One and a Half Years

Beware: more that usual thoughts by Staci

I can’t decide how to start this blog (other than how I just did).  I have been so full of different emotions at Liam’s turning 18 months, Joy, Sadness, Anxiety, Excitement and so on.  The only real milestones for this age are Nursery and more shots, but so much more is changing.  Sunday Jamon and I took Liam into the far too small designated nursery room for the first time.  Going in I was pretty excited.  When we got there were kids crying (who have been in nursery for at least 6 months-what the heck), parents standing around, puzzles on the table and I had no idea who the leaders were.  We sat Liam down at the table and he immediately started playing with the puzzle.  He then got off his chair and tried to climb on another kids chair and then back to his chair and the puzzle, typical Liam.  Then one of the Primary counselors came in, talked to us for a minute and then we said our goodbyes.  I am not going to be the Mom that sneaks out when my child isn’t looking, although our departure probably would’ve been easier for him if we had.  He started to cry, but the counselor took him and we just kept on walking.  The emotion hit that I didn’t think would.  How can he be big enough for me to leave him for 2 hours. Yes, we have left him with babysitters but he is usually asleep most of the time.  I pushed the emotion away.  People stared, with smiles, at us as we walked into Sunday School with no child.  They knew it was a good day.  And it was, but I was BORED.  I’m used to entertaining or containing Liam and I didn’t realize I loved it.  I MISSED HIM.  Maybe I’m the one who needs Liam to sneak away from me so I don’t know he’s gone.  I’ve spent 18 months weening him from nursing, bottles, pacifiers, being rocked to sleep, etc., I now need someone to ween me from him.  I’m good through.  Just need to get used to it, and let him grow up.  Is this how it’s going to be all the time not wanting him to grow up…I’m in trouble.

As for shots…his 18 month well-baby checkup for some reason has me concerned for reasons I KNOW are not logical.  Working in a Preschool for kids who have Autism you hear all the stories of how kids got Autism.  There is Theory out there that 18 month shots have been the cause of Autism.  I’m not going to get into a debate, but I don’t believe it.  I do believe that the shots could be a trigger, just not the cause.  Anyway Parents of most kids who have been diagnosed with Austism say that they started noticing digression in their child around 18 months.  I didn’t want to be the Mom who worried about this, but I am.  I am only because I know.  If I didn’t know I probably wouldn’t worry.  Since birth I have looked for developmental milestones,  Liam has hit them all so far, I’ve even tried pushing milestones. So why the worry.  Either way Life will go on and I know I can handle it. (Admitting that almost makes me feel like now he will get it…I’m ridiculous I know).  I really try not to think about it, but I just felt like sharing it.

Now on to the fun part.  The part where I tell you all all the fun things Liam does.  We have not been to the DR yet so those stats will have to wait.  Some of the things will be obvious that he can do, but it’s been 6 months since I have documented.

18 Month Stats:

• Weight:
• Height:
• He now walks.  Yes, I know my child’s amazing
• He runs…fast
• He is starting to eat really well with a spoon almost no spilling…almost
• Stacks blocks
• Can and will climb everything and anything
• Loves to sit on the counter while I cook or clean the kitchen
• When the TV is on he’ll turn look at it and laugh like something funny was just said or shown.
• If he could would walk up the stairs.  One day he even tried it.  He only cried a little.
• Says  Thank you, please, dad, dog, shoes
• He is very good at cleaning up.  Usually cleaning up his own mess
• Will help empty the dish washer. The silverware drawer looks awesome when he’s done.
• Closes everything….obsessively
• Likes anything with a Lid (see above).
• Has his own Idea of where things should go.  Example:  Shoes in the measuring cup drawer
• Wants to help us with everything…hope this never goes away
  • taking out trash,
  • building the fire
  • putting clothes away
  • putting groceries away
  • sweeping
  • opening and closing lids for us…obsessive
  • Laundry
• Went through a garbage can phase.  Throwing things away, taking things out.  I’m pretty sure he threw his croc away, Jamon’s wallet (which we saved just in time), and many other things.
• Loves to jump onto the Love sac from the couch
• Is still scared of the vacuum
• Has become a horrible traveler
• Loves Music.  He always wants it turned on whenever we are in the kitchen.
• Is becoming a very good dancer.
• Gives incredible kisses

Now for pictures.  Liam has a new smile…

Ridiculous.  Where on earth did this come from?  Every time I point the camera at him I get a variation of this exact face. 

I wanted to Document his turning of 18 months, but not only does Liam pull weird faces, he won’t look at the camera, or won’t smile when he is looking at the camera.  Taking pictures was frustrating.  I did get a few good ones.

      

Best Picture of the Day

Love this guy!