So now that the seventeen month post is up, here is the eighteen month update. Our boy is getting too big, too fast. It seems like every day he is more little boy and less baby. Where has the time gone? Here's what he's up to now:
- Talking much more, saying "go, dog, go;" "stop;" "bye-bye;" and "cheese." He also knows what a cow, sheep, and dog say, and he "says" bird, truck, and bike (which can mean motorcycle, bicycle, or moped), though those words are really only distinguishable to James and me.
- He knows when a picture is upside down instead of right side up. Boy was I surprised when I realized that he knew this! They learn so quickly, these little people.
- He tells us as soon as he's gone to the bathroom, nearly without fail. We've purchased a little potty that we keep in our downstairs bathroom for him to use (he seems very nervous on the big toilet). We're not "training" him; instead, we're just following his cues and letting him use the potty as he seems interested.
- He can climb onto the desk chair, and therefore onto the desk now. Definitely not ideal, but we're not going to relocate the chair, so he just requires even closer supervision when he's in the living room.
- We night-weaned a couple of weeks ago, so he's no longer nursing from about 7pm until 4am. It was a pretty easy process and only took him a couple of nights to be completely content with a sip of water instead. I think that explaining to him - and reminding him often - that once he goes to sleep, there won't be any more milk until the morning really helped. Now he says "ni-night" to the milk after he says goodnight to us; so sweet! He still asks at night (more out of habit, I think) and night-weaning hasn't seemed to improve our night waking situation at all. But, that'll improve in due time.
- He "gets" bugs (imaginary ones) all the time now. It's hilarious, except when he licks his hand afterward, which has become his new thing. Yuck. (Of course, he thinks he's hilarious when he does it.) But the "bug getting" cracks us up, because he'll do it in such a spontaneous, unprovoked manner. We'll have to try to videotape it soon...
- He understands so much of what we're saying, it's crazy. We're starting to be even more careful about what we say and do in front of - and within earshot of - our little sponge. He's already becoming quite a good listener for a one-and-a-half-year-old, which is pretty impressive to us.
- He's teething like there's no tomorrow. Oh my goodness. He can't seem to stop himself from biting
everything, and it's driving me a bit crazy. Come on, teeth! Let's get a move on already!
His eighteen month well-visit isn't until the 31st, so we'll find out how big he's gotten then. I think there's been a pretty significant change since last time; his appetite has increased dramatically, and he's reaching further onto the countertops and table all the time. We'll see! (But I do hope he slows down soon! Let's not rush into this big boy-ness, okay, AJ?)
We took some pictures while we enjoyed a picnic lunch (a new weekend tradition we've started and are loving) at Neal Blaisdell Park, which isn't too far from where we live. Here are some of the better shots:
This is how he walks around all the time now, with his hands folded behind his back:
My little chip thief; he's quick! Good thing Daddy's quicker!
"Bird!"
Such a lovely little eater... Look at those cheeks!
Running around the backyard at home:
"Here, Mama. A rock!"
Yep, that's sand. Delicious!
I can't believe it's been a whole year-and-a-half that we've had this sweet boy in our lives. Boy, are we blessed! Happy 18 months, sweet boy! We love you!
