Yesterday AJ had his 18-month check up at the doctor’s office and it was like we took someone else’s kid. With previous doctors visits, including one just a week ago, he’s crying by the time we hit the hallway and all through the exam. This time around, he was pleasant and smiley and talkative to the nurses and the doctor. There was a little crying during the shots and the crazy ear wax removal process, but that was completely understandable. Heck, *I* cry at those things.

As far as 18 month stats go, AJ is currently holding at 25 pounds but getting taller by the minute (yesterday he was 32.5 inches). Developmentally, he seems right on target. Which is to say, he has a few words (and signs) and understands directions well. He can stack blocks (but enjoys knocking them down more). He can feed himself (and I need to be better about letting him, its still pretty messy!). He can throw things (ouch!).
He still loves to dance. He knows a fair amount of animal sounds and will provide them by request. He knows all the hand motions to “Wheels on the Bus” even before hearing the next verse he can tell me it will be a “shh shh shh”. He is still generous with his forehead kisses and occasionally offers a sweet kiss on the lips as well as leg hugs (arent those the best?).
He’s crazy cute with his excited babbling and though I’m anxious for communication to get better, I will miss it.
I love every bit of him!

Most of you see AJ regularly, so you know he’s still alive and stuff. Sorry I havent blogged in forever (but not really, cause I might do it again ).
Anyway, he’s just been doing his toddler thang. And we’re just learning how to cope. He can be pretty awesome most of the time, but sometimes, he’s the opposite of awesome. Like, take the most hormonal woman you have ever met and multiply that by 10. He can go from crazy excited laughing having a good time to red faced tears and screaming in .2 seconds. And you’re left in shock, like, how did that happen? Werent we just playing with bubbles?
The worst part for me is the evening melt down. I mean, I totally get it. He plays hard at school, he’s been stimulated to the nth degree. 6pm rolls around and if he’s not constantly entertained, he looses it. Unfortunately, its the only hour and a half I get to spend with him, and I’d prefer peaceful happy than whiney tantrums. I’d also prefer to, say, prepare a meal and eat it. Or sit on my butt for a few minutes. Or check voicemail. All of which are not very enjoyable for Mr. Cranky Pants. On nights when I know Steve wont be home to help out, I’ve been trying to find something else to do, like go to the park or get icey cream or something. That’s really helped out, with keeping us both entertained.
But dont get me wrong, most of the time he’s way cool. He’s learning new stuff all the time (like the other day, he completely surprised me by blowing perfect bubbles in the bath water. I assumed Steve had taught him how to do it the night before, but he said no. And so, AJ figured it out on his own. The craziest part was that he never, not once, went to take a breath while his nose/mouth was still in the water. I was so impressed!).
All in all, things are trucking along nicely and I think we’ve definitely found our groove. Which, I’m sure, means he’ll switch it up soon. If he could switch it up in the starting to sleep through the night section, that’d be awesome.