18 Months!

Luke is 18 months old!

Height: 34 inches (93%)

Weight: 29.5 pounds (96%)

Head: 50 centimeters (98%)

So much is happening with this kid, I can't possibly capture it all in words and pictures.  I think what amazes us most is how much he's talking.  We hear new words every day.  He is especially interested in copying words that Noah says. I think my favorites right now are cah-cone (pinecone or popcorn, depending on the context), ba-bow (backhoe), and Whoa-wuh (Noah).  Whoa-wuh is the first thing he says when we get him out of his crib.  He sure loves his big brother.  He loves 'Do you want to build a snowman,' from Frozen.  As soon as it starts playing he says, "Mew man! Mew man!"

Luke's first sentence was about a month ago.  After giving him breakfast he said, "Day-do (thank you) Mama."  Earlier this week while driving in the car he said, "Mah-meeee wuv ooo." (Mommy, love you.)  Melt my heart.

And it's good we have some heart melting moments, because this kid has a strong personality.  He's independent and doesn't like to have help.  He can throw down an awesome tantrum for no reason at all.  Sometimes he does the naughtiest things when I leave a room (or backyard) for two minutes.

But, we get through it all and, once again, I'm so grateful for ten years of teaching some really hard kids.  It taught me some strong behavior management skills that I sure need with this guy.

Luke just likes to stay busy.

He still runs everywhere and can't get enough of being outside.  He loves the big kid slides at the park.

Interests right now include trains, dump trucks, lawn mowers and leaf blowers.  Every time we're in the garage he runs over to ours and says, "Nnnnnnnn," which in Luke language means lawn mower.  He runs to the window if a neighbor is using one.  Lawn mowers are an especially big deal around here.

Other great sounds Luke is making include a wolf howl, bees, and an impressive pig snort.  When you ask him what the train conductor says he'll tell you, "All aboard."  He loves dogs, finding planes flying in the sky, and when we get 'lucky' and the light rail train goes by.

A few weeks ago when we were having family prayer Luke folded his arms, unprompted, like a big boy.  It was another one of those sweet moments and also a reminder of how much he is soaking in every day.  I love his little 'amen' at the end of our prayers.

Every day I am thankful that this strong willed, high energy, sweet boy is a part of our family.  It is the best thing ever to spend the day with he and Noah!