16 Months

Jackson is 16 months old today! We've reached a point where I can't believe he's that young! I always imagine him being at least 1.5 years old! He has definitely changed in the past month and seems much more like a self sufficient toddler now than a baby. 

At the beginning of the month we went to the Oklahoma City Zoo with some friends. We loved the animals and picked a great day to go because it wasn't unbearable hot like other days here in OK. This zoo had a giraffe feeding station! I was so excited for Jack to see real giraffes since he loves his toy giraffes so much. We got lettuce leaves and he was intimidated when the giraffe's long tongue came out and grabbed the leaf. Honestly, it kinda startled me too! But then he loved looking at them up close! 

Jack has started talking so much! He doesn't talk hardly at all around other people, but at home he says a lot of words. He says: no- but not in a snotty way yet, oh no- which is what he's saying in the below picture and he puts his hands in his cheeks like that, mo- more, pease- please, all duh- all done, dada, mumma, bow- ball, bu bye, hi, go, up, uh oh, uh huh, ahpul- apple, yum, mmhmm, and then dung for yes. That last one, I know it sounds nothing like yes, but he uses it in that context repeatedly. So I always reinforce yes, but I'm not that worried about it. 

On July 17 he said his first sentence! I was so surprised. He threw his ball down the stairs, turned to me, and said, "Mumma, ball go bu bye!" I couldn't believe my ears but he went and got two more balls and after throwing each if them down the stairs he said, "Ball go bu bye" both times! One proud Mumma, right here! 

Jack has had a major growth spurt! I can tell by looking at him that he's taller. He doesn't have another well child until the end of September so we won't see just how much he's grown until then. He eats so much though! He eats three solid meals throughout the day, snacks at least every 2 hours, and nurses more frequently than he did the past couple months. Since he's growing and teething I decided to just nurse him as he needs and worry about weaning later. He still drinks plenty of water and cows milk out of sippy cups and honestly, I still enjoy nursing. He eats all kinds of foods but is much more picky about what he wants at each meal. I don't mind giving him options though as long as he eats what he chooses. His favorites seem to be ham, chicken, cheese, apples, mandarin oranges, grapes, cherry tomatoes, peas, carrots, and eggs. He still doesn't like super messy foods though. When we have casseroles that stick together he can't get over how sticky his fingers get so he usually eats something else. He has been working with a spoon and fork and can get food on them fine, but it takes longer so after a couple bites he just uses his hands. We love progress though! 

Big boy prefers a whole apple as opposed to cut up strips. I let him eat as much as he wants and then I finish it. 

He had begun running all over the house! I wasn't paying too close attention to when he began running, but it was either this month or last month. I am very impressed with how fast he is! He will often run back and forth between rooms just because. It's so adorable when he runs to the top of the stairs when Matt comes home from work and he gets so excited! 

Seriously, have you seen this child? Most beautiful little boy! I can't get enough of him! 

He loves to stand, walk, or run on his tip toes. It is adorable to see and his legs are pretty solid because of it. It's hard getting a picture showing it well, but I'm so impressed with the good balance he has. He still has great dexterity with his hands and fingers too. He constantly impresses us with how delicately he can handle things for his young age. He loves to catch little beetle bugs he finds. I can't believe he can catch and hold them between his fingers!

For the past two weeks Jack hasn't cried when we pick him up from church nursery or after Bible study! When he first sees us he usually shrieks and runs to the door, but as long as he's given to us then and not held back he is smiley and happy. That makes it so much easier to leave him. I knew he would play and was fine before, but I am hopeful that he is starting to learn that we'll always come back for him. He still cries when we first drop him off, but they say he stops a few seconds after we're out of sight. 

One thing I've noticed about Jackson, if another kid hits him (even on accident). Jack never hits back. He usually will run straight to me and want me to hold him or sit on my lap. I am so thankful this is his reaction and not to hit back. He has tried I grab toys back when they are taken from him, but I'm ok with that as long as he isn't violent. It's hard to decide if I tell him it's ok to share in those situations or let him get the toy back. Jack has started getting a little intimidated of other kids though. He still likes playing with them, but wants to stay close to me and if they raise their hands he backs away or winces in case they hit him. I want him to learn to stand up for himself and not get stepped on, but we have plenty of time for that. For now, I'm glad his reflex isn't to hit back. 

This goes for animals too! Our friends have a cat and a German shepherd. When Jackson sees the dog he signs please but when the dog gets to close Jack begins to shake. Often he'll let the dog push him over even if she isn't forceful. When I help him pet the dog he is still shaking, but he wants to pet the dog. With the cat he just loves her. He is very gentle with her but she doesn't like him being right in her face. She batted at him the last time we were there and he got scratched a little. Poor baby. 

Jackson and I have a good time throughout the day. We play, we watch Mickey Mouse, and we have lots of laughs. I am so blessed to stay home with him. I cannot imagine how sad I would be if I were missing out on his days. He changes so quickly and I am able to experience that. Plus, I get to spend all day with this face. 

Some of Jack's favorite things to do/games to play are Legos, cars, phone, and on/off. He has begun to pull out his Legos on his own and build. I am so impressed how he has learned I build and uses up all his Legos! He had recently started pulling out his cars and driving them on the couch, on the floor, everywhere! He doesn't make the noises yet, but he laughs when I do. When he has my phone he'll hold it up to his ear and begin to babble. So adorable! I love that he knows that's what the phone is for. He still watches movies on my phone when we go out, but he will get bored after awhile. I'm actually glad he isn't content to just sit watching a movie for too long! Hopefully we can keep up that practice as he gets older. He loves to take the tops of containers on and off. Unfortunately, usually those containers aren't empty. I let him play with him empty snack cups and drink cups though. He also loves putting together straps- like his high chair and car seat. He is figuring out where everything goes on his own and loves the buttons. 

Cars everywhere. I love how toddlers squat. So much more comfortable to just sit down, but they prefer to squat. 

Whenever we go into his room he runs over to this corner in his closet. The floor is a little upraised so I think he likes running over it. Much more fun with. Car though! 

And this is how he fell asleep tonight. Car in hand. I moved it to the edge of his bed so he didn't roll onto it later, but so adorable! 

Yes, 16 months come and gone. I had originally thought I wanted to have our second when Jack was between 15-18 months old. Now that I'm hear, I'm glad we don't already have a second. I'm trying to keep that mindset as we continue to try for a second. It's amazing what hindsight can teach you! For now, I am loving every day with my little boy. He is definitely developing into his own little person and getting a stronger will each day, but I just always try to practice patience with him. I pray daily for wisdom and patience as I rear this precious child. Never take time with your children for granted. You don't know how log you'll have with them and you want their lives to be as love filled as possible.