Milestone Update

During James' first year of life, we did a really good job of highlighting his milestones each month along with a photo to see just how much he was growing both physically and mentally.  After his first birthday, the ritual ended, but the growing didn't so we thought it would be fun to update you on where James is now that he is just a little over a year and a half old (what?!?!).

Our little baby boy is gone and has been replaced with a thriving toddler who loves to run, climb, explore and play.  He continues to be a happy kid who seems to enjoy life and loves to laugh.  Unless he is in the middle of a melt down that is.  Like most toddlers, the kid knows how to throw a tantrum and boy does he do it up!  Mr. Drama King is his nickname sometimes.  And so are "Destructor" and "Jaws".  The books do not lie.  Terrible Two's do exist and they start somewhere around 16 months.  That's the fun fact that they leave out. :)

Milestone: Talking

The kid has become a bit of a chatterbox lately and its not all jibber jabber anymore. There are real words coming out of his mouth and it seems like he has a new one every day.  I think we are up to 14 words and because I know you are on the edge of your seat to know what they are, here is a list: Car, Truck, Shoes, Banb (Banana), Duck, Ball, Apple, Mama, Dada, Up, Hop, Moo, Cat, Dog.  Now of course, his diction is not 100% so strangers may not know what the heck he is saying, but Mommy and Daddy do. :)

Milestone: Comprehension

James amazes us with the amount of stuff that he understands.  When in the bath tub, if you ask him to hand you the duck, he gives you the rubber duckie.  If you say, "James - go get Mommy the ball," he comes back with a ball in his hands.  When you start singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" he is touching each body part as you sing.  Just last night I asked him what sound a monkey makes and he started making the "oo-oo-oo" sound and put his hands up to his armpits to look like a monkey. It's incredible! We LOVE to see his little brain at work.  He is truly learning something new every single day.

Milestone: Affection

This kid knows how to hug!!  Now that he is a little man, when you ask him for a hug, he comes running into your arms and gives you a big bear hug.  Same goes for a kiss.  You ask for one and he is slobbering all over you.  Not only does he dole out the love to us, he is also showing love for some of his stuffed buddies in the house.  Every morning and every night, we have to give Maurice the Giraffe a hug.  Same goes for Pretty Kitty - his stuffed cat given to him by Grandma Mangiaracina the day he was born.  We love seeing that softer, loving side of him.  Makes us see that he is going to be not only strong and tough, but also sweet and nurturing.

James is an amazing kid and we thank God every day that he is ours.  We are so blessed to have him and are grateful everyday that we are his parents and get to see him grow up.  It's hard to believe that in a few short months, James will be 2 years old.  Time truly flies and we are appreciating every bit of it.