{Gavin 18 Months}

Dear Mr. Monkey Gavin,

Today you turn one and a half. I cannot believe that it has been a half a year since you turned ONE! That sounds crazy when I type it out. But, as we all know, time passes so quickly when you are having fun!

You are at such a fun and adventurous age right now. You certainly never sit down and are always on the go. You keep us all on our feet, all the time! Now I know what it is like to take care of a very busy toddler, and I am so tired! You are so much fun, you smile all the time, and sometimes I look at you and I cannot get enough of you. Your cheeks, your hair, your words, and the way you hold my hand. I am so deeply in love with you. You love strangers, and you are not afraid to go up to someone and show them what you want. Of course, all we ever hear is "He is Sooo adorable...the cutest little boy!"

You still have a very serious love for food. All food all the time. You want a "snack" at every hour, and you eat very well. Just when I think you are full, you will go and ask for more food. Some of your favorite foods include pasta, banana, turkey, any fruit, yogurt, cheese, peas, and all sweet treats. You now drink cow's milk, and you love it. You ask for your "Milk" or "Wa-Wa" when you are thirsty. Some days you will drink 3 glasses of milk:) One of your favorite foods is still the Plum Baby smoothie pouches. They are fruit/veggie purees with a straw, and you suck down about 2 a day, always on the go. It is a great way to get some veggies in you, and they are nice and healthy. OK, on to the snacks. Most of your snacks are just little bowls of what you would eat for a meal, and we call them snacks. But, you also have a ton of real snack food you like. Goldfish, cheese sticks, apple chips, raisins, prunes, veggie stix, and a ton of others. And of course, if someone offers you real junk food, you will take it! As for sweets? We cannot even crinkle the wrapper around you with out you wanting it over and over. You definitely have my sweet tooth! There are now absolutely no restrictions in your diet. We were going to wait until 2 to give you nuts, but today when were were out to lunch, you had a ton of french fries that were cooked in peanut oil. Oh well! Fingers crossed!

Sleep. Oh Gavin, I think it is safe to say that your sleep habits are pretty good these days! You used to wake up at 4am, but now you are getting up closer to 5:30 or even 6 some days! You continue to do really well overnight, and sleep from 7pm on. You rarely wake up at night, unless you are sick with a cold. OR A HURT NECK! See previous post about that! You are napping one time a day, after lunch sometime, and this varies from 1 to 2.5 hrs. Most days, you also take a quick power nap at about 9am in the car. (You fall asleep wherever we are going, and I let you sleep for a little) This routine seems to be working. We feel pretty lucky:)

Nursing. You are only nursing once a day now, at bedtime! You have completely weaned yourself, and I think that this last feeding will go soon. You are still excited to cuddle and calm down this way, but I am thinking this won't last much longer. I am so happy with this experience, and I feel very blessed that I was able to give you what you needed for the last 18 months! A very natural and smooth process:)

Words. Oh I mean Gavin language. Gavin you talk all day long. A mix of words and Gavin language. We LOVE all the noises you make, and are so proud of the connections you are making. Every day you try to say a new word, and we need to start watching out! No more S#*& around here!

Activity. Well, I don't need to say much here. Anyone and everyone who knows you, knows that you are very active, all the time. You do like to sit on laps to read books, and this time is so great for everyone....it gives us all a break!

Gavin, I could go on and on and on about you. You bring us such joy, each and every day of our life. I am so proud of you and the little person that you are becoming. You are so sweet and love to "kiss" all the time. It melts my heart each and every time...Love you little monkey!

Momma