The unfortunate part of AJ’s birthday being in November is that after Christmas, there’s no reason for him to receive a gift for another 11 months. Right now, I have a running list in my head of things AJ would really like. But, I certainly cant afford them all.
I figured I’d share them anyway…

Anywhere Chair (green) – I think he would really enjoy his own chair.

Table & Chairs

Fancy Cool Table & Chair – isnt it neat?

Tunnel

Whisper Ride Buggy – A friend has this and he seemed to enjoy it… I think its a great concept, cause he’s not ready to make himself go

Learning Pots and Pans – He would probably still rather play with mine…

Bath Stacking Cups – AJ has plenty of squirty toys and foam letters for the bath, but what he likes most is playing with bowls and spoons in the tub. Old cool whip containers and measuring spoons do the trick, but I’m sure he wouldnt mind these either.

Bath Tadoodles

AquaDoodle

Lion Flashlight – There are a few animals, but I think it would be most fun to roar whenever he opens his mouth.

Tops

Beach Toys – We’re spending a week at the beach at the end of the summer.

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.

Big congrats to our friends Diane & Mike. They just got their travel call and will be leaving for Korea very soon. They’ll be bringing home their baby boy, Kaden.
Hooray!

We met Diane & Mike a few months ago, when Steve, AJ & I attended a workshop for adoptive parents in process. We were the light at the end of the tunnel, hey look, you’ll have a baby someday too! Diane & Mike were the only couple there adopting from Korea, and we were able to answer a lot of their questions. Fast forward a few months later and we’ve been privileged enough to share in the excited over their referral, and now, their travel call.

We cant wait to meet Baby Kaden!

AJ has this thing, where I say “Last Bite!” and he opens his mouth really wide and takes the last bite of whatever and swallows it quickly and happily.
He also has this thing where he decides 4 bites early that he’s “aw duh” (all done). From what I can tell, he’s not really full, but just tyerd of being strapped in his high chair.
And so I have this thing where I “lie” and tell him “Last Bite!” four times in a row. I know I’m tricking him, and its probably not the best parenting skill. And one day he’ll realize what “Last Bite!” really means and he’ll grow up hating me for lying to him (or not). But I dont really care right now. Can “almost the” be implied before my statement? Should I mumble that under my breath? Sure its less than honest, but, HEY, it works.