18 months!

We had Colin's 18 month appointment today (a week late). Mr. Stinker was not thrilled. We think he actually remembered the pedi's office from his last visit because he was terrified as soon as we walked in, clinging to us and freaking out whenever the nurse or Dr. Caldwell walked into the exam room. Poor little guy! He warmed up a little when he remembered his favorite toy:

Colin weighed in at 23 lbs 6 oz (16th %) - finally putting on some weight but still a peanut; 31.5 inches long (25th %); and his head was 47.5 cm (50th %). He passed his developmental milestones and MCHAT with flying colors! He also got his last shot (besides flu shots) til his kindergarten shots (that's a relief). Dr. found that he had another bilateral (very mild at this point) ear infection... we're going to wait and see how it goes over the next few days as it might be related to the molar that's coming through, but we have a script for antibiotics just in case. And if we have to use it, we may be going in to talk about tubes. Sad face. But in more fun news:

What he's been up to at 18 months: A list!

• He follows (some) directions so well! He will "clean up" (wipe the table/floor) if you give him a paper towel or rag; he "blows" his nose if you tell him to; he goes to get his shoes when you tell him it's time to go... every day it seems like he understands more and more of what we say.



• His vocabulary is growing every day. On a consistent basis, we hear Daddy, hi!, bye!, car, go, ball, basketball ("ba baw" - which he says at home when he sees the ball, or outside if he sees a hoop), ball, duck, more, mine (which is getting increasing play these days), light, water, and uh oh! He signs more, all done, help, milk, and sometimes diaper. He also blows kisses and gives the sweetest hugs.



• He roars like a lion when he sees lion toys or pictures. It's hilarious. Half the time, he also seems to think that cows say "boooo" but that's actually kind of hilarious too.



• He knows even more body parts now, including head, hair, face, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth, hands, fingers, belly button, and feet. He likes to point out other people's eyes, yelling "eye!" and stabbing his finger into your eye. Fun.



• He gets very attached to people. At school, he gets very upset and cries when his favorite teacher, Ms. Lizzie, packs up to leave at night (then he screams at the aide who watches him for the last few minutes before we get there). He apparently cries when the other kids' parents come to get them. The other night, our friends came over and when I told him to tell them bye-bye, he shook his head no... then cried when they left. It's kind of cute, although frustrating when it's me that's trying to leave!



• He still gives us stinker face, and honestly half the things he does I think are just to get a reaction from us. If he's doing something he shouldn't, he makes sure that we're watching. Someone is going to be a handful!



• As you saw, he's starting to use a fork and spoon on his own, and insisting on sipping from our big cups when we eat. He LOVES to use straws. He's also getting more adventuresome with his eating. He seems to actually prefer spicy foods. Last night we shared a taco bell bean burrito - with hot sauce - and he loved it!

I say this at every age, but I think this is my favorite age. He's so happy and fun and smart!