This week, Parker turned 18 months old. Which by definition makes him officially a toddler. Although I'd have to say he has been acting like a toddler in many ways for months now (i.e. toddler food, toddler size clothes, super toddler fast moves, and toddler size tantrums, etc.). But I at least thought I should document where he is at and how he has been growing. This stage is really fun and I just love it. Haven't I said that before? Well, it is! Parker is truly a bundle of life who (literally) moves at full speed ahead full of steam and gusto.
This is steam and gusto (Parker being chase through our kitchen by his dad):
Physical growth:He is about 30 pounds and 34 inches tall. He is a sturdy little boy! He has lost most of that baby fat on his arms and legs (sad for mommy!). He is FAST. Especially on his riding toys zooming around out house! He runs, jumps, marches, dances, and can climb on anything. He still sleeps from about 7:30-8:00pm until 6:30am(ish) and takes one (2-3 hour) nap a day. I definitely think his appetite has slowed down, but he goes through phases on how much he eats. He is not picky... vegetables and fruits are his favorites. And gummy snacks too, if that's a food group for toddlers!
Language/Communication:This age learns new words everyday. His favorite word by far right now is "Truck". It definitely has an Alabama accent to it. He communicates in lots of ways, but there is frustration at this age because he knows what he wants but can't always say it. Hence the toddler-size tantrums. He isn't that great with names yet, other than momma and dada. He calls Sam, "that dog". Pretty funny to us, but we are not so sure how Sam is handling it. Ha. New words as of this week... watch (as in watch him do something or watch tv), march, duck, sit, hot, and probably more I can't think of right now! He can point to all his body parts when you ask him, and can say some of them. He is a little sponge... just hope we can keep up.
Play/Social:He has grown so much in this area! I think his little day school has really helped. He is so great now to go to new places and play with new kids. And quite honestly, his teachers at school tell us that all the other kids (especially the girls...uh oh!) love him. He has a magnetic quality that draws people in. He loves to laugh when you chase him, tickle him, or play hide and seek. Parker loves bath time and adores playing with his daddy - the rougher tougher play, the better! His favorite toys are still his "ride ons" but he has recently started loving puzzles, his tool bench, trains, and of course anything with wheels. And Sam. He loves his Sam, as well as any other dog.
Perfectly Parker Personality:Upon first meet, Parker can be a little shy as he "checks out" his new surroundings or people. He is very observant and doesn't miss anything. I think this is the budding gift of discernment. After a few minutes of him warming up, you will see him full steam. He appreciates routine and loves his own bed to sleep in. He isn't big on constant cuddling or holding (because he is too busy!), but when he is ready, his cuddles are worth the wait. He loves to figure things out on his own, and gets a very proud smile on his face when he achieves his goal. He loves to help out with anything he can. He has a new "look" when he is being coy or kind of sneaky/flirtatious that Robbie and I call Blue Steel, for those of you familiar with that. I haven't caught it on camera yet but I'm trying! He loves to laugh and is so silly and playful! Parker is strong-willed at times when he wants things his way, but he has a very tender heart. I can tell even now that he loves to please and has a sensitive little soul. I love watching God unfold and mold his personality. What a true gift to be a part of!
Other important areas to note:He still loves his Blue Bear (see post: Our Velveteen Rabbit). He affectionately refers to him as "Boo" or "BB". He also still sleeps/naps with a paci, which he calls a "Bopa". I love that he has comfort items and I don't care if he takes them to Kindergarten. Kidding. I love more that he has "learned" to only have them at sleep time. That took a little work but was well worth it not to have to carry BB and Bopa with us everywhere!!
From the Parenting End:So, we are two parents trying to figure out the parenting of a toddler... balancing unconditional love and nurture with appropriate and consistent discipline. This is not easy!! I am also reading the following books (if you know me, you know I always love a good read, including with parenting help):
I love watching Robbie grow as a dad. He has a natural way of beckoning respect. I see Parker listening and watching his dad and it is neat. Robbie and I both had wonderful parents as examples, so we appreciate them more everyday we do this ourselves! We make it a priority to pray with and for Parker daily. And we have a kids devotional book that we try to read everyday... you can't get your kids in the Scriptures too early! One of our best strengths as parents is that we realize we do NOT know what we are doing. But we are trusting God and imperfectly attempting to follow Christ as we grow our home.
This post has gotten very long, so I will end on that. Blessings to you and yours!
