18 months

Our little guy is growing up so fast. We were just looking at his baby pictures last week week and it seems like so long ago, yet just the other day that we were holding our little one. Now, he's not so little. Most of his shirts have become "belly shirts" and we are about to move into the next size.

The joy he brings both of us is nothing short of amazing. When he smiles or giggles it just lights up our world. He's sweet and loves giving kisses. Our little boy is also very polite, saying "peas" and "dant-doo" (please and thank-you) mostly without reminders. He is also definitely exerting his independence too.

Michael has recently been telling us when he goes potty in his diaper. We began to realize that we should act on this, but before we made the decision he came to mommy and said "Pee Pee, Mommy" and went to the bathroom door waiting for me to open it up. I took off his diaper and sat him down....sure enough the kid peed on the potty. He has now done both deeds on the potty, but only a handful of times. We're not hard pressed to work on this right now, but we're kind of taking his cues.

A few of Michael's favorite things include:

Bubbles. "Good Kitty". Going outside - he constantly grabs his shoes and says "buh bye". Brushing his teeth. Playing in water - sink, pool, ocean, etc. Swimming in the "poo" (don't worry, that means pool). The moment daddy walks in from work. Praying - if we have him eat before us, he'll put his hand out to hold ours when we sit down in order to pray. Holding hands. When we pretend to drop him. His cousins. His friends. Slides - big and small. Being chased. Having the palms of his hands tickled. "Bapples" (Apples). CHEESE. Hide 'n seek. Soccer. Dirt. Technology - he's definitely daddy's son. Pretending to talk on the phone (or any object he uses as a phone) - he even pauses to "listen" to the other person and will let out a little giggle as if the pretend person said something funny. Climbing. Pretending to sleep (making the snoring sounds too). Marshmallows.

And he is our favorite......