One Big Boy, coming up!

At 18 months, Alex is at that age where he is walking (or in his case, running on or climbing up) the line between my baby and my little boy. I'm taking breaks from typing to look over at him, sitting very much like a big boy on the couch, watching one of his favorite TV shows with his legs reclined, and his arms crossed behind his head. But even while looking quite grown up in this particular moment, I notice he still has those adorable chubby baby cheeks & diaper butt.
He's growing up FAST. It hasn't happened yet, but I know it's only a matter of time before I'll look at him and no longer see baby at all.
Alex had his 18 month check up last week. In addition to hearing from the pediatrician that Alex looked "perfect", I also learned that he weighs over 25 1/2 lbs and is a whopping 36 inches tall (which may be a bit taller than he actually is...I wonder if she included the tips of his hair in her measurement. I can't seem to tame the spiky hair these days.).

Not only is he quickly turning into a big boy, Alex is also a budding conversationalist. In a short amount of time, he has added many words to his vocabulary. Sure, some of them are only a syllable of the actual word, but it still counts since he uses them consistently for the same object or person. He still relies on pointing, gestures, and grunts, but it is helpful that about 40 words have been added to his repertoire.
Here he is saying AND signing "More". You can see how pleased he was with me when I understood he wanted more bananas.


It's always a nice treat when someone breaks out into applause on your behalf.

When Jacob was 18 months old, I got pregnant with Alex. Hard to believe. And no, Jeff & I are not thinking of trying to get pregnant right now, but it sure will feel weird (and sad) to no longer have a baby in the house soon. The upside to this whole growing up thing is that we're catching glimpses of his sweet, funny, loving, smart, and attention seeking personality traits ("Aren't fish sticks delicious?"),
and he is able to interact and play more with his brother, cousins, and other children.



So far, I must say, he has one heck of a winning personality. And I think he knows it. :) For example, he has this grin where he crinkles his nose:

It seems to draw a big reaction from most people. He's become conditioned to show off the famous crinkle smile, then immediately initiate a round of applause. For himself. Certainly a habit that would be obnoxious, at best, in an adult, but in a toddler, it can only be described as adorable and endearing.

He does his best to keep up with the big kids. Sometimes, things look like more fun when others are doing them. Case in point:


And sometimes, stunts don't always work out the way he planned. Live and learn:

Thankfully, his sweet big brother was nearby to offer a helping hand while his mean old mommy giggled and took pictures. Don't worry- I could only take the look of betrayal on that face for so long.


But most of the time, things work out for the best, and Alex has a blast being an 18 month old.

Reading his favorite book, "Are You My Mother?"



Playing with cars is a favorite pastime these days.

Playing outside is always a big hit, unless snow or swings are involved.



When we aren't outside, it's more than acceptable to chase or wrestle with Jacob.


Or, just do whatever Jacob is doing, even if it's lying on the couch feeling sick.


Alex adores his big brother. Luckily, the feeling is mutual (almost all of the time).


And being darn cute is something Alex is always doing.


I know my baby boy will grow into a wonderful big boy. But if I could just enjoy this not-quite-a-big-boy-yet stage a little bit longer, please...