A Year and A Third

There isn't much significant about a baby turning 16 months, unless of course it is your baby and he is your youngest and last (no comments from the gallery).  

At this age, he changes way too fast - and sometimes not fast enough.  

He has always been incredibly independent and is now confidently walking down the stairs alone.  You would think a child could at least appease his mother and crawl down on his tummy.  But no.  He must walk alone and upright to prove that he will be his own person.  

He continues to be far more cuddly than our other kids were at this age.  My favorite is when he snuggles his Daddy.  This is often seen while dancing to Christian music blaring from the ipod- Sam's head laying on Jason's shoulder and his arms wrapped around him.  Sometimes this goes on for several minutes.  There's nothing sweeter than a snuggle between my hubby and our baby.  I could cry each time I see this.  Seriously. 

Sam has not grown in his love of various foods, despite my valiant attempt to appeal to a more grown up palate.  If it has chunks, forget it.  If you could call it "baby food"  than bring it on.  Have I mentioned that I am tired of making and buying baby food?  If you would like a sampling of foods that he doesn't care for, come check out our floor under the high chair following meals.  Spicy taco meat is a sure hit.  Go figure. 

He loves to look out the egress window in his new room and see all the toads.  There are often 10 or more.  It is like National Geographic over here.  We cannot skip this event before or after naps or we will hear about it in the form of high pitch squeals that cause you to loose hearing.  Don't skip the toads..... 

The screaming.  The screaming has gone on for months now.  The poor little dude screams a high pitch scream when he is frustrated or excited.  I can't always anticipate when it will happen or I would cover my ears in preparation or worn anyone in a mile radius to take cover.   I cannot tell you how many times I have had to apologize to people in public places when he lets out a scream and it makes strangers jump.  I quickly leave the vicinity.  And I have tried EVERYTHING I can think of to discourage such behavior except sending him away to toddler camp.  Could you imagine if toddler camp actually existed?  We are open to suggestions (about stopping the noise, not the camp). 

I started reading Good Night Moon to him a couple of weeks ago at bedtime.  On the third night, he put his index finger to his mouth and said "shhhhh" when I got to the "old lady whispering hush" part.  It made me melt.

He still wakes a couple of times per night on a good night.  When my Facebook friends post status updates about how their baby is sleeping all night, or they are so sad that their 4 month old is waking once a night to feed - I pretty much loose my mind.   You reach a level of insanity at some point of sleeplessness.   I feel sad for Sam - as frequent waking doesn't make for a restful night.  But one day he will sleep in a room that isn't in our house.  And then I will miss those middle of the night moments when he needs me.  I just teared up.  Moving on .  

His feet are huge.  He is in size 8 now.  I had 3 really cute pair of size 7 boys shoes that he never wore.  Sigh. 

I can't imagine my day without his slobbery, open mouth kisses.  Thankfully, I am still talking about the baby.  I know that other small children don't appreciate these kisses like I do.  But he just has so much love to give.   He makes me smile each day with all the sweetness he showers on me.  I hope that never changes.