The 18th Month

Today, my little monkey reached the 18 month milestone!

If I am being honest, I thought I understood the enjoyment of milestones in my pre-mama days. I mean I loved photographing the different stages of early life. With the being said, the more I grow into my role as a mama, the more I appreciate milestones. So much growth. So many changes. So much development. It is all so special. And, all so different for every child. I look at milestone sessions so differently now.

For Trace’s 18 month, I decided to share 18 joys about our little guy. And, if I am being really honest, I return to these blog posts when I work on Trace’s baby book. It is how I remember everything. If you are looking for an easy way to remember your little one’s days, put the stories on social media (or a blog) and return to it when you put together a baby book! #truth

I am honored to have you here, and I hope you enjoy reading about my favorite little guy! And, I’d love to know your favorite memories of your little one at this age too!

1 | He loves rubbing ears. His ears. My ears. Charles’ ears. Sometimes both ears at the same time. It is his self-soothing technique.

2 | His love of Mickey Mouse is real. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is his favorite TV show, and he will often point to the TV when he is ready to watch an episode. We start every morning with one episode while I make breakfast. I am so looking forward to planning our first trip to Disney World and watching him meet Mickey Mouse for the first time.

3 | He will dance if the hot diggity dog song is playing.

4 | He loves rocks. We go on rock walks at least 3 to 4 times a week to select a new rock to bring home. #boymama

5 | His first word was “dada”. His second word was Jack pronounced “ack” (our dog). And his third word was “mama”.

6 | He loves our dogs! He loves playing tug-o-war with Bruno’s blanket. He loves throwing the tennis bowl with Jack. And he has learned how to “love on B or J”, which consists of leaning in and giving the pups a hug. Great progress from the doggy ear pulling days.

7 | Being outside is his happy place. His second favorite spot is playing in water.

8 | He loves peanut butter, cheese sticks, hummus, popcorn, oranges, and green beans. He isn’t interested in many sweet flavors.

9 | He is an early morning baby and falls asleep early at night. He has been a morning riser since birth, and it is still going strong.

10 | He can open the garbage can and knows to throw things away like the wrapper from his cheese stick. And also my sunglasses. And his puzzle pieces.

11 | He loves climbing and has realized how to move chairs or steps to reach what he wants. He is also really good at climbing the steps to his playhouse in our backyard.

12 | He enjoys being in the kitchen when I cook. He loves to whisk eggs when we make breakfast. He loves to stir the sauce when we cook spaghetti. He loves to touch the pizza dough when we make pizzas. And he loves to touch and feel all vegetables after they are washed.

13 | The quarantine has changed him into a Daddy’s boy. He loves spending time with Charles every day. His other favorite person is his Abu (Charles’ Dad). These are his favorite people!

14 | He can climb into his stroller and will often climb in whenever he is ready for a walk. We take at least two walks a day.

15 | He LOVES his yellow rain boots and knows how to put them on. Getting them on the right foot is another story. I am going to miss the “wrong shoe on the wrong foot” days when they are gone.

16 | His favorite books include I Love You This Much with Mickey Mouse, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Toot, and Dear Zoo. He recently learned how to pick up his books at the end of the day and place them on his shelf. #proudmama

17 | He has the cutest little toddler run. He runs to the back door when I say “outside”. He runs after our dogs. He runs around the house. It is the cutest little thing.

18 | He is so loving. He gives the BEST baby hugs. I love when he places his forehead against mine and comes in close just to smile and laugh. I love when he runs and lays on top of me when I am stretching on the floor. I love when he curls up next to you and wants you to sit with him while he watches Mickey Mouse. I love his sweet demeanor.

Happy 18 Months, little man! I love every part of you!