17 Months

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Hi Buddy!

I know, I know, you're so close to 18 months it feels pointless, right?! But, your little world is full of so much growing I had to make time to share.

We made our first road trip with just you and I the beginning of February for an overnight trip to Ft. Lauderdale/Miami. Mimi and Papa were passing through after their cruise, and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see them and our Florida cousins. You weathered the driving like a champ, even sleeping through more than half of the drive home, though that might have had something to do with your lack of sleep the night before. You just had so much fun with Nancy's sweet boys you wanted to keep playing all night long. I was starting to wonder if I would be the one that wouldn't make it through the drive. Luckily, we got JUST enough sleep to get through.

You LOVED all the boys, and they were so sweet and good to you! You loved wrestling with Ben, dancing with Joseph, and being able to play with all their toys. The cash register was your favorite.

Our visit with Mimi and Papa was just perfect, considering we didn't have much time. We found a spot on the beach to visit and put our feet in the water, and then you proceeded to make friends with every. single. person at McDonald's when we stopped for lunch. Your smile definitely lights up my world, but it's fun to see the way you can do that to others as well.



Going to Disney these days is super fun and super hard, since you definitely have your own opinions now, but we had some really fun memories this month. We made a surprise visit one Saturday evening, and you were busy, but so delightful. We snapped selfies, at dinner together, and you pushed the stroller for me most of the night. You grab onto the bar just below the seat, put your head down, and just GO. It was hilarious watching people notice you pushing because you can get that thing moving FAST! You pushed your way all the way through the back of EPCOT and out the back entrance. It's perfect, because you are occupied, and you stay close to Mom! While we waited to go see Dad, we stopped by the American Pavilion and watched part of the Broadway show. It was a great show, but really it was way more fun to watch you. You walked back and forth on the bench and rocked out to the music, and I think everyone around us was having more fun watching you than the show too! I love the way you light up when you hear music.

We also decided to have our Valentine celebration at EPCOT. I got to celebrate with both of my Valentines, which made it super special. Since Dad and I have never been big on gifting for Valentine's Day, we decided to make it a little game. We had to find something that started with the other person's name, that didn't come from the same country as the other person's gift, and that had something to do with Valentine's Day. You were a very good sport as we shopped around for the perfect things, and you also crossed the Potomac and spent time on the countryside with us, since it was the EPCOT Art festival.

During President's day weekend Mom decided she was going to use her extra time off to finally paint part of the house. I wasn't sure how things were going to work with you around. It's pretty easy to do a project on my own, but when there might be little hands touching wet paint and "helping", things get a little more complicated. But, you actually were an excellent assistant, helping Mom sand, and even helping Dad roll on a bit of paint.

We also finally made it to the beach as a family over the long weekend. This was our second attempt at going to Clearwater. The first time was Memorial Day weekend, and we ended up hitching a ride back home in a tow truck after getting halfway there. This time we hit a LOT of traffic, which didn't leave much beach time. But we had enough time to settle into the white sand and spend some time playing in the water. It was lovely. And we'll definitely be back.

Your vocabulary and comprehension are growing every day. On top of your ability to sing, "Row, row, row..." you've now added "Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily..." to the song. Someone else may not know that's what you're singing, but you definitely know that's what you're singing and it is super cute!

You are starting to love nursery, even though you've become a little more aware of whether you're with mommy or not. Occasionally you make it pretty clear you just want to be with Mom. But, most of the time you love hanging out and having fun with friends, old and young.

You've definitely struggled a bit with sleeping here and there. I think sometimes those pesky teeth get bothersome overnight. We've had a few early morning snuggles, and while I'm super tired, I can't help but enjoy the chance to just hold you. Now that you're getting much more independent you're often more interested in playing than snuggling so I try to soak up all the opportunities I have to hold you close.

Trish and Sarah came to town at the end of the month, and we had a BLAST with them! Sarah was such a sweet cousin, and was so patient with you. She was always willing to share her popcorn, hold your hand, and give you sweet hugs. During all the years I waited for you, our nieces and nephews filled that space in my heart that was meant just for kids. I love being an aunt, and it was so fun to spend time with Sarah and see her growing up. We spent a day at Universal and lots of days at Disney, and she went on ALL the big rides and LOVED them! She especially loved the roller coasters, and she was lucky enough to ride most of her favorites at least twice.

It was a special time for me to have Trish here. Since she's just a little bit older than me, she's been the one who has shown me the way all through my life. She's been an awesome example, the most constant and loving friend, and she's an awesome auntie too!! While Trish and I both have drive, she is a worker at heart, and she's always the one to take charge. It was really fun to see her get into "aunt mode" and just have fun with you. While we took Sarah on rollercoasters, she dressed you up in Minnie ears and Aerosmith wigs, and managed to capture a great game of "peek-a-boo" with a giant Aerosmith hat.

You are still a good eater most of the time, though you seem to be less interested in hamburgers than I would have expected (you'd prefer to just feed that to mom), and you're getting to the point where sometimes you'd rather play than eat. You love eggs, and breakfast in general. You also love beans and rice. And while you love treats, you're still just as happy with your avocados and strawberries.

Your favorite place to be is the park, but you're content just being outside and checking out the "woof-woof" next door. You love dogs, you love to say "quack quack" for the duck, and Aunt Trish even taught you to make the snake "sound". You add a new word every day, and it's so fun to communicate with you! You love music and dancing, "helping" mom in the kitchen and outside, and anywhere with a broom. You love going on walks and hanging out with the neighbors, and you are pretty much the friendliest guy I've ever met. You're always saying hi and smiling at everyone.

There are moments when I look at you and can't imagine our world, our home, our life without you, and yet I still can't believe you're here with us and we get this opportunity to be with you and watch you grow. I'm so blessed you are my son, and love the little person you're becoming more each day.

xoxoxo, 

Mom and Dad