A year and a half, and a few pushes ago, this crazy little firecracker came into our lives and changed it forever! I’ve been the worst mom ever and haven’t been posting any monthly updates since he entered toddlerdom, but life has been busy and he hasn’t stopped moving since putting two-and-two together and figuring out how to move his (once) chunky thighs!
We had H’s 18 month well visit yesterday and even the pediatrician told us how perfect and handsome our little dude is. He gained a little over 2 pounds and is now resting comfortably around the 87th percentile at 27.2 pounds and is around 22.25 inches long (have you ever tried to measure a toddler? IMPOSSIBLE.). His head circumfrane is about 51cms and rivals that of a middle schoolers – no surprise there as we’re having to buy adult smalls in hats to fit H’s big brain!
Its crazy to see that he’s still wearing the clothing he was in at 9 months! Depending on the brand he ranges from a 18/24m to a 2T, especially with his fluffy cloth diapered bum. I am so excited that we’ve finally transitioned to full time cloth diapering and have found a few great options for night time for H. The only time we’re using disposables now is when we travel by plane or by car longer than a few hours drive away so my inner crunchy mama self is feeling pretty proud right now!
He has been a teething monster for the last month and has the beginnings of 4 molars and a few other random teeth to show for it, in addition to the 4 top and bottom front teeth that are already all the way through. He’s lucky he’s so cute, because teething is the pits for everyone involved! The only thing that makes him feel better is nursing, snuggles, and pool time so theres been a lot of all of the above going on.
Signing is finally taking off for us! In the last two months alone, he has expanded both his spoken and signed vocabulary at least ten fold. Signing wise, he is awesome at more, please, all done, milk, cracker, water, hot, food and a few others, and is starting to get the hang of apple, help and change diaper. Verbally, he copies everything we say, which means I have to start watching what I’m saying – whoops! Some of his newest favorites are ‘hey baby’, outside, snack, cracker and ‘woah baby’ which is the cutest thing ever and is a counting machine! He always counts ‘1, 2, 3’ before doing anything and loves saying ‘ny ny’ to everything as I take him upstairs for naps or night time.
Toddlerhood has brought all new challenges, thats for sure. As my mother loves to say – H has ‘reached his terrible twos a little early’ as far as the tantrums go. He is able to communicate more now thanks to signing and speaking, but now that he knows its possible to get his point across, I think its harder for him to cope with us not fully understanding everything. Even when I’m frazzled as can be, my heart breaks for him as he’s throwing his body on the floor and crying because I won’t let him eat anymore donut, or I’m ‘making’ him eat some food instead of nursing again. Many are the days where I question my sanity or question my abilities as a mother, but I’m trying to remind myself that the moments where he is breaking down are currently the worst moments of his young life. To him, being told ‘no more crackers, it’s time for dinner’ is worthy of a screaming fest and is horrible so I take lots of deep breaths and give him lots of hugs and tell him I love him and we get through it.
The last 6 months have been so full of flying on airplanes and road trips and exploring with our crazy little hurricane. There have been lots of tears and sadness, but more happiness and smiles to outweigh the sorrow. I seriously don’t know what I would do without him sometimes, especially in the early days after my Grampa passed away. Taking care of him and having him throw his arms around my neck or waist to give me kisses has helped me when I’ve felt my worst.
This past year and a half has flown by and I am so excited to see what comes next!
Jasmine Watts says
Lovely Family! 🙂 Everything will be alright in coming years and if you have such a cute kid then I'm sure there will be happiness all the way.
Shannon says
Thank you Jasmine! There sure is a lot of happiness 🙂
SmileLoveLive says
Such an adorable child and a beautiful family! I agree, there are so many amazing and happy moments ahead of you!
Shannon says
Thank you so much!
Marina @ Parental Journey says
Look at that cutie <3 🙂
Shannon says
Yeah I think he's pretty cute too 🙂
Clare Speer says
You have such adorable pics! Thanks for sharing your story – you are getting me excited for becoming a first time grandmother – and we just found out my daughter is having a BOY! Your post even gets me more excited!
Shannon says
I may be slightly partial, but I seriously LOVE having a son so much and my parents love how crazy and rough and tumble he is as a grandson : )Congratulations!!
Lauryncakes | Lauryn Hock says
Look at his cute little skater boy hair!
Shannon says
Oh my gosh, Lauryn, it is SO crazy!
Joanna Clute says
What a cutie! Our middle toddler is 21 months now. It's hard to believe how fast it goes!
Shannon says
Thank you so much Joanna! It goes so SO fast!
Katie Brooks says
He's so cute!!! I love love love all the pictures!! I have a 19 month old! It goes way too fast!
Shannon says
Oh my gosh, Katie, our littles are pretty close in age then! Thank you!
Hodge Podge Moments says
Your little one is so cute! I love seeing his smiling face in your pictures. 🙂 Can't wait until we have one of our own.
Becky Jones says
Such beautiful photos, so lovely of you to share them! Great post 🙂
Becky | http://www.thebiglphotographyblog.blogspot.co.uk
Natalie A says
Such adorable pictures! So happy 🙂
Kelly says
Seeing these pictures takes me back to a time when my children were younger. Those truly are precious moments that will be cherished for years to come.
leilani says
It's amazing what a year or two contains! I don't have children so the baby age seems a little intimidating to me. You seem to handle it gracefully. 🙂
Fur Everywhere says
I'm glad to hear he is doing well. I don't have children personally, but it is amazing how fast they grow up. Every time I talk with my sister, she tells me what new things her kids are doing! It's amazing to hear all of the stories. 🙂
Michelle says
He's such a cutie and I love all the captures of your everyday life! That's a fantastic way to really preserve a sense of your life at this stage!
Liz Mays says
He sure is a busy and happy little man. He's been busy exploring everything!
Daniela Reyes says
He's so cute, so much cuteness in a post.
Donna M says
Gorgeous, happy, little man! Time flies hey! I had to laugh that you are buying adult smalls in hats for him already 🙂
Shannon Hall says
He is too cute! Can't believe he's already 18 months!
theconservativemommy says
He is adorable! I really appreciate the update. …it helps me know what to look forward to with my little one.
Kayleigh @ Sugar in My Texas Tea says
What a cutie! My 8 month old is almost that big. Sheesh. I need to be better about recording this kind of stuff. 🙂
BD Design Blog says
What a little cutie!! They are so fun at that age.