18 Months

Max turned 18 months shortly before Christmas and I wanted to blog about our sweet Max at 18 months. Here are a few pictures of him at this age. Max loves this outside push toy. The last time he got to use it was late November! Sigh. May spring be here ever so quickly!!!

Christmas morning with daddy

A few things about Max at 18 months: 

• LOVES to be outside.  This harsh winter is killing us!
• He points out the moon and even some stars whenever we are out in the evenings.
• He can make all of the animal sounds.
• He is constantly tripping, falling down, bumping his head, etc. but he is so tough.  He mostly just gets back up again, with nary a whimper.
• He is the first of our toddlers to not being shouting "NO" at 18 months.  He never says no, unless one of the kids asks him to (which I profusely discourage....).  :)  We are certainly enjoying this short-lived stage.
• Even though he doesn't yet say no, he is starting to not want to share sometimes and gets bugged when other kids try to use the same toys or get in his way.
• He doesn't like ANY vegetables, sadly, unless they are in soup.  But he does happily slurp up spinach smoothies.
• He doesn't like any form of pasta either.  Isn't this weird for a toddler??!!  
• Loves to cuddle and wrestle with his dad.  He gets right in the fray with his big siblings when it's daddy time.
• Sucks his thumb quite a bit.  Whenever he is bored, tired, hungry, or riding in the car.  Which basically means I am trying to get him NOT to suck his thumb all day long.  :)  
• Can stack a tall tower of blocks all on his own and is mastering his shape sorter.
• Loves peek-a-boo and hiding games.  He especially loves to play these with his sisters.
• Likes to lift up people's shirts and blow raspberries (we call them "zerbets") on tummies.  This is pretty darn hilarious to watch!
• Knows all of his body parts.
• Has a vocabulary of about 30 words and likes to try saying new words.  My personal favorite is "Costco."
• Really starting to love books and brings them to me while backing up into my lap to read.  Love that.
• Can blow bubbles in the bathtub already!!!  I can't believe he can do it.  Maybe he'll learn to swim super early.
• Loves to get into my makeup (especially my eyeliner) and markers and tries to draw all over everything.  It's lovely.
• He can  drag a kitchen chair over to the counter to "help" me when I cook. 

He is a super sweet baby.  He really is.  He is so tender and loving and gives the best Eskimo kisses.  We love him so much!

Christmas 2012

Grandpa invited us to go to the Festival of Trees in early December. Ben wasn't up to going and so I took the crew on my own and met Grandpa up there. It was very crowded and loud, but very fun. We liked the yummy scones and entertainment and were in awe of all of the many creatively and beautifully decorated trees.

We have to make gingerbread cookies every December! I love them just plain, right out of the oven. So yummy.

Visiting Santa at our ward Christmas party. I think Emma was off at the amazing hot cocoa table when we took this picture. Max was starting to lose it here, but he did sit on his lap without crying for about 30 seconds. I was proud of him!

Grandma Bergin hosted a cookie-decorating party and we all had a good time.

Christmas morning! Rachel's big gift--a cupcake baking set for her American Girl doll!! It is super cute.

Luke's big gift--a Handy Manny crane set. He loves it!

Max sporting his new Superman shirt, courtesy of Granby and Papa. Luke has one as well and they love to match.

Emma's requested Orbeez. I think they are way over-rated, personally, but she was so happy that she actually got some.  Notice the Wii behind her.  Santa got us a Wii!!!  We have had a lot of fun learning to use it.  We especially love the Just Dance for Kids game.  It is a workout!

We invited Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Susie over for Christmas dinner. We made a big turkey dinner and Grandma brought delicious pumpkin pie. It was so fun to relax together and celebrate Christmas at our house.

The kids loved showing off all of their cool new gifts to everyone. Oh, Christmas is so fun with kids!

It was a wonderful Christmas and we enjoyed the season so much. I have to say, though, that it feels great to get back to normal!