Ben at 1.5

My baby is growing up so damn fast. It half breaks my heart and half makes me happy. The happy comes from knowing that he’s so much easier now that he’s older.

The past month has been as milestonerific as the others. He is now navigating the stairs (both up and down) on his own, erect. He does not want help unless there is nothing to hold onto and though we still supervise, he is pretty sure-footed – and that includes climbing. He is the master of climbing and will go from stool to chair to table to chandelier (not yet, but I can see it coming!). He really digs music and can be seen clapping and dancing around whenever a good beat can be heard. He still has a lethal aim with his arm which has necessitated the advent of the penalty box, a laundry basket we employ for time-outs. He is not a fan and he seems to be throwing food much less often at the dinner table. He is minding more and better. There is no doubt in my mind he knows exactly what we say and he is handling simple commands with ease, at least when it pleases him to do so. He is absolutely enamored of his big sister and they enjoy playing together most of the time. Snuggle bug that he is, he loves giving her hugs and kisses … as he does with all of us. And he can also be heard uttering the syllables (if not very well enunciated) of “I love you.”

He is talking more and more and starting to use some of the sign language we’ve taught him. He seems to get the word about the same time as the sign, so I’m not sure it’s a big gain in communication for him, but it probably does make his intentions somewhat clearer. Some new words include “more,” “aaaah done,” “please,” “thank you,” “ni ni,” “turtu” (turtle), “tato” (potato) and “Gigi.” Tons more are just around the corner.

He continues to be a pretty good eater and I can usually count on him for a couple of solid showings at the table each day. He eats anything and everything but will randomly turn his nose up at this or that. He is one of the only little kids I know that doesn’t particularly care for ice cream. We thought it was the cold at first, but he likes slushies, so … ? Who knows. Fruit is still his favorite and he can down amazing quantities of pineapple or berries or apple chunks at a time.

He likes to play with toys. He likes his trucks just as much as he likes stuffed animals. He is forever trying to steal crayons and tiny plastic things from Tabby and it is hard to keep him away. He is better about putting things in his mouth, except crayons which must be quite tasty, especially blue. Balls are his other favorite toy and as mentioned, he throws them with amazing precision. He does not catch though and prefers not to roll them. He is also starting to develop a taste for TV. Little Einsteins is his current fave, mostly due to the music, we think. But more than anything, this boy wants to move. That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy a good stroller ride or a cuddle, he DOES. But most of his day is spent active: moving, climbing, running, jumping, wiggling, throwing. It is a delight to see him smile at his abilities.

He is cute and funny and amazing. We love him so.