a year and a half.

I know that I say this every month, but I truly cannot believe that our sweet baby is 18 months old. I really can't. Brooks has changed so much since his last update, becoming more and more like a little boy as each day passes. I am going to try to make this update as detailed and accurate as possible, but, time is flying and I can't keep up quite like I used to.

Our beautiful boy is also a mischievous boy. He is into everything these days, constantly exploring, climbing, digging, discovering, learning, never walking, always running. We have regressed in the sleep department this past month, only sleeping about 10 hours at night (with one or two wake-up calls throughout the night) and taking one nap, ranging from one to two hours, a day. I look at this little fireball with amazement every afternoon wondering where he gets all of his energy and tenacity from?! Tell mommy your secret, buddy, because I am running on fumes trying to keep up with you!

For example, Brooks now climbs up into his highchair all by himself (makes my heart skip a beat every time), he can destroy a room in less than a minute, dumping out all of his toys baskets, he marches up and down the stairs, preferably with no help from mommy or daddy, he will jump off of any ledge, not always into our arms, he likes to squish bugs with his tiny fingers and chase after the neighborhood cats and dogs. The only time you will find him sitting still is when he wants to read or watch "George" (Curious George) or "Emmo" (Sesame Street). 

Brooks loves rocks. He loves collecting them, shoveling them, and especially throwing them. I try to take him to Overton Park at least three times a week to fill his bucket up and throw them into the creek. He also loves his tools, trucks, and his books. Right now his favorite books to read at bedtime are "Nigh Nigh" (Goodnight Moon) and "Baby" (On the Night You Were Born). 

Brooks no longer likes to sit in the shopping cart seat. I either end up sticking him in the basket or carrying him to avoid a tantrum. And speaking of tantrums, we are smack dab in the middle of that fun zone. Wants to be held, but mommy's hands are full? Tantrum. Finished eating and doesn't want to sit in the high chair any longer? Tantrum. Mommy or daddy says the forbidden "no sir?" You guessed it, tantrum! It's a good thing you're so darn cute, Bubba...

Brooks has blown me away in the speech department. It's like one day he woke up and decided he wanted to talk. Maybe this is normal for an 18 month old, but he repeats every single word we say, with clarity, and stores it in his memory bank for later. I'm not really sure if there is a word or name that he can't or doesn't say? You would think that "Heyto" (Hector, the amigo) lives upstairs because every time Brooks runs past the stairs or hears workmen at the house he points at the tarp and says his name. He knows words like biscuit and pinecone, swing and lawnmower, ice and thunder. Every day there is a new word or a new association. Just this morning, as Brooks and I were leaving for a walk, I told him to say bye bye to daddy and he said, "bye daddy!" It was the sweetest. 

We are also really into our ABCs as of late. He can point to certain letters in a book and say what they are. Right now he knows A, B, C (though, C right now is "Tee Tat" (kitty cat), D, H, O, P, and W, with "beeeee" being his favorite, naturally. He is starting to really enjoy drawing and coloring with crayons and chalk. He never fails to hand me the chalk or crayon and ask me to draw a "hawaii" (heart). He likes to count on his fingers, pointing to each finger as we count to five.

He is still eating three meals and two snacks a day. He has mastered the fork and sometimes refuses to eat without it. He like to "stee" it (stick it) and "dee" it (dip it). He isn't afraid to ask for "mo" (more) or tell us when he is "alllll done" by picking up or pushing the plate off of the tray. His appetite seems to be improving, but he still won't touch a veggie unless it is disguised by cheese. Thank you, broccoli and cheese soup. 

Brooks is in the process of cutting 4 new teeth—three molars (what fun) and his fourth front tooth (it's about time). So that is 11 teeth total and counting. I think that this may contribute to his sleepless nights and fussy days lately. Molars are mean. They don't play. 

Some other random whatnots: 

Wherever we go, someone always comments on B's complexion. He browns easily like his daddy, what can I say? Yes, we use sunscreen. Someone also comments on his pretty blue eyes. I can't blame them. 

Brooks has become a pro hugger and kisser. He will wrap his arms around you and give you a little "love pat" on the shoulder. It gets me every time. If he sees an "aminal" (animal) in a book that he thinks needs some extra lovin' he gives it a head bump/wiggle. And that giggle of his, it's my favorite. They are so easy to come by these days. 

Just this past week, Brooks, daddy has told me on two occasions that you are looking like such a big boy and that you are growing up. And he is right, Bubba. You are growing up right before our eyes into a smart, special, spunky, loving, little boy. We are so proud of you and find so much joy in watching you find your way in this big world. In a short month and a half you are about to graduate to big brother, but know that you will always and forever be my baby. I love you with my whole heart, John Brooks!