18 Months

Patrick,

18 months now! We are sure having fun watching you grow and change. You are soooo sweet. When we are at the library or the park you will go up and hug another kid so gently. Then you kind of pet them on the head. You do that with us too. You still give the cuddliest little squeezes. So tender. Don't get me wrong...you are a feisty, rough little guy too. You hit, throw things, head butt, and scream when you don't get something you want or if we take something away from you. If we don't open something you want open (bubbles, candy, etc.) you will just give us a dirty look and then chuck it across the room. Sometimes when you are mad you will scrunch your face up and yell, "GO" while you are trying to swat us away. We haven't quite figured out your temperament...maybe it is just sweet and feisty.

Your sis loves you. She loves dressing you up and playing with you. You LOVE her too. You give her the biggest hugs and slobbery kisses. Unfortunately, her hair often gets in the way of your hugs so she gets mad and thinks you are pulling her hair when all you really want to do is snuggle into her. Other times, you get all fired up and into wrestling mode and tackle her. You two are also starting to chase each other around the house. You are also both good at pushing each other's buttons.

You copy so much of what she does and says. Because of Elise, one of your first words was, "why?" You use it all the time and in the right context so it makes us laugh. You also say, "more". You say, it in a really high pitched voice while you put one finger up by your nose as if to say, one more. Some other phrases and words you are saying;

here you go, all done, thank you, hi, bye-bye, go, outside, I want that, yeah, no, ball, goal!, dog, please, pizza, Kikey (Mikey), JoJo and Yeyyee (Ellie).

When I ask you if you are ready for bed you either shake your head no for a long period of time, or you actually wave bye bye to everybody and walk down the hall by yourself, or you go up onto the couch and snuggle into the corner like you are trying to tell us you would like to watch a movie and sleep on the couch.
You have these cute little curls in your hair that I am sure will go away as soon as we cut your hair. You are starting to tell us when you go potty. It is easy to know when you go poop because you will walk around saying "ewwww" until we change you. Hopefully that is a good sign that potty training might come sooner rather than later. If you are trying to get us to figure something out and we finally get it you shake your head yes with excitement while panting with your tongue out just like a little puppy.

You like reading books about animals and making their sounds. You especially love lift the flap books. You love playing outside. You love balls and Mr. Potato Head. You love dogs. You have started to dance...but it looks more like galloping. You really love wrestling, peek a boo, jumping around and hiding under the pillows or in the cracks of the couch.

You are such a joy. We love you little guy!