18-Month Checkup

Jake had his 18-month checkup today. He weighed 36 pounds & was 36 inches tall. That put him off the charts for both weight & height. The doctor promises that Jake is fine & healthy, he is just a big boy.

Some of my favorite things about this age....

• The hugs & kisses. Jake is such a lovable little boy.
• He is ALL boy. He loves balls, cars, playing outside & tackling people.
• Hearing him talk. If you listen closely, you can begin to make out some words from his jabber.
• He is a great helper. He loves to help you move stuff, unload the dishwasher, close doors & put things in drawers.

Some not so favorite things about this age...

• Tantrums for attention.
• Hitting. We have been lucky that Jake is not a bitter & so far, is not saying "no". But he loves to hit. It usually starts out as playing, but he also does it when you get on to him. The thing is, you get on to him for it, and he just looks at you & does it again. Then he laughs. He thinks it is a game. I don't know how to discipline that. It seems like telling him "no", even in a forceful voice, just makes him continue. He doesn't understand time out yet. I have popped him on the hand once when he hit me in the face. That discipline did upset him & certainly made him stop. But it broke my heart. Jake is a great pouter. Plus, I figure that is sending a bad sign, telling him not to hit, but then hitting him on the hand. It just seems like that is the only thing you can do that lets him know he is in trouble.

New trick he has learned... drinking from a cup! He does really good drinking from a cup. The problem is when he is not drinking it, he forgets not to turn it over. Plus he wants to stick his hand in it. So for now, we will definitely stick with sippy cups!