Good for you, Kaytee! Thumbs up to extended rear facing!
The bare minimum requirements for turning a baby forward facing are 12 mos. and 20 lbs., but longer is even better. The AAP and safety experts now recommend kids stay rear facing until they outgrow the rear facing limits of their convertible car seat. Rear facing better protects the head, neck and spine during a crash.
More info here:
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx