Dear Doster - 15 Months

Dear Doster,

You have stolen my heart and I think you will keep it in your palm forever.  I feel like my heart could burst open because it is so full of love for you!  It’s a bond that I’ve never experienced and won’t even try to put in to words.

I’m constantly amazed at your sweet demeanor.  You are so loving and happy.  You usually only fuss at bedtime (some nights) and during school drop offs (more on that later). 

When we wake you up in the morning, you are usually sitting in your bed, looking around at your animals. Sometimes, you are talking to yourself, “reading” a book, or just chillin’.  I’m so glad that you wake up in such a happy mood.

I loved those Ninja Turtle Jammies-- Almost Too Small Now!

Transitions

You moved up to the “Young Toddlers” room at school two weeks ago, and we've all had a rough time with it.  You still cry a little during drop off, but you are getting much more comfortable.  You love your friends at school, and you are starting to settle in a little more with your new teachers.  Thanks to Daddy for taking over drop-off duty for a few weeks (my heart couldn't take it, and Daddy handles it better for now). 

Favorites

Activities: Pushing buttons, turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors, being chased, giving Brighton treats (you sign “more” repeatedly, but you now try to eat his treats!)

Books:  The Very Hungry Caterpiller, My Heart is Like a Zoo, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See

Shows: Daniel Tiger (only a few minutes here and there, while we need you to be still)

Foods: Avocado, Scrambled Eggs, Banana, Chicken Salad

Stuffed Animals: Bear Bear, Bunny, Kershey (named after Kershaw Health, since they gave him to you there during your tube procedure)

Toys: Blocks, phones, remote controls, cars or trucks that you can put toy people in

Dislikes

• Walking on our porch (it’s hilarious)
• Diaper changing time
• Being held when you want to walk
• Someone wiping your hands or face

You’ve become a little talker over the past month.  Once you start, you keep on going (though some days you are quieter). You repeat sounds and words that we tell you, and you say plenty on your own!

Words you say consistently, without being prompted

Mama

Dada

Brighton (Barbra)

Bye Bye

Banana (nana)

Avocado (a-o)

Yogurt (yogu) (this was one of your first words!)

Cheers! (chees) (as in toasting!)

Uh-Oh

No No

Thank You (Taa You) (not all the time, but we are working on it!)

Watermelon (Wawa)

Water (Wawa also)

Papa (my dad)

Pop/Bop (James’s Dad)

Ran Ran (yea yea)

Hello! (Hewo)

Light (lelo)

You still sign:

Milk

Thank you (sometimes)

Please

More 

Animal Sounds You Know:

Sheep

Tiger

Monkey

Fish (just a funny face)

Owl

Clock (I know, it's not an animal -- but I love hearing you say tick tock (ti ta)

Cheers!

15 Month Well Visit

You clocked in at 30 inches and 23 pounds.  You're still a shorty, put you are pacing on the same growth track you have been.  The doctor was impressed by your words and sign language again, and said that you were the cutest baby in the universe (what a brilliant, wise doctor). 

I was so impressed with how you handled your shots!  You only cried for a second, and then calmed right down.  

A Few Fun Memories For The Record

• At Edventure, some “big kids” were cutting in front of you near the dinosaurs.  You pointed your little finger and said, “No no!”
• We loved watching you open up at the zoo!  You were a little nervous of the farm animals at first, but you warmed up quickly.
• I love watching you try to put on your socks and put your dirty clothes in the hamper.
• You picked up Sandstorm pretty quickly, but only participate for a few seconds at a time:

Love This Smile.

I suppose we should add a Clemson shot for Daddy! 

Thank you for being such a good, sweet, happy boy (who loves to sleep!).  You are making this whole "new parent" thing pretty easy on us.  We love you more than you will ever know.