Not So Little Anymore

It's hard to believe, but my sweet Bennett is turning into such a big boy. It's crazy to think that he is 18 months old now! His language and social skills are incredible. I'm amazed each day at something new he does. He says over 20 words and is starting to put two words together - "no, no mama, dopped it, all gone, hi dad, hi mama, bye bye mama". BTW - I get told "No Mama" a lot. At first I thought it was cute, but it gets old really fast. Bennett still loves to read and prefers to pick out his OWN books. Sometimes I like to refer to him as Mr. Independent, which Justin says he gets from me. :) He is busy, busy, busy from the moment he wakes up. Mornings with B are my favorite. He has his milk, cuddles with me in bed and we read books and play. I love watching him play and his imagination come to life. Working on puzzles are a favorite. Overall, I think B has the most fun playing outside doing "boy stuff" with his daddy. In our birthing class way back when, we were asked what we were most excited about. Justin's response was, "To have a little helper." Well, Justin definitely got his wish. Bennett would spend every second outside if we let him. Unfortunately, simple errands with B have become quite a challenge b/c he wants to get out and run. Oh how I miss the days of my little newborn sleeping for hours while I shopped. B is so funny when we're shopping b/c he literally says hi and waves to everyone he sees. He is quite the little charmer with the old ladies. :) Bennett is still a pretty good eater for the most part. He loves his carbs (who doesn't?) but will only eat 1-2 'good' meals a day. What can I say , the boy likes to snack. He prefers the 'big' pieces and not having his food cut up for him in small bites and wants to sit in the big chair at the kitchen table. He plays well with his friends but has definitely gotten more selfish with his toys and telling his friends "no, no". I know this is normal for his age, but it's hard as a mom to hear. B has also been hitting me and Justin more - yikes! Hopefully this phase will soon pass! B continues to be a great sleeper. Even at 18 months, he is still taking 2 good naps a day. He goes down at 7:30pm and wakes between 6-6:30am. I'm having such a blast with B right now - each day he gets more fun and makes me laugh at the little things. Bennett can definitely be challenging at times, but there isn't a day I don't thank God for bringing this amazing gift into my life.

Latest stats:

Head 19" - 50-75th%
Weight 26 lbs. 10 oz. - 50-75th%
Height 35 1/2" - 99th%!!!!