16 Months Old

John had his "month day" on Wednesday, and I managed to have a quick photo session with him. 

He's growing up so fast! Where his big brother could spot any train, large or small, John has an eye for balls. He spies a ball, announces its presence ("Ball! Ball! Ball!"), and wants to play with it! He also appreciates hats; even sunglasses perched atop one's head gets a "hat! Hat!" from him. 

He's more into books now than he has been. He'll bring a book over and say, "Up!" if you're in a chair. If you're on the floor, he backs himself into your lap with the book in hand. Cute. Yesterday he picked up Snuggle Puppy and said "Oooo!" He also lifts his face to mine for a kiss at the appropriate times in the book. 

He still loves to eat and is quite proud when he succeeds at using a fork all on his own. The determination with which he stabs food- oh, so cute! On Monday we had a post-parade lunch at the diner, and he busted out with a sweet "All done!" complete with little arm gestures. Over and over. We were all delighted!

James gets super excited when his baby brother ("Mom, he's NOT a baby now; he's a toddler.") has a new word. After swim lessons on Tuesday, I told James that John had said "bubbles," and John immediately said it for James who giggled with pride! So sweet!

John is impressive with his throwing skills. He can launch a ball with force and a certain degree of accuracy. (Obviously he didn't get that from his mother!) He also likes to run and to dance. Anytime he hears music, he grooves to the beat. 

He loves to splash in the water. Swim lessons are great fun, and bath time is quite splashy. He also enjoys taking a shower. Basically, as soon as the faucet is turned on, he reaches his little hand out to test the water (like he sees me do), and tries to climb in the tub (dressed or not, he's not choosy).

Here's a list I've been trying to maintain of his words:

John's words

1. Hi

2. Uh oh

3. Baby

4. Belly

5. Daddy/Dada (+ sign)

6. Mommy/Mama

7. James

8. Eye

9. Nose

10. Ball

11. Hat

12. That

13. Ow

14. Peekaboo

15. No (+wag head)

16. Thank you

17. More (sign)

18. Toes

19. Milk (sign)

20. Yes (+nod)

21. Door

22. All done

23. Bubbles

24. Up