Luke's 1st birthday - 6 months late

Luke had a pirate party for his first birthday.  We had a great time and were so thankful that our family and friends were able to celebrate with us.  We had to move it back a week because of snow, but it was much better because chris' parents and brother and SIL got to come as well.  I know this is 6 months late, but Happy Birthday, Luke!  We love you :)

a milestone

Thursday, Luke did something I don't think he meant to do - he threw away his pacifier.

I was in the bathroom getting ready and he pulled my hairbrush off the counter.  He was so pleased with himself, he took his pacifier out and threw it - it happened to land in the trash can.  When he peered into the trash can, he couldn't see it, it had sunk under all the tissues, and he left the room without another thought.

He's not had it since Thursday morning and there have only been a few occasions since that he's really looked for it or we've been tempted to give in.  Thursday afternoon, I needed to go to JCP and he had a meltdown mid store.  Normally, we would've shoved that pacifier in (we affectionately called it the mute button), but Chris took him outside to cool down.  The other time we've thought we'd really need it is in the car.  He's had a pacifier attached to each car seat for the longest time and it's habit for him to reach for it while we're getting him buckled in.  The first few car rides were hard, but it's getting better.

He's 'talking' so much more and so I hope we can continue this pacifier free stage.  Church will be the real test, but I'm confident we'll survive!  Wish us luck :)

Letter to Baby

Dear 18 month old child of mine,

We've reached a milestone - 18 months!  You turned 18 months old on August 3rd, but things have been so crazy, I haven't had a chance to really sit down and write your letter.

Your showing signs of reaching the terrible two's - you're even mastering the art of throwing tantrums.  You throw what you're not supposed to have, you run when it's time to change your diaper, and you tug and pull and yell at us until we pick you up.  We've come up with a new nickname for you - we call you "the terrorist".

You've learned some new words which include 'up', 'uh-oh', 'bye-bye', 'go go' and 'bax' (short for baxter).  You have become a little more independent using a spoon or fork but we really have to watch you because if you can't pick up your chicken/strawberry/pea, then you practically fling your entire plate across the dining room.  It's good for Baxter, not so much for us.

You are so fast!  You are constantly running from one activity to the next, leaving a trail of destruction in your path (hence "the terrorist").  If you manage to get on the couch (and you're becoming more proficient) then you like to take off all the pillows and throw them in the floor, sometimes in Baxter's general direction.

You're still a good shopping buddy.  We especially like going to Target so you can get some popcorn and fruit punch.  And you do okay going out to eat, but we try to eat and leave because you've learned to get your legs out of the highchair and I'm terrified you will fling your little body to the floor and run away.  Irrational? Maybe.  Probable? Yes.

We love reading books together and you love to point and get us to name each thing.  Right now, your favorite book is 'Grandma and me'.  That's the first book we read every night before bed time and we even read it multiple times some nights.  And speaking of bed time, you're staying up till 7 or 7:30 most nights now.  New later bed time equals sleeping later in the morning.  It's working out well for me :)

We love your little 18 month old self,
mom and dad