18 Month Checkup

Jack had his 18 month pictures a couple of weeks ago. Of course, he was full of bumps and bruises! He is a little tough guy, that is for sure. He definitely gets banged around between the dogs and trying to run to fast for his little feet. He loves to get on the trike and attempt to get on Jace's bike, too, which is also cause for more falls. At Jack's 18 month appointment, Dr. Amir said that Jack was absolutely perfect. I made the mistake of not taking Nick (he was at work) and Jack had to get one shot. Unfortunately, the visit was compounded by the fact that Jace had to get three shots. :) Jack weighed in at over 27 lbs and over 33 inches tall. He is in the 75% percentile for height and weight. Jack is starting to say even more words. Jace tells him to say words all the time and sometimes they come out as words and sometimes they come out as jibber-jabber. Yesterday he said "school bus". He also has been saying the dogs' names and says Grandma and Grandpa. He has also been doing well with taking commands and using/watching sign language. We have him "say" all done in sign language when he is done eating. We also tell him "no no" with sign language and sometimes he listens...usually we are telling him to quit squealing, which is his new favorite hobby. We even now started putting him in timeout if he squeals too much. (It is one of those really high pitched obnoxious excited screams.) He goes straight to time out when we tell him to. I am not real sure he understands yet that it is "punishment" because he doesn't cry or get upset, but at least he quiets down! Our little baby is getting so big. He is so adorable with his soft skin and blonde hair. He likes to show us his belly and give hugs and kisses. He likes to have his back rubbed and loves to cuddle with blankets. Jack will lay in the chair (we have one designated as "his") or roll around on the floor with his blankets and just chill. Jack is finally getting better at restaurants and in public. He listens a little more and doesn't try to dump every ounce of liquid on himself. I can see that next year will be a whole new ballgame with taking him places. Last week we had a baby shower for my cousin, Theresa. Jack has always had pooping problems, and still does. Well, approximately three adults were watching the little kids while I wrote down Theresa's gifts. Jack had a massive blowout and Jessie, my mom, and my aunt Sara were all trying to wash him off. Sara herself got wet in the shower! There was poop all over his clothes and he had to run around in just a diaper after being consoled by Mommy because he was so distraught about the situation. Poor baby! I hope he grows out of this, even though it might make for interesting stories later. Jack is such a joy. The last 18 months have been so wonderful and we are very sad that our little baby is not a walking, talking mirror of his big brother. However, that is just fine, because he is growing normally and happily. We are so very blessed to have Jack be our baby - and he will always be our baby!