18 Month Update

Happy 1/2 Birthday Matthew!!!  It's unbelievable that my little boy will be 2 years old in six months.  Being your mommy gets better and better with each new month.  I absolutely love watching you learn and grow!  I've taken so many child development classes, but nothing prepares you for watching your own child learn new things - and how quickly they learn at this age.  I am amazed by this precious boy every day!  Here are some highlights from the last few months: 

~ We saw Dr. B today and got 2 thumbs up!  You now weigh 25 lbs and 6 oz which is in the 44th percentile.  You are 33.25 inches long which is in the 80th percentile and your head circumference is 19 inches and in the 64th percentile.  Your overall BMI is 16.1 and in the 37th percentile.  You did have fluid in both ears, so we'll have to go back in June to make sure the fluid is gone because it can eventually mess up hearing.  You also passed the M-Chat which means you are not showing any signs of autism!  

~ You have 12 teeth!!!  You've been super busy getting those teeth - 12 in five months!  You still haven't woken up much with the teething, at least in the middle of the night.  You have started just waking up early and will be extra fussy or cuddly when you're getting a new tooth.

~ You climb on everything!  You've now learned how to climb on our kitchen chairs, couches, step stools, etc.  It makes me so nervous to watch you, especially on our kitchen floors.  You got your first big boo boo yesterday when you tried to climb a step ladder like your daddy.  I just know that one day I will find you climbing in our refrigerator or on your bookshelf.  

~  You still LOVE to read!  When you get a new book, we read it over and over again.  Your fave books right now are your truck books.  You still love animals, but have a new obsession with trucks (big rigs, SUVs, trucks, buses, etc).

~ Talking is a constant for you now.  Here are the words you've learned "please", "yes", "no-no", "night night", "ball", "eye", "nose", "baby", and "boo boo".  We like to say that you speak "animal" because you are so good at knowing what animals say: "moo", "baa", "neigh", "meow", "quack quack", "ruff ruff", "tweet tweet", and "roar" (our fave) - including noises for the elephant, monkey, fish, bunny, frog, and wolf.

~ Some of your fave games/toys: riding or standing on your motorcycle & truck, drumming on your drum, throwing balls, wrestling with your lion & alligator stuffed animals, peek-a-boo, chase, puzzles, driving trucks around the house, and playing in our bed.  Of course, your top choice is to be outside running around, swinging, sliding, or riding around in your car or wagon.

Here are some pics showing what we've been up to

 Snacks while shopping have become a must

 He was very proud of himself for this one

 

Did I mention that he likes to climb???

Wrestling with Bella

Fun at The Wonder Place

Still his fave meal - only now he can eat it with a fork!

Playdate with Sydney and Jackson - they are all so big!

Best I could get of him on Valentine's Day - King of Hearts!

Reaction when he'd get close to snow - hopefully next year will be a different story

Watching the lions at the zoo last weekend.  So thankful we have a family pass!

I am beyond blessed to have had such an amazing 18 months with you, Matthew!  I cannot wait to see what all you learn in the next 6 months.  I also can't wait to see you become a big brother!  You have such a sweet heart that I know you will be the World's Best Big Brother!  I love you sweet boy!