18 month update

Well, we missed last month's 17 month update, and King Penguin turned 18 months old a few days ago...and I am just now getting around to updating the blog. Does that make me the worst mom ever?

First, we know what 'boom!' means, at least most of the time: it's a fan. (Although on occasion, it's also the cardboard tube from a roll of wrapping paper and the broom.) For whatever reason, the little boy has a fascination with ceiling fans, and he loves to point them out at every opportunity. Almost every morning, he waves at the fan in his bedroom and says, "Hi, boom!"

In addition to understanding the question, "What does a kitty say?", and being able to answer it with, "Meow!, he also knows what a cow says ("Boo!") and will tell you what a chicken says ("Cuck cuck!). If you ask him to hand you a purple crayon, he will give you the right color. He speaks in sentences frequently, like "Uh-oh, Dada!" or "Mama bed!" He answers questions, like "Do you want picked up?" or "Are you thirsty?" He is getting really good at doing his puzzles and can match things up. He tries to read to himself, especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

He loves Mater from Cars, and recognizes him whenever he sees him. He not only points Mater out, but will tell you who he is if you ask. Only...it doesn't come out like Mater. No, King Penguin has dubbed Mater Mama.

Speaking of Mama, he's finally getting around to saying Mama more. He's called me Mama for a while, but mostly only when he was scared or upset and wanted comforted. "Mama! Mama!" usually was accompanied by tears and wails. Now, he loves to point out Mama wherever we go, and he always is calling for me and asking for me. He shoves away from Brian and says, "No! Mama! Mama!" For the first time ever, he calls for me at night, instead of just for a ba-ba.

We are headed to Ohio right after Christmas, so hopefully we'll have some good pictures and stories to share. Sorry posts have been few and far between (not to mention short when they come around!), but we've been crazy at work and getting ready for Christmas. Can't wait for Landon to open his gifts...Santa is bringing him one in particular that he is going to LOVE!