Halfway to Two

Six Months (April 2012) 

18 months (April 2012)

Dear Cruz Man,

Cruz, you are halfway to TWO!  18 months old!  It's amazing to think that you have been in our lives for a year and a half.  At times, it seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms for the first time, and other times it seems like you've been in our lives forever.  Whether we're singing The Wheels on the Bus before bedtime, hanging out around the tub during a bath, or taking turns tickling you on our bed in the morning, we sure are having a lot of fun lately and loving you at this stage.  So often, I have to pinch myself and remember how blessed we are.  Sharing these simple little moments as a young family is very special and I'm confident these are the days I will look back on as some of the best.

Memorable moments and milestones of 18 months...

-Your dad and I are now viewing reruns of Sesame Street.  You get so excited every time one of us turns on the TV, and start yelling, 'Mimo,' over and over again.  This week alone I've seen Garth Brooks, Destiny's Child, and Carmella from Sopranoes!  You love Elmo the most, and are scared to death of that big gray elephant.  
-Your eyes are officially brown.  This makes your mama happy, for she always dreamed of a little blondie with brown eyes.
-You've graduated to the Toddler room at daycare.  This is a hard transition for us, as we adore the Scooter room and especially love your amazing teachers.  But, so far so good, as you seem to fit in with the 'big' kids and are back with your bestie, Harper.
-You started saying 'No!' this month and although I'm sure it will get old eventually, it's pretty adorable right now.
-You've officially cut all of your 'i' teeth.  It was a rough go for a week or two, but we made it!  
-You love when we chant, 'ready, set, go,' and count, '1, 2, 3.'
-You eat with a fork almost every meal and started setting your cup on the table instead of throwing it on the floor (this is a BIG deal)
-You ate an entire plate of spaghetti with meat sauce the other night.
-You are the best sleeper lately (knock on wood).  Lately, I have to sneak in your room to get you up at 6:30 and you're always awake, just chilling out in your crib, talking to yourself and playing with the corners of your blanket.  Sometimes, when I open the door, you look at me nonchalantly and say 'hi.'  It's the most adorable thing ever, and melts my heart every single morning.  
-You can now reach the utensil drawer in our kitchen.  I know this because I caught you grabbing a knife out of the drawer yesterday.  Oh boy...
-You are SO independent, but still love to cuddle.  You're my cuddle bug.  

-Some of your favorites include: strawberries, The Dump Truck, Let's Rock Elmo, brushing your teeth, walks outside, drinking with a straw, playing with kitchen bowls and utensils, bath time, putting money in your piggy bank, dancing and singing, throwing balls, string cheese, and your blankie.

Happy Half Birthday, Cruz.  From you lucky mama.

  
Is it too early to start planning your birthday party?!?