Sweetest Boy - 16 months

Our guy is just about the sweetest these days. I love this age. Have I mentioned that before? Liz gave me (one of many) a bag of clothes that said, "I <3 12-18 month old boys!" At the time Nathan was under a year, and I thought she was just being cute but now I totally see what she was getting at! He loves giving kisses and hugs, and his language is just starting to really engage. He says lots of words, but is very resistant to using his words when you ask him too, stubborn little fella.

We're starting to have the moments where he responds to things that we say but in the wrong context which results in hilarity. For example, I asked where the colander was hiding, and Nathan popped around the corner hiding his eyes behind his hands because he had heard the word "hiding." He's really understanding almost everything we say now which is super helpful in getting him to cooperate (if it's something he's inclined to do). It also means that he's a little easier to direct without physically removing him. It's awesome.

He had his 16 month check up today and his height continues to be on the upper range while his weight is on the lower side. I don't know where all that food that he puts away is going, probably to the walking, climbing, and brain development. Mostly, I'm just thrilled that we've finally seemed to put the gagging behind us and we have a fully molared boy who can masticate with the best of them.

I <3 12-18 month old boys!

Cottage 2013

We had the most fabulous vacation at the cottage this past week. We left a little after 9:00 am on Thursday morning and Nathan was GREAT on the drive. The GPS said it would take us 6.5 hours, and we made it in 7.5! That's a great time even without a baby. We only stopped twice, and he was in pretty good spirits the whole ride. We have found that if one of us is in the backseat and either reading to him or otherwise engaging (or at least giving him new toys when the other ones get old) he's pretty much content. With that and naps, we were in good shape. We got up there around 5 and Mom and Dad had dinner waiting for us. The ride back was just about as great. We had a little more traffic at the bridge coming back into the States which slowed us down a bit at the end of the drive, but we were still home by 6 and felt pretty lucky about the whole thing.

Mom was with us the whole time, and I have to say, it made it possible for us both to feel like we got a real vacation. She took on a lot of the baby care, even if it was staying in the cottage while he napped so Brian and I could kayak together, and just generally made everything SO MUCH EASIER on us. I can't remember feeling this refreshed. She can't be praised enough.

Nathan grew in leaps and bounds while we were there. He went from using a combination of crawling, walking, and cruising to straight up walking. He's officially a toddler. He also gained a few more words, his favorite being "boat." He can't stop saying it and it breaks our hearts to have to tell him that there aren't any boats at home. Another favorite is something Nonnie taught him. If you say "1-2-3" or "Ready, Set..." he'll yell "Go!" and expect you to begin on your way. It's delightful.

The newest thing happening up there is talk of building an additional cottage. Dad created the most amazing model of the tentative plan. I can't wait to see what ends up happening!

Mom took more and better pictures, but I haven't gotten them from her yet. I'll have to do another post later. In the meantime, here's a taste.