"I am 16 Going on 17" (months!)

Happy 17 months, baby boy! Your Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you! Here are some of your recent accomplishments:

*You are now walking EVERYWHERE and can make sudden changes in your walk without losing your balance. When you are following another kid you break out into a fast walk-almost-run and then usually collapse as your feet can't keep up! You are also now climbing into and on items such as your wagon, Elmo airplane and Rody. This is how we usually find you:



*You no longer do a cute little wave with your fingers facing you....now you have moved into a full arm waving motion! I try to get you to do the other wave sometimes and you look at me as if I'm crazy!




*You ate your first peanut butter and jelly sandwich this week (July 26)---3/4 of the sandwich! You also had your first hot dog on July 31 (you ate 1/4 of it). You are VERY independent when it comes to eating. I simply give you big pieces that you can pick up and bite yourself. I made a vow to not make you your own meals anymore. In the past I would make something special for you since I know you aren't fond of meat or fish, but starting NOW you will eat what we eat! You still LOVE your fruits and veggies!

*You continue to amaze us with how much you understand. Today we were at Home Depot and walked down the faucet aisle. You rubbed your hands together the entire time as if you were washing your hands! Earlier in the month when Erin and Jimmy were over Grandma Anita's house, I said to Erin, "Don't go out the front door, go out the garage" and you leaned over and pointed in the direction of the garage!!

*Verbally, you have said "doggie" once (when looking at Rudy) and continually say "mama" and "dada"--sometimes wanting our attention, and sometimes just to hear yourself speak! You are doing A LOT of jargoning---that has been a big change this month. You have a lot to say, we just don't know WHAT you're saying!! This week at the farm you said "baa" for every farm animal noise. A few months ago it was "bark".

Mikey, you are our special little boy and always will be! Daddy and I talk about you every night after you go to bed. We say how much we love you and how adorable you are. We love you more than words can say!!

xo
Mommy & Daddy