Wesley at 17 Months

Little brother is growing up before our eyes. Here's what's going on with Wes these days.....

Weight is about 26 lbs. Wearing mostly 24 month and 2T clothes and size 6 shoe. Has 8 teeth and 4 molars just starting to poke through.

Eats like a horse most of the time. Might be becoming vegetarian though. Rarely eats meat lately unless it's cooked in and somewhat unrecognizable (ex: spaghetti with meat sauce). Loves fruit, milk, cereal, pancakes, yogurt, hummus, and peanut butter. Very picky about veggies. Stubborn about eating. If he decides he doesn't want something there is really no way you are going to get him to take a bite.

Vocab is taking off. Words are not always clear, but can make the beginning sounds and understands how to say multiple syllables. He will try to say pretty much anything you ask him to. Loves to identify objects he knows by yelling out the word. He's also finally waving bye regularly with the accompanying word.

Thinks every time the phone rings that it's "da-da". Knows to hold a phone (or remote control - ha) to your ear and say hello ("hawo")

LOVES school buses. Is obsessed with school buses.

Eats very well with a fork and spoon when he chooses to. Eats well from a plate or bowl without tipping it over (unless he's finished eating, then all bets are off). He also knows how to dip things in condiments, but not always the correct item. He was dipping his Kiwi in bbq sauce last night instead of his chicken - but apparently he liked it :)
LOVES his "bink bink" (pacifier) and will search them out around the house. I try to keep them out of reach because I don't want him to have it all day. He comes to the dishwasher when I'm unloading it. If there are any binkers in there, he will try to quickly dig them out of the little basket and run off with them. He will also ask for his "bink bink" now if he catches a glimpse of one on a counter or something. This is hard because I'd really like to transition him to only having it when he sleeps.

Climbs everything. Found him standing on my laptop which was sitting on an end table next to the couch. He stood there smiling at me and bouncing his knees up and down until I could get to him and pull him off. He also recently figured out how to use the bar stools to climb onto the kitchen island. Ironically, he has never tried to climb out of his crib.

Goes to sleep very easily. Takes a nap after lunch for 2-3 hours. Sleeps 11 hours at night for the most part. Occasionally waking up at night lately. Can't figure out if it's teething or possibly nightmares (apparently that is common around 18 months). Perfectly content after you pick him up and hold him. Often falls right back to sleep within 5 minutes. Has had a few nights where he was awake for hours just wanting to play and read books. I have no idea what that's about.

Starting to say "No", especially to Xavier when trying to defend himself!

Prefers Daddy to brush his teeth. Gives mommy a hard time.

Will stop dead in his tracks to point out to Lightening McQueen or TowMater from Cars if he sees them on something.

Understands how the water works on the refrigerator door. He will imitate this on the play kitchen by taking a little cup, holding it to the fridge, make a "ssssssss" sound (water filling) and then pretending to drink the water.

LOVES books. He thinks if you are sitting still for more than 5 seconds you obviously want to read to him so he will bring you a book.

LOVES playing outside. Sometimes he stands at the door and yells "at-si" (outside). He was doing really good about keeping a hat on for awhile (because he's so white and his hair isn't that thick - don't want to burn the scalp!) but doesn't really want a hat anymore - bummer!

Does not like to hold my hand. I remember X being exactly like this at the same age. He wants to be free to go on his terms. But, he'll generally follow me if I call for him or just start walking in front of him. Unfortunately this means I still have to carry him in all parking lots (heavy!)

Becoming unbearable in stores. Won't stay in the cart and if he's in the cart he's trying to unload everything onto the floor. Snacks sometimes slow him down, but needless to say I try to grocery shop VERY quickly!

Understands the division of food between him and Xavier. I will give him 2 sippy cups and he automatically goes and gives one to X. I will set out 2 bowls of snacks and tell him which one is his. Rarely will he try to take from X's bowl. If he empties his bowl and wants more he'll bring it to me and say "mow, mow".

We love you Wessa!