Our little man is 19 months old today! I meant to do an update of sorts when he turned 18 months but I just ran out of time. So in honor of 19, I put together 19 (very random) "Connor Quirks"- things I want to remember down the road about Connor at this age!
1. He continues to be a huge lover of animals in general, but especially of dogs. When we pass the professional dog walkers on the street that have like 15 dogs on leashes his head practically explodes. There's a dog park in our neighborhood that we visit almost daily.
2. He is a big "rule follower." For example, don't try putting him in his high chair or stroller without properly strapping him in. Or how he knows that he has to always hold my hand in the lobby of our building so when the elevator door opens he immediately reaches for my hand (which I love). He also loves to go around the room and search for things he isn't supposed to have so he can bring them to us to put away (pens, glasses of water, remotes, cameras, etc). That really makes us laugh.
3. Just this month he finally moved from two to one nap per day. At first I mourned the loss of his morning nap like a death. But now I think its working out well. He's sleeping later in the morning and its easier to plan our days. I like the longer afternoon nap too.
4. When its time to take a nap or go to bed, saying good night and tucking in each of his stuffed animals is part of the routine. There's like 5 of them that sleep in his crib with him. And when we go in his room to get him after he wakes up, like rapid fire- all of the animals get thrown out. As in, the party is over! Everybody out! He always waits for us to come in the room to get him before he tosses them out. He wouldn't want to spend any time in the crib without them!
5. He has OCD about keeping all doors, cabinets, drawers, etc. CLOSED at all times. I hardly have time to pull the milk out of the fridge before he's trying to push the door closed. Poor Andrew comes home from work and can barely get his foot in the front door (after Connor's initial shriek of excitement at seeing Dada!) before Connor tries to close it on him.
6. I can't imagine more of a Mama's boy (which I cherish- I know it won't be like this forever!).
7. He literally shrieks with delight when being chased. He'll chase me around too- while making a "monster" sound. I really need to get this on video.
8. I know I'm biased but he is just the happiest baby I know. Of course he has his major meltdown moments, but for the most part he just runs around with this huge grin on his face. A girlfriend in my babygroup here said he's just the most "joyful" kid and I really do think that perfectly describes him. So full of joy, the kid just loves life!!
9. He's got almost all of this teeth now (just missing a couple on bottom) and (much like me) brushing his teeth is one of this favorite activities.
10. His favorite things to point out in his books and on the street are dogs, flags, hats and birds.
11. I know I've mentioned this before but he's an extremely sweet and gentle child and plays so well with other kids. To this day he has yet to hit, push, or bite another child. He's also an excellent sharer. The other day in the sandbox this little girl came over and snatched a shovel that Connor was using out of his hand. He didn't cry, he just walked over and picked up another one and then went over to the little girl and handed that one to her too! As in "you obviously need this way more than I do..."
12. He's extremely physical- running, jumping, climbing, walking up and down stairs, etc. We spend A LOT of time at the playground every day. We also take a gym class each week and he loves to do jumps on the trampoline and somersaults. He never really walks anywhere, only runs. Not really a sprint, more of a brisk jog. If he could talk I think he would say "life is short, why waste time walking?!"
13. He has a huge fear of those inflatable "bounce house" things. They have one at a couple of the indoor play spaces that we go to and this is where you can see right through his tough guy persona. He's terrified of them and is certain that this is where babies go to die. I've never been able to get him even near one.
14. He's strong- the other day he came in carrying one of my 8lb weights (to hand to me because he knows he's not supposed to touch them).
15. He plays well on his own. Thank you Lord.
16. No matter how hard he falls, or bonks his head, or pinches his fingers, a kiss from me on whatever body part is hurt instantly makes it all better! Who knew I had such healing powers?
17. He doesn't seem to really notice kids his own age or younger but he thinks older kids (specifically the 3-3.5 year old scene) are just the coolest. He follows them around the playground like they're celebrities.
18. He's ok if I'm paying attention to or holding another baby but he gets really agitated if Andrew hugs or kisses me. He will actually put his hand in between us and push Andrew away! The other day Andrew had his hand on my leg and Connor stopped what he was doing, came over and removed Andrew's hand and then went back to pushing his car around the floor. It's like having a live in chaperone.
19. It's the little things that bring him the most excitement- for example, going down the big twirly slide all by himself, running through the sprinkler, throwing rocks in the water, or spotting a big yellow fuzzy caterpillar in the park. His eyes light up and he laughs and just grins so big. I so enjoy watching him discover his world. It's like I get to be a kid again myself!
We just can't believe how big he is. He's definitely not a baby any more and it just seems like he's grown up so fast!! He brings more joy to our lives than we ever could have imagined! Love that little man!
We have a great weekend/week ahead of us. Andrew just got back from Tokyo last night and has taken the day off to spend with the fam. Tomorrow is Tracey's baby shower. Not only is Tracey one of my bestest girlfriends, but I so love baby showers!! And then on Sunday we leave for a week long vacation in Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA. Life is good!!
Cheers Connor! Happy 19 months!
