16 Months (Monkey See, Monkey Do)

Our little dude is 16 months old!
What's he been up to? Lots of imitation, cognitive development and exploration.

His little mind is just exploding.  Each day, he knows a new word (saying it, signing it or just understanding it).  He amazes us with what he understands.  He's become a lot more interested in books this last week; actually bring us books to read to him.  He especially loves his "DOG" book, and looking at our family photo books.  And speaking of dogs, he either wants to be one, or he thinks he is one... he's been spotted on more than one occasion crawling around on all fours and panting.  It's pretty cute.

He loves to find the biggest rock in the garden (pick up, move, repeat); although equally as exciting is to find the smallest crumb to pick up and maneuver.  He's obsessed with buckles and latches and eye glasses... anything he can put together and pull apart.

He's discovered climbing again and can now climb up on the couch, the coffee table and chairs all by himself. In fact he loves to sit on a "big-boy chair" by himself (clapping, of course, at his accomplishment).

Sounders cheers, or anything with a lot of singing, chanting and clapping, really spark a smile too.  If we start a song and stop, he'll sign for more and we oblige.  What can we say, except that we're his little monkeys (clap Mom & Dad, clap!).

He's been sleeping through the night again (although away from home it's still a little rough).  He's still taking two naps a day (1.5 - 2 hours each). But, the naps are stretching out and he's been going to bed a little later (9pm), so I'm thinking that a one-nap day is right around the corner.

Here are some recent photos of every-day life from the last week or so:

Diaper Buns! Baby central at the bbq this week (Mack--19mths & Isaac... and Irene--9mths peeking around to say hi)

Future Doctor? (fun with Grandpa while we were out celebrating our anniversary)

Wearing Dad's Shades

Carkeek Park

Hiding from Thunder Storms

No caption needed.

Off for a morning walk (doggy-sitting the dog on the left)

He loves 'walking' too!

And we're all enjoying the summer (that finally decided to show up in Seattle!)