Growing up so fast

I realize it's been a long time since I wrote anything about Maddie. She is growing up so incredibly fast.  It is amazing to see how much she learns each day.  She says a new word almost every day.  Yesterday was "hat" when she sawher Woody (Toy Story) doll's cowboy hat in the backseat.  "Hat!  Hat! Hat!" she yelled, plain as day.  I handed it to her and she tried to put the 2 inch hat on her head.  Clearly a genius.  She knows a handful of animal sounds, but my absolute favorite is they way she says "Bah" for a sheep...it is kind of a throaty, demonic sound.  It cracks me up every time.  She also knows most body parts names, and when we cuddle in the rocker at night before going to bed, she will touch my face naming all the different parts with a big smile on her face.  She is so loving and affectionate, but also stubborn fiercely independent.  She loves to help mommy and daddy by throwing things in the trash or carrying a bag.  She hates not being able to walk freely and WILL NOT hold our hand.  Which means she usually ends up getting put in the stroller or being picked up, which makes her furious.  She is easily frustrated by her inability to communicate her feelings, but seems to be better when we acknowledge that she is mad (this works most of the time, but not always).  She is so proud of herself when she does something on her own or makes us laugh.  Sometimes she laughs a little like Ray Liotta in Goodfellas...it's a little unsettling.  She loves her dogs and gives them a hug everyday.  Just before she goes to bed, I kiss her goodnight and tell her I love her...she responds with an enthusiastic "night night" and "wub woo" which melts my heart.  She's not a baby anymore, but she will always be my baby and I love her more than anything.