Independent Samantha. . . 21 months old

This month, Samantha has continued to grow into a little girl. She lets us put pig tails in her hair and she looks so cute. Grandpa Taliaferro came to visit and Samantha decided to name him 'Papa'. We went to the Charleston Air Show, and Samantha loved watching the air exhibits and seeing the planes up close. Brian left at the beginning of the month to go to Altus, so it was just us girls for the past several weeks. Grandma Sagehorn came out for a few days to keep us company.  Some fun things we did this month are:

1. We went to Kiawah Island and spent the day at the beach with our small group!
   
2. We went to Pawaly's Island for an overnight trip with our friends Ben and Christy. There, we went to the beach and even got to go 'shrimping'. We caught crabs and clams while Samantha floated along side of us in a little row boat!
   
3. We spent Mother's Day with our small group at Olive Garden.
   
4. We continue to spend time at Rolly Pollies (the local baby gym) where Samantha spends hours climbing, jumping and sliding on all the equipment. 
   
5. Played with her baby friends, Riley and Elizabeth (as well as the rest of our play group!)
6. Spent a week at home sick with strep throat (well, mommy did)
   
7. Welcomed Daddy home after almost a month!
   
8. Went to the Children's museum 

On the sleeping front, Samantha is slowly adjusting to her big girl bed. Bedtime is going much better, but she is still waking up 2-3 times a night. We are at a loss as to how to improve this situation. Anybody have any ideas?? :)

Samantha is starting to talk much more. She has about 60 words and is very dedicated to using the word, ME as much as she possibly can during the day. Samantha wants to do everything herself, including putting on her own deoderant in the morning, and staring the car. She is becoming very independent and loves to spend her free time with her best friend Riley, the 17 month old next door. Samantha has the habit of turning to me and waving at me, signaling me to take a hike because I was not invited to this particular play date. :) 

Watch the following video! It's so cute!