1.5

It's hard to believe, but William is 18 months old. A full-blown toddler! At his well check at the doctor's office not long ago we learned that he continues to be tiny (surprise!) and is following his own curve. The Dr. was impressed with his newly acquired walking/running skills and his ease of chit-chat. He cried with great protest during his shots but recovered quickly enough to go strutting down the hallway and out of the building. He's one that doesn't want to be carried. That strikes me funny because my huge son, Matthew, insisted on being lugged around and probably still would if I could...but then my tiny little one wants desperately to be independent and toddle along on his own.

Some things that William likes:

• anything Yo Gabba Gabba or Thomas the train related
• to pull all his books down from the shelf
• to play peek-a-boo with himself or anyone who is willing
• to try on shoes, anyone's
• eating yogurt or oatmeal or snacks
• playing with hats
• running away from Steven or I
• not eating his own food but eating off our plates
• messing up his brother's letters and words he's spelled
• going down slides all by himself
• sitting in my lap first thing in the morning while watching a show
• putting on a little show at the foot of the table while the rest of us finish up dinner
• scooting backward on his tummy
• climbing things that are too big for him...which is most things
• sitting on the kitchen countertop
• running to see who's at the front door
• looking at pictures of himself and saying "baby"
• following Matt wherever he goes
• making sound effects
• pushing the swiffer mop around
Some things William doesn't like:

• sitting still at a restaurant in a high chair
• sitting still in a cart at HEB or Target
• sitting in a stroller while I shop
• fresh fruit or vegetables of any kind
• when Matt puts up "gates" to block Will from destroying whatever he's playing with
• swimming or getting water on his face
• having to leave the toy store before he's ready
• waiting on his brother to swing first before it's his turn
• anyone to be on the computer
• sitting still

William has a following wherever he goes, be it the gym, church, park, grocery store or wherever it doesn't matter. Adults and children are drawn to him. Everywhere we go people are thrilled to see him and he is equally as jazzed to see them. He is full of energy and personality. He's always trying to make us laugh. He talks constantly and it is loud, loud, loud. His thumb is his best companion and gives him the reassurance he needs. His smile and laugh are the cutest things I've ever seen--and they show off all his crazy teeth. William has things to do and a world to try and figure out. It's an indescribable feeling of joy being able to watch him grow. My sweet little Will.