Talking... almost

Ugh, she's thisclose to talking.  We can tell she wants to and she definitely has conversational babble, but she just can't quite form the words yet.  I feel like we've been doing "it" right.  We read to her every day, point to things, say the name, then hand them to her.  Talk to her constantly, etc, etc, etc.  I feel self-conscience because every time we go to the pediatrician's office they're always asking how many words she's saying and all of that.  Well, none, technically.  She'll say mama and dada on occasion, but won't call us that when she wants our attention.  Only when she gets excited about seeing us for the first time that day.

I know I'll swallow my words once she *does* start talking, but she's just so close and I want to hear her conversational voice, not just her babble voice.

Also, I don't know why I never did it, but I like the idea of posting milestones and checking off what she's met.  They don't really make baby books past one year, so I don't have a whole lot of record of things past her first year.  So I'll start this now, even though she's already (gulp!) 17 months...

 Mastered Skills, Most kids can do:

• uses six words regularly- not unless sign language counts
• Enjoys pretend games- I guess, but we don't have too many things for pretend play
• Likes riding toys- most definitely

Emerging Skills, half of kids can do:

• Feeds doll- hmm, haven't tried that one
• Speaks more clearly- ha, her babble is clearer.
• Throws a ball underhanded- hmm, haven't tried that one at all

Advanced Skills, a few kids can do:

• Danes to music- She's been doing that since 12 months!  And she's gotten better, she has *multiple* moves now!
• Sorts toys by color, shape, or size- nope
• Kicks ball forward- for some time now