Happy 1 1/2 Year Birthday, Bo!

Bo,

I think it's official -- I can't call you a baby anymore. You're a big boy and make sure that everyone in your path knows about it!! You're becoming more stubborn and demanding but we're loving every minute of it!

Since I wrote your 15 month letter, your comprehension has increased dramatically. In all of your books you can point to specific objects and animals. You'll point to different items and tell me what they are -- "car," "cat," "tree," "shoes," etc. You can say "yes" when you want a specific item or food I offer or you sign your own version of "no" if the food is not an acceptable choice by waving your hand back and forth in front of you. You're not actually saying "no" yet, but you do say "yes," "sure," and "okay." I wonder if part of it is because "Bo" sounds so much like "no"?

I wish that you were saying more words but I know that you are understanding more and more each day, so I feel confident that the words will come with time. On Sunday, Daddy was drinking a Diet Coke and you said "Coke". And then Daddy called it a "pop" and you said "pop." (And no, we didn't let you have any...) I am hopeful that you are on the cusp of your language explosion.

You've reached the point where you want to eat anything anyone else is eating. You're also much more demanding about food than you use to be. You have very clear wants and they change from meal to meal. For several meals, you'll love raspberries and then, suddenly, you'll want nothing to do with them for days. It definitely makes it more difficult to figure out what to feed you for each meal.

You continue to be a good sleeper and have completely transitioned to one nap per day. You sleep at night from 7 - 7 (but you've been waking up early this week!) and then nap from 1-2:30 or 3. You did have a "nap strike" two days last week but I think that may have been due to teething. Your canine teeth are just peeking through your gumline this week.

We've had many adventures over the last three months -- we've traveled to visit Grandpa and Grandma, gone for numerous walks and bike rides, enjoyed playing at various parks, picked out books and played at the library, had play dates with friends, ate at restaurants, and discovered your newest love -- Baby Signing Time. You are infatuated with this DVD and it is the only TV show that you've shown enough interest in to watch the entire DVD (numerous times) as long as you are sitting on my lap. You do like Sesame Street as well but any other show doesn't capture your interest for long. I know that this is a good thing, but sometimes, Mommy just needs you to be occupied for a few minutes so she can try to get some of her work done! You have different ideas and think that if the TV is on you should be on Mommy's lap... hum...

You also had your first bout with the flu and threw up all over Mommy. Poor Daddy had to clean it up (as Mommy started throwing up too...) and we both felt so bad for you. The sickness went through all of us and we were all glad when that week was over. I am sure you lost a few pounds that week but your appetite picked right back up once you felt better.

The next few months will be packed with new and exciting adventures. You will be starting to go to daycare a few mornings a week to play with the other kids, going on your first vacation outside of the Midwest (Florida), starting beginner swimming lessons, playing in your sandbox for the first time, and enjoying so many other summertime firsts!

We celebrated your 1/2 birthday yesterday with pizza, cupcakes, and presents (yes, you're spoiled!) at home with Mommy, Daddy, and Grammie. Your big present from us your new bike trailer but Grammie made up for the limited presents to open from Mommy and Daddy by bringing plenty of new goodies from her -- new books, new clothes, and the hit of the evening -- 2 sets of collector cars from the Cars movie. Here are a few pictures from our fun:

It's possible that by the time I write your 21 month letter you'll be a big brother to two little sisters! (We hope they stay in a bit longer than that... but we'll see!) We know you'll be a wonderful big brother and love Clara and Anna when they arrive. Mommy has to admit that she's glad that she won't have to try to love another little boy as much as she loves you -- she just can't imagine it!

I love you more and more each day, little guy. I'm so glad you're mine!

Love always,
Mama