20 months

So yeah, I'm a little late, but only by a few days! I've had a little going on. working, getting ready for christmas, announcing the new baby bliss!

Where is Patrick at these days and what is he up to?

A typical day:

Wake up around 6:30 or so after a mostly restful night. "Mama, Mama" he cries. I lift him from the crib and we crawl into bed together with his sippy of milk. I try to fall back asleep, but the snuggle and warmth of him keep me awake soaking it all in.

After we roll out of bed yelling "kitty!" and "Dada!" then it is off to breakfast. He is really good at eating these days, not about what he eats (he is still really picky) but how. He'll eat a bowl of cereal with a spoon, hardly dropping any or pancakes with a fork. He only likes big forks and spoons though, so the toddler-ware is no more. He also enjoys "juice" with his breakfast which means anything from milk to juice. "Water" is water most of the time!

After breakfast he will give us the most pathetic eyes and say "Ah-Coo" which unfortunately means Vacuum. If we say anything besides no, he nods "dat" for yes as he is full belief that we will be walking to the vacuum with him to pull it out and play with him. If we happen to decide that the answer is no, we are met with a large tantrum, jumping, crying and some sort of bird call. Sometimes he'll even through in a hit and tap our "nose" for no. He still thinks nose and no are interchangable. funny kid. Once we move him in another direction he does ok for a bit until we get the eyes and "Ah-Coo?" again.

We then get dressed for the day where Daddy plays the best games of "Wee" or as we call it This little Piggy, identifying body parts "elbow, nose, eyes, ears, tounge, belly button and hair".

Then it is off to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He enjoys sitting on the counter lately to do this and then dipping his toothbrush into the running water.

During the weekday I get kisses, hugs, blown kisses and a "buh-bye" with a wave and he is off. Weekends we continue to play with the vacuum, go play in the snow or "no!" or enjoy other games like taking all the silverware out and throwing it all over the kitchen. He is pretty good and also cleaning up after himself and will even initiate this at times.

Lately in the am, he has looked at me and said "poop?" I ask if he wants to sit on the potty. "no!" ok then. 2min later he is squatting and grunting. When we do get him on the potty at night, he usually goes. We'll try this potty training thing in the new year. Sure would be nice to have 1 in diapers only!

For lunch he likes any kind of pasta and fruit. He has been super frustrated lately when he can't get the pasta or fruit on his fork. Sometimes the fork ends up on the floor. We're working on patience to go along with his determination. After lunch he is super good at bringing all the items from the table and placing them on the kitchen counter.

Naps are good mostly. He'll sleep for about 1.5 hours and then sometimes for another 1-1.5 hours. Giving us a much needed afternoon break.

We try to get out and about in the evenings, visiting friends, going to the mall or anything to keep us warm. At the mall he loves to run around the play place or go "vroom" in the trucks. Who needs a quarter when you can pretend?

Patrick let's us know it is night time by slowing down about 7:30. After picking up some toys and putting away the vacuum, he'll many times start walking up the stairs himself.

He likes his baths and will typically try to climb in with his clothes on. After bath we go to our bedroom for stories. Patrick will pick out his favorite books to read "ABC's and Dimity Duck" and then snuggle in with his blankie to read them. He'll always pick from the stack which he wants first and when they are all done, he'll pick one again and say "more?" so sweet.

Before bed it is hugs and kisses for kitty (when she isn't there he tries to look all over for her!) then hugs and kisses for mommy and daddy. He has had a rough few nights of waking early in the evening, but he is doing much better and sleeping most of the night.

He is a joy to be around and such a delight to watch him change and grow.