18 Months and Counting

Cooper went for his 18 month check up last week. He's perfect in every way! He's growing on track in all areas. He is a pretty picky eater. Not a big fan of meat or poultry. So it is sometimes hard to get in protein and iron with his meals. He makes up for that in his love of milk, moo juice (Marlee's name for chocolate milk), yogurt, bananas, grapes, and apples. Just recently, he's developed a love of mashed potatoes and corn.

Don't ever say the word HOT around him! He'll freak out and not eat anything. Marlee was the same way. So most of his food is cool to the touch. Spaghetti is by far his favorite thing to eat.

In addition to his physical growth, his mental growth is off the charts. Marlee did not have near the vocabulary at this age. He amazes me with the words he knows. He's asking questions and answering you with 2-3 word answers. When Chad or I leave the room he'll say, "Where Mommy/Daddy go?" He'll answer questions with yes, no, or don't know. Plus he'll add a little nod or shake with his answer.

C loves his paci and blanket more than anything in the world. Dr. Douglass said it is okay to use up to 2 years old as long as it doesn't interfere with his speech. It doesn't, so he still uses one. He primarily only gets it at nap time and bedtime. I travel with one just in case he gets too upset.

I plan on trying these next 6 months to really break the habit. At this point, I don't feel comfortable taking it away cold turkey. So when he gets up in the morning, I take it and put it in the silverware drawer. Throughout the day he'll say, "Paci Back" or "Where paci go?" He'll answer himself with "Paci gone-gone" then will say, "Paci are you?" He will go and pull open the kitchen drawer, but he isn't tall enough to reach in the drawer. I know it will be hard, but he loves it so much, plus he's pretty cute! :)

His imaginative play has really exploded. Of course, he follows Marlee's lead most of the time. Matchbox cars and trains are still his favorite things to play with. He'll race them down the hall and loves to stick them behind the couch cushions. Lego's are the upstairs toys that he loves the most. He'll try and build towers like his sister and crash them to the ground.

I love being able to stay at home with both kids. I know it won't be forever, so I'm trying to soak up as much time with them as possible!

Here are his stats from his checkup:

Height: 32 1/2 inches 50-75%

Weight: 23 1 3/4 oz 10-25%

Head: 49 cm 50-75%