Better Than I Planned: 19 Months Old

When you’re counting your child’s age in months, you really realize how quickly they grow up! He is closer to 2 than he is 1! He’s the age that Nicholas was on our 2^nd trip to Russia. I remember that Nicholas wasn't saying too much (even in Russian) on that trip and look at him now – he rivals the many great talkers in our family. So far, Daniel’s words are: mama, dada, uh-oh, wow, and Bob. He says a lot more sounds, but I haven’t recognized any real words yet.

There are toys in his shirt. He likes to keep them there for later. ;)

Daniel still loves to color (or play with crayons) at the table. When I am in the nursery at church, he has been going into the toddler class and doing really well. He likes the older toys and he likes the crafts. I actually saw him with dot paint in his hand one Sunday. As he gets older, I’ll be even more intentional of having activities for him at the table.

He likes to read at the table too!

Daniel gets super frustrated sometimes and has no way of expressing it other than crying and whining. I could do without that, but we’re trying to teach him to ask for help (with charades or pointing or whatever works). He is very orderly and doesn't like when someone comes along and touches whatever he is working on.

He has probably gone on the potty now at least 10 times! I think if we are intentional then he will at least go before and after he sleeps. We’ll work on the other times in the near future. So far, he’s only needed a “good job” and we haven’t pulled out any candy or other bribes – yet.

"Hey, give me some privacy!"

Daniel’s napping still isn't great. I’m starting to think that it never will be. I can often get it over an hour. Usually he’ll cry out at least once or twice, but he does sleep the rest of the time. He hasn't stopped giving us smelly presents at nap time either. I think it is his way of paying us back for making him take a nap.

Daniel is a huge sports fan! Well, he recognizes the Buckeyes’ and Browns’ logos and helmets. We have found him a couple of times looking at the sports page too. Evan is teaching him how to spell out “O-H-I-O” with his hands. So far, he’s got the “O” down.

He is still our little monkey. He can get on most furniture by himself. In fact, he loves to sit on the recliner and then move to the very edge, so he can swing his legs and rock. He also loves to climb into Nicholas’ bed and lay there. He has started walking down the stairs now while holding onto the railing. So far he’s been good about waiting for me before going down this way.

Daniel is our little comedian too. He likes to put his hands in front of his eyes when we call his name or when he’s done something wrong. It is as if he is saying, “You can’t see me!”

Yes, I put a spoon on my head.

He is still is a picky eater. We’re trying to stop him from throwing his food on the ground if he doesn't like it or he’s finished eating. So, we ask, “Bye bye, food?” If that’s how he feels, he waves at it and we take it away. It has cut the throwing down a lot.