18 months old!!

Z is a big boy! (tear) 18 months old and asserting his independence like crazy.

Likes: being chased, only eating what he chooses, milk, running, fall leaves, pebbles, sand, Frozen and Tangled, play time at the gym, milk, books (reading to us and being read to), babbling and refusing to say words even if he knows them, swinging, slides, daycare, crawling while holding as many items as possible clenched in his legs, ring around the rosey, crackers, dancing (hilarious), being shy, visiting the art exhibits on campus, the library, did I mention milk?

Dislikes: People acknowledging him when he tries to get their attention, grocery shopping, his parents not being mind-readers, diaper changes, being offered food that is not what he wants, not being allowed to watch Frozen or Tangled every day, mysterious things that are very, very bad, but we have no idea what they are. All we know is he is upset and needs to cry now.

Words he uses: "no" and "ow." Sometimes "mama" if he's not getting me quickly enough.
Words he's said in the last month (in the correct context) and then refused to ever say again: hi, papa, please, thank you, milky, all done
Two words: stubborn butt

The good: He's a sweetie pie. Big smiles, laughs, always exploring. He's very busy all the time and rarely slows down unless it's nap time. He does really well with his schedule most days, he goes to bed well 90% of the time and all in all is a real pleasure. He likes to make us laugh and loves to show us things. He fills our hearts with joy and we're so thankful for him.

The bad: We've got a tantrum thrower on our hands. He's an impatient child (like many toddlers) and usually goes from, "I don't like that" to "I'm going to throw myself on the floor and wail like the world is ending" in about 5 seconds. It's hard to be patient sometimes, but I think we do pretty well overall. We're both hoping he starts using his words more to help alleviate some of the frustration he feels when we don't understand what he wants or needs. (We try sign language too, he's not into it.) This is probably the biggest challenge we face with him.

I truly can't believe how much he's grown and changed in the last 6 months. Every now and then I get a glimpse of my little baby, but for the most part he feels like such a big boy now. I'm grateful he stills likes to cuddle with us and he still rocks with his mama at night before bed.

We love you little boy!