My 18 month old babe

Okay...19 month babe is more appropriate at this point!  Last month just got away from me, between vacation ending, school starting and one very ill little fellow....well it all just was over before I could post about my one and a half year old!

And still, at 19 months I can't believe my little guy has turned 1 & 1/2.  He's somehow grown out of babyhood and slipped into toddlerhood while I was looking the other way.  And as much as I am already missing those baby days (or the ones I got to be a part of at least) I am so very enjoying all these new and exciting things that he does and learns and shows us every day!  I wake up each day and wonder what he'll be doing this day to amuse or exasperate me...depending on his mood. 

But I also wake up each day amazed at how full of love I am...for my WeiChe (and his big sister).  I remember so clearly a year ago waiting for the courts to say we could go to Taiwan and make him our son...what a tough time for me, wanting so badly to just hold him, kiss him and be his Mama.  And now he has been home with us for 10 months.  Amazing months spent at first just getting to know him, and then getting to see what a truly cool child he is - once he got comfortable with us.  So many changes, even from a month ago, with his personality and his comfort level with us and his surroundings.

There are so many things I want to remember about my little dumpling at this time. 

He is just such a delight and such a handful at the same time!  He is one of the most loving and sweetest baby and is so happy to sit and cuddle with me, or Adam, or Simone....  He also has not only kept his determined attitude but has fully unleashed it and has had plenty of "tantrums" over things he feels he just must have.  Determination shouldn't be his middle name...it is his first. 

His favorite game is still chase and "chase me up the stairs" has become a number one hit....much to his Mama's disapproval!  I hear him call me, it's either a "Mamaaaa" or a "yayayaaaa" followed with hilarious giggles and I know I'd better be running to those stairs because said dumpling will be about 1/2 way up them.  Laughing.  Oh yes...we play many times a day.

Sammy is also an absolute fish.  Whether it's the lake or a pool or the kitchen sink he enjoys water so much.  At the pool he just jumps in, no fear and no worries if he goes under.  Needless to say we have to keep an eye and/or hand on him at EVERY moment!  And the lake is no different, he walks in right up to his chin and walks around.  When we go out on our friends boat he loves both the ride, with the wind in his face and the bouncing of the waves, and the swimming part.  He will wallow around in the water for as long as we stay in one spot!

And he keeps me busy and on my toes all day!  Sammy is so curious and active and just plain busy!  He has plenty of toys but prefers to play with me and my stuff...like the broom or vacuum, the pots and pans and right now the keyboard.  Power struggle to follow.

Some of Sammy's favorite things right now....

Well he loves his Wiggles and Sesame Street videos and loves to boogie to all of the fun songs.  And boy can he boogie...he has dance moves like I have never seen...It's rather adorable!

His favorite books are Goodnight Moon and Goodnight Gorilla.  He also loves his Touch and Feel Farm Book and his Book of 100 Words- the page with the trucks, cars and tractors being his favorite and the one with animals being his second!  He loves trucks, lawn mowers, tricycles & bicycles....anything with wheels pretty much as well as anything with fur.

He had a great 18 month doctor visit and is right on track for his growth.  He isn't saying much more than he was a few months ago...but we aren't too worried at this point.  He gets his message across regardless and is really one little smarty pants!  He clearly understands what is being said and follows all directions I give..sometimes even when I don't know I've given them!  He is so very physical though...climbing everything in sight and trying to master anything he can climb, take apart or throw.  We do have an appointment with an ENT Specialist next week, because he has had quite a few ear infections and his Pediatrician just wants to be sure there isn't a problem with the ears.  Plus he snores...like a bear.  So we want to get this all checked out. 

And sleeping...well he sleeps through the night at least.   In our bed, yes.  But through the night!  And naps have moved into the bed or crib (from my lap) and he now takes one that lasts for 45 minutes to an hour.  Trust me...this is progress!  And what makes me laugh is the post I wrote before we got his referral here -  http://tomakefreidman4.blogspot.com/2008/10/co-sleeping.html .  Too funny really, if only I had known that we would in fact be co-sleeping.  Not for us to bond so much, but for little WeiChe to be able to sleep well.  And believe me...we've tried it all, he just sleeps better (okay he only sleeps) when he is cozy in our bed. 

Okay okay...I hear you...

On to some of the latest photos of my sweet boy. 

So the zoo is still a big hit.  We go in the mornings while Jie Jie is in school.  And while we miss her during these outings it is nice to have some one on one with my guy!

Well, when he's not snuggling with a turtle statue that is!

And his first Merry-go-round ride!  He was not sure why we where on this and really just wanted to run around and touch all of the animals. 

So to the petting zoo we went.  He loves the goats and makes all these noises of excitement...

Back at home we work on getting into mischief of one kind or another.  Ya...this is soo not allowed but he does it all the time anyway!

But at least when he makes a mess he sorta tries to clean it up....

Oh and our all time highlight of the day...filling the bird bath.  Also known as soaking Sammy with the hose.

This look on his face...like he has no idea how he got so wet!

And Big Sis comes and makes him crack up.  Oh yes, we smile with our entire face when Simone is involved...

Simone said it looks like he's at work here.  He's got his office props.  Too bad he'll get sent home for dress code violations.  Again....

And did I mention how we love the hose...

I just love this guy...so cute and serious.  Watering things is a big job, and since the office thing isn't working out he's got to be real intent with the watering.

And at break time we enjoy a boat cruise around the living room with some cheese puffs.

And then we give the boat a ride....

And jump on our sister!  She's trying so hard to watch whatever it is on TV and he was just relentless, trying to get her to play with him!

So that is my sweet boy at 18/19 months.  So many amazing and wonderful days we've been able to spend with this little guy since we've been home.  How I missed him all those months we were apart ~~~ but we have surely made up for that lost time. 

What does the next month hold in store for us...the next year...? 

Well I can't wait to see!

J