Eighteen Months (Elliot's Monthly Photo)

Elliot has become more vocal, in every sense.  He is trying out so many words now -- it is so fun to hear him repeat them.



His tantrums have become more impressive in the last week or two.  So much so that I actually took him to the doctor a couple nights ago--past his bedtime--because I was sure he must have had another ear infection that was making him so fussy.  But no.  No ear infection.  Teething... toddler...on the verge of becoming a middle child... these are the explanations I'm tossing around in my head to explain the increased volatility.

He likes chewing on Sonic ice.  I'm sure he would never have discovered this little joy were it not for my own ice cravings that began about 2/3 of the way through this pregnancy.  But anyways -- he asks for ice at least once/day and seems to relish crunching it.



He is such a delight.  His "yeah!" is hilarious.

Elliot -- would you like a cracker?

"Yeah!!"

He has become even more affectionate toward the baby in my tummy.  He wants his kisses acknowledged.  Oh--did you give the baby a kiss?  "Yeah!!"



He loves playing outside in the kiddy pool and splashing around.

He likes repeating tones that Daniel sings to distract him while changing his diaper.  He's really good at it!  He hits the right pitch more than half the time.

He's moved up to a "big boy," front-facing car seat, finally.   I think that's part of why he's become more vocal, at least in the car.  I don't think I realized how isolated he was being rear-facing.

He is still a pretty selective eater.  We don't make a big deal about it.  He doesn't eat most of what's on his plate most of the time.  But the other day--after not touching the sauteed mushrooms on his plate on about 8 different occasions--he finally decided he wanted to try one!  It was a gratifying moment for me... which passed in silence.  I was proud of him for trying one.  The approach we follow (based on Ellyn Satter's books) emphasizes not discussing what's eaten or not eaten at the table.  Sometimes that's hard to do. 



He loves craft time.  He likes gluing random stuff onto foam sheets, which is about the extent of my creative forethought these days.  When we run out of random craft supplies to glue to the foam sheet, then craft time is over for the day.  Anyways, he really likes it.



Elliot -- you have been such a joy as a youngest.  We are excited to see you become a big brother in the next few days and to watch how your personality continues to develop.  We love you.