. Girlie also has a mouth full of teeth! 16 to be exact (which includes some top ones still growing in the back.) I just love her big, toothy grin :)

One of her favourite things is playing outside. We have been lucky to have grandparents visiting the past month so there have been lots of trips to the park. It doesn't matter who it is, but if you ask her if she wants to go outside she starts walking to the mudroom to find her shoes and jacket. She loves going to the playground. It amazes me how quickly she has learned to climb and navigate parts of the jungle gym. She even goes down the slides (with someone at the bottom) all by herself... It can be nerve wrecking for me at times but she is certainly not afraid.

Just like she's quick to climb around at the playground, girlfriend can be pretty sly at home! You better believe if you leave a beer or a coffee mug down at her level she'll be booting it over to grab it. Or a door open to somewhere she shouldn't be. She seriously sees everything and is so quick!!

She's a smart cookie too! Halle seems to be on the verge of talking but doesn't have a whole lot of words yet. She's not short on communicating though. When Halle is finished or doesn't want something she waves her arms up and down. She shows understanding when you tell her things like it's time for the bath and she goes to the stairs to head up to the bathroom. When you offer her choices she can choose an option. And if you tell her she's pretty or cute she usually hams it up with a smile ;)

I enjoy reflecting to write these posts because it seems like she does or says new things on a daily basis. There have been a lot of changes this past month with the addition of her sister, family visiting and disruptions to her routine. We have had some trying moments but overall she is doing great since she has such a pleasant disposition. I know I'm bias, but she really is a sweet little girl with a growing personality that is easy and enjoyable to be around. We are lucky to call her ours and it is so fun to watch her grow!

Halle Kay turned 17 months old yesterday!
Here's a look back at some stages and phases from the past month courtesy of my iPhone :)
You can find previous monthly updates here.

I already shared the above photo on my Instagram and Facebook but I couldn't not include it here. Halle and Loki have had the best bond from day one! As she has grown bigger their friendship has evolved and they kind of play together now. She'll throw his toy or she'll erupt in giggles as they chase each other around the house. Sometimes they get on each others nerves but most days their evening ends with a few snuggles like this. I have been trying to snap a good photo for a while but she always catches on and moves or stands up. I love this one so much because she is hamming it up with that big smile! And I never want to forget how she sits in between Loki's legs like this.

This is a continuation from last month as she is still loving finding small spaces to crawl and climb inside :)

{ Another share from IG } This is a hamper I keep our vacuum hose and attachments in. One day she  figured out how to crawl inside and, of course, had to climb out to get baby dolly to join her :)

She has been all about trying on our shoes when they are left out for her to get at them. It's really cute watching  her determination and patience (or sometimes lack of patience) trying to keep her balance and put her feet in. She has also been trying to put on her own socks and shoes lately. I love her independent spirit!

While I get ready she plays with various bathroom treasures.
This day she chose my shower cap and put in on all by herself!

We don't usually keep the play yard out and setup. It was left in laundry room folded up when Halle noticed it one day and would not leave it alone. So I set it up in our living room and for about a week she was obsessed with playing in it! There was a point where I kept it in our bedroom and put her in it occasionally while I grabbed a shower. She was never fussy over it then, but for some reason it was new and exciting in the living room. I'll admit it was helpful at times for this pregnant mama to relax and sit down. The photo above captures the short lived stage where she enjoyed being cooped up and one morning had her bottle inside while snuggling up with her dolly :)

We recently set up and put out some of our baby gear so that Halle can get used to seeing it before baby sister arrives. As soon as she noticed the swings new spot in our living room, she climbed right in! Luckily it has a 25 lb limit and she is weighing in at just over 22 these days. But look how huge she is in it! I can't believe we will have an itty bitty newborn in there in the next couple weeks! And although Halle has moved on from the swing now, I'm sure she will be all over it again once there is a baby inside!