Mia, this has been the month of sweet phrases. There are a few things that you say with regularity that make our hearts melt. One of them is "I do", often with an accompanying hand raised. Whenever someone asks a question, whether or not we're certain that you understand the question, you will raise your hand and say "I do". Another response that is equally cute is "I don't know" with arms out. A typical meal time may look something like this:Mom: Mia, do you want some milk?
Mia: I do (with raised hand)
Mom: What happened to the spoon I just handed you?
Mia: I don't know (with arms out)
Of course, there are also times, when the conversation goes something like this:
Scott to Laurie: Do we need gas in the car?
Mia: I do!
Scott: Really Mia?
Mia: Yes.
The phrase you say most often though is "(fill in name) LOOK!" We hear a chorus of "Mommy/Daddy/Zoe/Ruthie...LOOK!" all day. You are keen to point out everything in your environment and then some. Usually we're able to respond and acknowledge what you're pointing at, but sometimes we have no clue what you're pointing at and will reply with excitement "Yes, Mia, LOOK!"
You continue to be a cuddler at night time, which is my favorite time of day. I will read to you and when you get tired, you'll crawl in to my lap and snuggle. When you are ready for bed, you might rest your head on my shoulder and say "sleeping." It takes a lot of effort to put you in your crib then because I really just want to snuggle a little more.
This was a big month for outings, and I did a better job posting photos of some of these fun times. We went to Montana earlier in the month. We also had a fun day at the farm digging for potatoes. Uncle Brad came for a visit, and then Grandma Barbara, Grandpa Ed and Scarlett came to visit. We also had our neighborhood party, and you loved bouncing in the moonbounce. Good thing the sides are mesh and you had something to cling to. I hear that you had a great time with Helen at Elaine and Ed's mostly annual Oktoberfest party, and again celebrating her birthday with her.
You still take music classes and attend programs at the local nature centers and libraries. You enjoy music much more, and often sing songs you've learned in your new music class during the day.
Happy 20 Months Mia!
Love,
Mom
Mia and Uncle Brad playing "so big".
Mia has decided that she likes carrying the couch pillows around the house. Here is a picture of her in the process of picking one up. 
And, here is a picture of her later, too pooped to move, after successfully carrying one around for a while.
Zoe so happy and jumping around like a wild woman.
And, later, cuddling. Very yummy.
We also spent a lot of time just sitting in the dirt.
Finally a photo with dad in it! 
After pancakes which they serve up as part of the weekend fun, we went off to try other stuff. We usually spend most of our time with the animals, on the jumping pillow or riding the cow train. Today, the girls branched out a bit more. Zoe climbed 'tire mountain' (hill).
Zoe coming out of the tunnel slide for the umpteenth time. And, as the baseball ump's announce...and...she's safe!
Mia trying to mount the rope swing before she got some assistance.
Playing chess. They loved moving the pieces.
I'm not entirely sure what she's doing here, but I thought she looked sassy.
Proudly displaying her ribbon after finishing her last class.
More fun after ballet class in the play room.
One of Mia's favorite areas of the play room. She's really good at getting a ball in too (when she selects a ball that fits that is)!
