18 Months

My handsome "Baby" Tyler,

Oh little boy - when did you get so big??   You know, you've kinda spoiled us really, in being so content with staying a baby. Your big sisters seemed to turn into toddlers even before their first birthdays, so I've been relishing in the fact that you are in no hurry to grow up. But as I sit back and watch you these days, pushing your trains through the bridges on the train table, chasing your big sisters around, and exploring your surroundings - it's clear that you are much more of a little boy.

You are starting to talk a little more, or at least we're starting to decode more of your cute little Tyler language.   (Up to now your favorite words have been "no" "don't" "owie" and "my mama" - which I suppose are the necessities of being the little brother!)   You certainly have no trouble comprehending what we're saying and I can tell you love to study the world around you.   You don't like to be told "no" and have already mastered the art of tantrums - seriously.  I'm talking throwing yourself on the floor and kicking your legs while crying kind of tantrum.  Which is kinda impressive for not even being 2 yet!

You love being outside and no sooner can the word be spoken before you're off trying to find your shoes and head to the door. You also love baths, which is kind of funny since you cry every time we try to take you swimming. You don't like having your teeth brushed and it is a battle every day - but you love doing it yourself.  (And you grin every time you turn your toothbrush around and bite the end to make it light up.)  You absolutely adore your Aden & Anais blanket and it's the only one you'll sleep with.  I've tried on a few occasions to sneak in a different one but there is no tricking you - the second you realize it's not the real deal you scream and throw it out of your crib.  And I have to be super sneaky about getting it into the wash!

 

You're too busy to sit and watch movies/tv (which is just fine in my book!) but you do love Toy Story 3 and Monster's Inc.   It is my only 15-minute saving grace while I'm trying to cook dinner or do the dishes.   Otherwise you're at my feet, pushing on my legs and trying to get my attention.  The whole world seems to think you're the cutest little baby boy on earth, and I'm inclined to agree. And those curls??  They kill me!   Of course, I am responsible for talking Daddy into your recent hair cut, but that's only because your hair was getting impossible to manage. 

Curiosity tends to encompass most of your days and you are constantly climbing on top of the tables and chairs, opening drawers, and making messes anywhere you go.   You've recently learned the art of pushing the dining room chairs into the kitchen for higher access... which of course is super fun for Mommy.  Speaking of your mama, you still melt my heart entirely.   And though you do like to be my side and grace me with occasional snuggles, Daddy is starting to steal a lot of your attention.   When you hear him come through the door, you are always running to him, arms stretched wide and stomping your little feet in pure excitement. You adore your big sisters and are constantly following them around and trying to be involved in everything they do.   Luckily they adore you back and love to shower you with love and attention.

You are no doubt the sunshine of our lives and we are so thankful for you!

Love, Mommy