15 Months

Last week Ethan celebrated his 15 month birthday. Although, we really didn't do anything in honor of this special day, we still enjoyed a visit with great grandma, lunch with Nanny, and a trip to the park.

We visited a new doctor's office in Glen Ellyn on Friday for Ethan's 15 month appointment. And while the new doctor, Dr. Erin Flanagan, was wonderful, no one will every compare to our pediatrician in the city, Dr. Megan Lynch. I can't say enough wonderful things about her and I will miss our appointments dearly because she is amazing! Anyway, I digress...Ethan didn't do nearly as well at this appointment as he has in the past. I am not sure if it is because he is finally realizing what happens when he is at the doctor or if it is just because he is cutting teeth. He did not want Dr. Flanagan to touch him and screamed bloody murder whenever she tried to get near him. Maybe he just missed Dr. Lynch as much as I did. Regardless, Dr. Flanagan was impressed with Ethan developmentally and thought he is right on track, if not a little ahead of a 15 month old. Physically, Ethan is still on the small side. He weighed a whopping 21 lbs. and is 31 inches tall. This puts him in the 7th and 30th percentiles, respectively.

Although I tend to obsess about Ethan's size, the doctor did not seem concerned at all with his one pound weight gain over the past 3 months. She assured me that this is just a phase that most toddlers go through, they are just not interested in food, let alone sitting still long enough to eat. I hope this passes rather quickly because we have had some stressful mealtimes lately. Here is a self portrait Ethan and I took before heading to see the doctor on Friday.

Ethan is at such a great age right now; probably my favorite. Although I think every stage is my favorite while we are going through it. It really does continue to get better and better. I feel like he has really changed from a baby to a little boy in the past month or so.

He is definitely more independent and knows what he wants, but at the same time still loves to give hugs, kisses and snuggle on the couch for a story. He is walking, no running, all over the place. And while he still looks like a drunken sailor at times, I know he loves being able to walk around. He started a music class a couple of weeks ago through the Glen Ellyn Park District and has really developed a love for music. We catch him dancing and clapping when there is music playing; especially "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. He loves trucks and cars; wheels are still an obsession and he really enjoys books. Being outside is a favorite and he has a new found love for the park, especially the slide, and jumping in puddles.

Eating has been iffy the past month or so, but I am attributing that to teeth since he has gotten 6 since his birthday party, including 2 molars and I can see another four just waiting to pop through. I don't think Ethan is a picky eater per se, I just really think that eating is not of interest right now or down right hurts. We did introduce peanut butter and he loves it on crackers....a perfect snack. He is fully transitioned to sippy cups and drinks whole milk like a champ. Pacis are still our friend at night and I think they are used more for comforting than anything. Often times when I check on Ethan before I head to bed at night, he does not have a paci in his mouth but one in each hand. Getting rid of the paci is our next challenge and I am sure it will not be a fun one.

Ethan is starting to "talk" more and more and his communication skills continue to improve. He still is not saying full words, but can get what he wants by pointing and saying what we think is bottle, car, ball, truck, shoe, banana, doggie, mama, daddy, etc. I think we will see a lot of change in his vocabulary during the upcoming months and I can't wait.

Ethan's curiosity is still amazing, but keeps us on our toes. Opening and closing cabinets and drawers are a must when we are in the kitchen and the toilet is fascinating to him. The good news is that he is easily entertained with the chip clips, a couple of tin foil pans, and a comb. We are truly enjoying each and every moment with him, as we know this stage will not last forever. If only I could bottle up each moment and save it for a rainy day. Ethan has truly made our lives more enjoyable and made us each a better person. I know he will always continue to be the light in our lives. Can't wait for the next 15 months! We love you, big guy!