18 months old

Dearest Everett,

Today, Mama and I added up your words. You know and speak 22 words! Though you have repeated many more words, here are those you're using on a regular basis:

stick, book, car, truck, duck, ball, dog, bat, shoes, bottle, more, stop, good, no, cookie, drink, go, kick, done, pop, balloon, thank you.

We are amazed just how much you comprehend.
When I/we ask…
...where are your shoes? you get them for me/us.
...are you hungry? you walk to your high chair.
...where’s your drink? you look for your sippy cup
...if you'd like to go outside, you walk to the door
...if you're ready for a nap, you walk to your crib
...where your nose is (or hair, eyes)? you point
...to get your book or another toy, you retrieve it
...to pick up your blankie, you pick it up
...for a hug, you wrap your arms around my neck

You like to watch Disney movies; especially musicals. Your favorites are Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Enchanted. Lately, you’ve really enjoyed watching the musical “Annie”.

You love going to the park. You’ve become quite proficient in playing on the outdoor playground gyms. You even climb up the stairs by yourself and slide feet first, down the big slides.

At home, you really enjoy playing with cars on the train table,kicking your soccer ball, stacking blocks, and playing in the sand box. Climbing under tables, between chair and under our legs is also a favorite of yours.

You wake up at 7:30 am, nap from 10:30am until 12:30 (sometimes 1:30), and play until 8:30 pm when you go to sleep. Your favorite foods are waffles, fruit, corn on the cob, broccoli, veggie chicken nuggets.

This month you’ve become more helpful. When I tell you it is time for a diaper change, you will walk to your room and lay down when I have your diaper. You’ll walk to your room when I ask you to, and to the bathroom for your bath. And this month you’ve started to become more obstinate. You fuss and cry when I try to either change your walking direction or if I try to take something from you.

You are currently wearing 18 month/2T tops and 12 month/18 month bottoms. You are long and skinny. Your 18 month jeans/pants must have a built in elastic waistline, otherwise they will fall off of you. You’re wearing a size 6 shoe, and size 5 diaper.
You have a head full of beautiful, strawberry blonde hair. We continually receive compliments about your beautiful eyes and hair.

Lastly, you’ve become so affectionate. You’ve always been a very huggy boy which we love and now you’ve started exchanging kisses with us. We adore it when you lean toward us to give and receive a kiss. We love you so very much and we are so proud of how you are growing and learning.