Brody at 16 1/2 months...

As time goes whizzing past and my little guy changes each and every day, I thought it might not be a bad idea to take a moment each month (or week, or whenever) to think about all he is doing (and not doing yet).

*He's not much of a talker, though he does say a few words: mama, dada, doddie (doggy), papa (grandpa), baw (ball), nana (banana), yeah, and of course, no-no.

*He absolutely HATES getting his diaper changed! It has become quite a challenge to get him diapered without getting bruises from his swinging feet.

*He's getting to where the high chair is no longer interesting. He would much rather sit at his toddler table and eat (and feed the dogs the food he is done with)

*He loves animals and thinks it is hilarious when the dogs lick his hands or face (which I think is gross). He also stalks our poor cat through the house, she already is wary of children thanks to all the nieces, so Brody just freaks her out. She has to hide in our bedroom most of the day (though I don't think she minds sleeping on our big comfy bed).

*He still uses a binky. Yes, my child has a binky. I was so against them before I had a child of my own. Now I don't know how I would get through a day without it! I have though of weaning him to where he only has it when he's going to bed or down for a nap, but it makes him so happy, I don't have the heart to take it away.

*He lovs to hold a blanket in one hand and rub his other hand on it when he is tired, it really is the cutest thing!

*He loves his crib when it's time to sleep. I feel very lucky to be able to put him down at bedtime and he grabs a blanket, pops the binky in, and is good for the night.

*If he could, he would stay outside all day. I would love to let him, but his little nose and cheeks turn bright red and he gets so chilly. I am looking forward to Spring and Summer more than ever this year.

These are the highlights of my little guy at the moment. I love him so much and he is at such an amazing, fun age. And even though I tear up sometimes when thinking of him in the beginning, I am really looking forward to the new things he is going to learn (and teach me) in the future!

Little Monkey-Man

My son has learned to climb. And he is very good at it. I am now unable to leave him alone for even the tiniest of seconds. I walked out of the room to answer the phone yesterday and in the time it took me to say hello, he had managed to get up onto one of the recliners and was standing on facing the back. I about had a stroke! He is now trying to climb on EVERYTHING! He got up onto his table, he was halfway up the changing table, and this morning he tried to shimmy over the baby gate that keeps him from going into the laundry/dog room. And I swear, I do not leave him alone for longer than it takes to go to the bathroom or something else that is quick and simple! He is just so dang fast! Now if I need to do anything that requires me to take my eyes off of him, I have to set him in his crib and do it quickly! I dread the day he figures out how to climb out of the crib. So far, he hasn't even tried that, but I know it's only a matter of time.

My little Oompa Loompa

I had to take a couple of pictures of Brody feeding himself Spaghetti O's. He was hilarious, and the laughter from Mom and Dad only egged him even more! I have a cute video of him also, but I still need to upload it.

Early resolution

I really do love the holidays, but I am definitely not organized enough for them. I did manage to get all my presents bought and wrapped early, but I still have some cards to mail out and my house needs some serious cleaning. Honestly, I hate to clean and will think up almost any excuse to get out of it. It's one thing about myself I hate. I wish I were more of a neat freak and I have gotten better since I had a child, but I can still always find something better to do. I think my resolution this year will be to try and be more organized!

Save me from the Christmas Cookies!

I began making cookies today for the neighbors. I figured Mike, Brody, and I can go around and deliver them this weekend. Well, they are so yummy, I find myself sneaking into the kitchen to have "just one more". I say sneaking because I am too ashamed to let my husband know of my weakness for all things sugary! Well, he knows about my sweet tooth, but I try amd limit how much he gets to see. At the rate I am going, I am going to have to start all over!

Pics of the girls' Program

I wanted to post some pictures of the girls last night, but I didn't feel like uploading them off of my camera. So this morning I overcame my laziness and here are a few of my little sweeties!

Keirsten, Jadyn, and Madyx looking pretty. (And Leeanne making sure Maddy doesn't run away)

Jadyn and Maddy (Jadyn was so proud of her hair)

Jadyn on the risers waiting to sing!

Keirsten after the pre-schholers finished their performance

I have the cutest nieces!

Tonight I went to my nieces' Chridtmas program. Only two of them were a part of it. Jadyn with the kindergarteners and Keirsten with the pre-schoolers. It was so adorable! Both of them were all dressed up in very pretty shiny dresses which they thought was just awesome! I can't wait until Brody heads off to school and gets to be in the programs! I left him at home tonight because the program didn't start until 7:30 and his bedtime is at 8:00. I did not want to deal with a tired little boy who wants to run wild in the school gym. So he stayed home with dad, who of course let him fall asleep an hour early. I hope he doesn't plan to wake up an hour early tomorrow morning!

I got Mike's cookies all baked for work tomorrow. They turned out very well, if I do say so myself. Yes, I tasted one. I need cookies like I need a hole in the head, but it's the holidays, so calories don't count, right?

It is snowing like crazy outside right now. I want to go get a sled to pull Brody around with. He will love it and it would be great exercise for me. I am hoping Mike will find one tomorrow when he stops at ACE Hardware after work.

Brody had his 15-month check up today. I still can't believe he is already 15 months old! Anyway, he weighed 26lb. 14.3oz and was 33 inches long. He is growing nicely. The pediatrician said he looks wonderful (as if I wasn't already aware of that!). He is getting some dry patches on his face so she told me to put hydrocortisone cream on it. He also had to get 2 shots, which seriously ticked him off. I am so glad Mike was with me, he held Brody while I closed my eyes and held his hand. Shots suck.