1 AND 3/4 YEARS

James is 21-months-old today. Hard to believe he's been in our lives for almost 2 years already. He is such a fun kid, and so very sweet. He's talking and singing and dancing. He has so many words we've lost count, and he'll repeat almost anything we say. His use of short sentences is growing (though he often says things backwards, such as "Daddy Bye-Bye" instead of "Bye Bye Daddy"). He not only points out objects in books when we name them, but points to objects and names them himself. He laughs at our jokes (and jokes on TV), and sometimes tries to play jokes on us. And he has come to expect certain jokes from his Daddy, so he will try to "ignore" him or cut him off at the pass (for example, the "What's that on your shirt" routine). He runs and marches and jumps (just little hops). He's getting really good at going up and down the stairs quickly (and safely - he goes down on his bottom). He still likes to snuggle and be carried around and sit in your lap. Books are his biggest comfort item, even more so than Monkey or Bear Bear (or even Elmo, his newest "stuffy"). If he's upset (or in trouble), he'll go find a book and bring it to you. His favorite toys are his wheels (any and all cars and trucks and ride-on toys, especially his wagon) and his puzzles (including his sorting and stacking toys). He's very into figuring stuff out these days. He climbs all over everything and raises our blood pressure in worry daily. The child has no fear. He loves to collect nature (leaves, rocks, sticks, acorns - whatever he can find) and make little piles or show it to us one at a time. He has 15 teeth (that last canine is REALLY taking it's time) and eats pretty much anything (except vegetables). He gives sweet little kisses and squeezes you back when you hug him (finally). He weighs in at 28.4 lbs and is 33 in tall. He's getting so big. Definitely not our baby boy anymore. He's an on-the-go, silly, sometimes-wild-child that is full of love and energy and personality.