18 months

Cooper is a year and a half old today!  How is that possible?  Didn't we just have his first birthday party?? 

Here's what he's up to at 18 months:

• Has such a large vocabulary that I've lost count of how many words he knows!
• Said his first sentence today as we left church: "I see balloon!" 
• Loves other kids and has a great time when he goes to the church nursery or the kids zone at the YMCA
• Is perfecting the fine art of throwing a tantrum.  When something ticks him off, he often finds the nearest hard surface (the floor, wall, etc.)  and gives it a nice whack with his head.  Then looks at me to see my reaction.  Since he doesn't quite do it hard enough to actually do any damage, we are attempting to ignore the behavior.  Such fun.
• Counts to nine, when I start him off with "one, two...."
• Recognizes several letters by name, and knows many of the letter sounds- when asked, for example, "What sound does F make?"  
• Is starting to read along with familiar books.  My favorite is the very end of his baby Bible.  The last page says "An angel said 'He is risen!  This is a...." and Cooper chimes in with "HAPPY DAY!"
• Is still taking swimming lessons.  He's had a bit of a setback because it appears that he is swallowing water (as evidenced by extremely wet diapers after his lesson.)  The instructor is stumped because he's doing so well otherwise, and she can't figure out why and when he is doing it. 
• Is such a loving little boy.  Lots of hugs and kisses and "love-you's".
• Still loves tractors, and has a new obsession with guitars (which he pronounces "dee-car")

Like last year, I made him a half of a cake....although this year he was actually able to eat it.  He has a big time sweet tooth, just like his momma.

Checking out the cake in the oven.  (He licked the oven door right after I took this.  Gross.)

Blowing Momma a kiss. :-)

Showing off his ability to walk backwards

Ready for cake

 

Comments

[Adrienne]

18 months?!! Such a big boy now!! He sounds like he is so much fun, Courtney. He is so so cute too!!! I love the pictures!!

[Robin]

I can't believe how big he is. I HAVE to see this kid one of these days.

[Suzy Bowman]

He is so adorable. Thanks for posting the photos and the blog. So fun to see him grow and hear about his progress. Wish you and Emily lived close enough to let your kids play together. Her boys are 4 and 2 with another boy on the way. keep up the good work :)
Suzy

[leslie coker]

My nephew is a boy genius! Love the pictures.
Is he permitted goggles for swimming lessons? They won't stop swallowing the water but he may like it. Show him a video of Michael Phelps.
Auntie

[Court]

He cant wear goggles because they want him to keep his eyes open without them.  The thought is that if he was to fall into a pool or something accidentally, he wouldnt have goggles on.  And actually, he quite enjoys the lessons!  He asks to go to the pool (or asks for the instructor Julia), and usually smiles the whole time! 

[leslie coker]

well... he could tred water for a few minutes while he yells for someone to throw him his goggles!

I'm glad he likes the water
Auntie

[mom /grams]

Auntie is such a jokester!!