16 Months

While we were at the beach Sterling turned 16 months old.  It is amazing how quickly time is flying. 

I had planed to give an update along with one of the beach picture posts, however taking care of Sterling nixed that idea.  I had also planned to post something with the Mother's Day pictures, but again pink eye, ear infections, a snotty nose, and a fever took care of those plans.  I just didn't have the energy or brain capacity by the time Sterling was in bed.  Just for those worried grandmothers, Sterling is doing much better now and while he still has a horrible cough and a constant runny nose he feels so much better (much better than he looks).

Back to the update.  Sterling had several days right before leaving for the beach that he would decide to walk all day instead of crawl.  I knew that being around his walking cousins would do one of two things for him a) he would give up crawling for good or b) he would go back to crawling everywhere to keep up with them (he is a very fast crawler).  I had prepared myself for the latter, but was really hoping for the former.  Thankfully he has now been walking everywhere for about two weeks!  FINALLY!

Now I know that all of you mothers and grandmothers out there are thinking that I am crazy.  I know I hear it all the time, "Just be happy he isn't walking, because when he does you'll be chasing after him."  Those who are thinking that right now either a) didn't have an almost 30lb. 1 1/2 year old that you had to carry everywhere once you stepped out of the door or b) don't remember those days very well.  Believe me, there is nothing about me that is not thrilled about this accomplishment (especially my left arm!)  And he was one fast little bugger on his hands and knees!

Not only am I more happy with his toddlerhood, but Sterling's whining has diminished, dramatically.  Granted there has been some due to not feeling well and being exhausted the past week or so.  He had gotten to where when I would leave the room, he would start whining and frantically crawling and trying to find me.  I don't know what it is about seeing upright, but all of a sudden he is happy to let me leave, and if he wants me he will come find me with a smile on his face. 

On other fronts, Sterling has started that obsessive movie watching thing that we all did as children, where he wants to watch the same movie all day long everyday.  Right now it is "moo" which means his Baby Einstein farm video.  He LOVES it!!  He would watch it ALL day if I would let him.  We try to limit it to a couple times a day for our own sanity.  He wakes up and goes to sleep saying "moo."  He has the thing memorized and can tell you what animal or thing is coming on next.  It reminds me of being about 7 or 8 and quoting/acting out the Disney movies with my sisters and friends.  We would turn on Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin or something and say every word from beginning to end.  I can actually still recite many of those movies.  That's kind of sad, I know.

He loves to read and wants you to tell him every single object on the page.  It is amazing what he can then remember and point back out to you.  It is so fun to watch his little mind absorb everything like a sponge.

He is still a little chatter box and loves to talk.  I hope his love of communication carries with him for the rest of his life.  That is definitely a treasure, especially among the male species!  ;)