Evolution of Ives

I haven't written much about Ivy recently?  I haven't written about much of anything recently?  Let's get some Ivy G updates:

• Right now Ivy's favorite things are dogs (her paternity is now confirmed), eating fruit leather from the wrapper (ripped off pieces will now be ignored), trying to walk, getting on forbidden things like my bed and the couch, the red tunnel at the park, the neighborhood kids, and drinking water from a real cup.
• Ivy still goes to bed at 7 but usually plays with her binkies for an hour before falling asleep. I feel kind of bad putting her down so early (and yet I do not), but honestly she's way happier in there than she would be with us at that time of day. Her prolonged contentment before falling asleep is nothing short of a phenomenon.
• The neighborhood kids have taken a strange liking to Ivy. When we got outside we hear the screams and they come running to see her. They also knock on our door frequently to visit. Ivy now knows she's quite popular and it's to the point that any time we walk outside, Ivy just waves her hand like a pageant queen.
• Ivy's getting good at sign language and will happily sign "more" as we pass the cottage cheese aisle at the grocery store.
• Ivy has a clear preference for me (a gift and a curse) which we often use to our advantage. If she's tantrum-ing with me, we just hand her to Scott and then once she gets madder, I take her back and she's completely cured.
• Ivy continues to be unimpressed by the make-her-smile antics of strangers and will give no reaction whatsoever.
• Ivy's first (questionable but confirmed) word is "Ball."
• Ivy's favorite foods are cheese, avocado, and dried fruit.  She still tries most things but is also skilled at clearing her high chair tray and spitting things out.
• Ivy's favorite body part to identify is her belly button.  Her second favorite is her mouth, but if you say, "Ivy, where's your mouth?" she'll grab your finger and bite you with it.
• If you give Ivy both of your thumbs, you'll be stuck playing patty-cake indefinitely.