Your Fourteen Month Old

I just received my weekly e-mail from Baby Center.  I've been getting them since I first learned I was pregnant.  Just a quick little newsletter on what to expect from your pregnancy/infant/baby/toddler/child each week.  Today's was titled "Your Fourteen Month Old - Week 1".

I have a Fourteen Month Old.

It occurs to me that it's been awhile since I've documented Jackson's latest party tricks accomplishments.  Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, we have an inquisitive, adventurous and smart little boy on our hands!

• Just a few days before my trip to California, Jack started to respond to my narration of our daily activities.  For example, we were getting dressed and I said, "Okay Jack, let's put your shoes on now."  He then hopped off my lap, walked over to the basket where his shoes are kept and brought them back to me.  I was stunned.  Since then, we have noticed all sorts of examples.  If we ask about a specific toy, he will go get it.  If we tell him it's time to eat, he'll head toward the kitchen.  If we ask Ruby if she needs to go outside, he will walk to the back door with her.  It is fascinating to watch as he comprehends things more and more every day.
• He loves to climb.  Boxes, laundry baskets, ottomans, toys, furniture...it's all fair game.
• He is now too tall to walk under the kitchen table.  When I left for California, he could just barely fit.  When I got home 9 days later, he was bumping his head.
• He can navigate the stairs.  Supervision is still required, but 9 out of 10 times he will stop at the top of the stairs, roll to his tummy and slide down.
• He gives kisses.  Wide open mouth (sometimes with tongue) right on the lips.  While it's quite slobbery, it is my new favorite thing in the entire world.
• He mimics everything his father does.  I've noticed that Jack does his best hack a loogie clear your throat impression every time Drew does it.  He also likes to wear Drew's baseball hats.

• His favorite toys are currently the drum set and the hammer & peg.  Obviously, he likes to bang on things.  This kid is all boy.

• He likes to dance.  Earlier this week Drew taught him to stop his feet to the beat.
• He eats almost anything we eat (and lots of it!) and is drinking whole milk out of sippy cups.  He still has 1 bottle at bedtime, but that's more for my benefit than his.  We will be phasing that out soon as the pediatrician wants no more bottles by 15 months.  *Tear*

It seems he picks up something new every day. At times, I miss the days of snuggling my infant baby boy in my arms.  But each phase brings new challenges and new joys.  And I cherish every one!