Happy half birthday, Ethan!

Wednesday marked Ethan's half birthday.  He is now 18 months, closer to two than one.  Ugh!  His personality is really starting to shine.  He is sweet, affectionate and generous yet, strong willed and stubborn.  He is definitely my little cuddle bug.  Whether sitting and watching a Christmas movie or just having some milk, he likes to just in my lap or snuggle into my side to get relaxed and comfy. 

Just a little goldfish while at our Christmas card photo session

 

Cuddling with his Texas Ranger pillow pet

These are the only types of pictures he lets me take lately.  You take what you can get

Relaxing while making a call

While I wouldn't consider him shy, he does have to warm up to most people he meets.  Even at playgroup some days he will hang on my leg for just a minute until he starts to recognize all of the familiar faces.  But, once he is comfortable he is all fun and games.  He loves to give his friends hugs and sometimes even a few kisses. 

Kisses for mom!

We had his 18 month check-up on Wednesday too.  Weighing in at 26 lbs 6 oz, he only gained 3 ounces since his 15 month appointment.  He is 33 inches tall, which is a 2 inch jump.  He is definitely started to shoot up and slim down. 

 

Meals these days pretty much consist of muffins or a cereal bar for breakfast with a banana.  Sometimes he will eat eggs or a pancake.  He has chicken with some sort of fruit or veggie for lunch and dinner or a PBJ.  And of course applesauce or yogurt for snacks.  Sometimes I feed it to him.  Other times he wants to do it, which is of course messy and takes forever.  He is very particular about what he eats these days.  Things that he loved just a few weeks ago are now considered poison.  It is amazing how quickly those things change.

 

He really enjoys "reading" these days.  At night when I finish a book he will hold up his little pointer finger to indicate one more and giggle when I say "One more?"  His other favorite toys right now are trucks and cars!  He has really started enjoying lining them all up and then pushing them around the house.  I guess when we move we should consider less carpet.  He has also recently taken a little more interest in the character every child loves, Elmo.  But, he can't seem to take the place of his Bubble Guppies.  Santa may have a few Bubble Guppies related items in his stocking next week.
And to say he is into everything is an understatement!

Checking the expiration dates in the fridge

 

We have also been working on all things Christmas this month.  He can point out any Christmas tree, tell you where Santa is, elves, Ms. Claus, and of course "Ru" (his term for Rudolf).  He can point out almost anything we ask him.  However, he is taking his time on saying the actual words.  He has a few of his favorites like Bye and Ru that he will say consistently.  Everything else we are lucky to get the one time.  I am told he can say truck.  I have yet to hear it.  I guess we will just have to believe Grandma and Grandpa Flynn.   

He is growing up too fast!!