So, 16-months is totally my new favorite age. She has her freak out, lose her shit, lock out her body so you can’t buckle her in moments, but 98% of the time she’s a peach. A really funny peach.

When asked, she can point out her nose, mouth, eyes, ears, belly, and feet. She mixes up eyes and ears pretty often. But totally knocks “belly” out of the park by baring hers and sticking it waaayyy out.

She’s also become pretty keen on belly buttons in recent weeks.

She’s found a mean streak when it comes to cats. The one’s that tolerate her nearness get picked up by the head. The one’s that don’t get chased and taunted while she giggles maniacally.

Another Maxine move that gets friends and strangers alike is this hands-up game she plays. Typically while eating, she’ll shoot both arms up over head, then sweep the room to ensure others are joining in. Sometimes you wiggle fingers. Sometimes you touch your hair. And then she’ll yank her arms down and once again check that others are falling in line. We’ve had everyone from bartenders to restaurant patrons voluntarily join in. (Family participation is mandatory.)

She says hi, hello, and bye-bye (aye-aye). Daddy is clear as a bell and probably her best word. She also makes adorable efforts at kitty, dog, hair, hot, and bubbles. Shoes are “oohs”. And balls are “ball ball”.

I mean, really. “Ball ball”. Slam dunk cute.

So far, I give 16-months two hands up.

Wiggle fingers.