feeding himself; lookin' good; signing "more"
snuggles ....more snuggles
So, Jack has just been growing by leaps and bounds! He had his 15 months check-up last month (he was really over 16 months, but we just weren't able to schedule it until then) and weighed 23 pounds. Jack has weighed between 19-20 pounds for about 7 months now and it's amazing how those 3 extra pounds can feel like a TON!
Some of his newest tricks are just too cute to us. He seems to understand so much, he follows directions and he's usually just so cooperative and agreeable. Of course, we have some tantrums and general toddler issues, but overall, it's awesome! He loves to give high fives and "the bump" with his fist. He can feed himself with a spoon. He loves to give big hugs (with an occasional pat on the back) and kisses. He is really such an affectionate little one. His hugs melt your heart. He gives them out so freely and so often! When he wakes up for the morning or after his nap, he is particularly cuddly, and will want to snuggle for a while. I love it! Sleeping has gotten much better over the past several weeks, too. In addition to better sleeping, putting him to bed has also been much easier. He loves his bedtime/naptime routine and he drifts off to sleep so peacefully these days.
He has started walking up and down stairs, too, and he looks like such a big boy. I can't believe that he is doing this. Of course, he has to hold my hand and the railing, but it's still such a big step... no pun intended! As always, he still gets his "jam" on whenever music is playing. We may be delusional, but Jeff and I totally think that he has good rhythm and that he can clap and bounce to the beat. He also shows preference to certain songs. He loves to clap and is desperately trying to snap his little fingers.
Jack also seems to have a comedian's sense of humor (thanks, Jeff) and he will, frequently, do tricks that he knows will get a laugh. Bath-time is a favorite in our house. Jeff will ask Jack if he's ready for a bath and before Jeff can finish the question, Jack is off and running toward the tub. He taps his foot and bounces with excitement and anticipation, while waiting to get into the tub. He has also started doing a few signs here and there and it has been pretty neat to see how signing has helped cut down his frustration when he realizes that he can communicate his wants and needs to us. Right now, he has a small vocubalary of words that we can actually understand, but he tries to repeat lots of words that we say. He also loves to imitate things we do. This has really been a "dazzling" and fun stage!
Tomorrow if Jeff's birthday -woo hoo! We had an early birthday celebration dinner yesterday. It was just the two of us and it was so much fun. At the beginning of next month, we're taking a one-night trip to Louisville, while Jack stays with my parents. We just wanted to have a little getaway to ourselves. Before Jack was born, we always took a weekend trip between our birthdays (his February, mine March) and it was such a nice treat! Of course, we went a little more extravagant than Louisville, but I'm sure we'll have a blast just being together. We got a great deal on an exquisite hotel (thank you, Priceline!), so that will be fun.
