18 Months!

Today our crazy little man with crazy hair is 18 months old. I can't believe how fast time flies. He has gone from a 5 lb. baby who couldn't do anything but eat, sleep, and poop, to a little chunkster who is very independent. I thought I would write 18 facts about Makai.

1. Makee's vocabulary is growing every day. Some of my favorite words he says right now are:
"Peas" = Please
"Mama" FINALLY!
"Day-doo," = Thank you. He says thank you if you give him anything. It's so sweet! And if anyone ever tells him thank you, he shakes his head like "You bet!"

2. Mak can be quite the snuggle bunny if he is in the mood. Sometimes he will just lay on me and we'll cuddle forever while we watch cartoons. He also loves to snuggle odd things like his shirts and onesies, his crib ties, and even my bra! He takes the soft part of things and rubs it under his nose right above his binkie. He's so squishy!

3. We've recently discovered that Makee loves hot dogs. He inhales them, along with cheese and anything sweet.

4. Mak loves music, just like his dad. His favorite song is "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Every time he's crying in the car, we turn it on and he settles right down. He loves dancing with us to Dan's crazy music. He has also started a new dance move where he sways side to side and then starts spinning in circles. His favorite part about nursery is the dancing. It's so fun to watch him dance!

5. Kitchen utensils have become his favorite toys. He is now tall enough to open my drawers, reach up, and grab a spatula, spoon, or whisk of his choice. But spatulas are his favorites. My kitchen is always a disaster. He is also good at getting out my pots and pans so he can have something to stir with his spatula.

6. I'm a little embarrassed to say this one. We have the TV on more than we should, but it keeps him entertained when I'm too sick to get off the couch. But Makai interacts with the TV. If one of the characters says, "Hi," or "Bye," He will talk right back to them! The other night while we were watching American Idol, the audience was saying, "Boo!" to Simon, and soon I started hearing a little echo on my lap saying, "Boo!"

7. Mak loves the bath. I think he would spend all day every day in the bathtub if I would let him. After he gets out of the bath, he loves helping me put lotion all over him. Usually it's all over his clothes by the time he's dressed.8. Along with being my little kitchen helper, Makee is OBSESSED with the vacuum. Anytime we have the vacuum on, he squeals with delight. He thinks it's a game. He will run away while Dan tries to chase him. He also likes to help vacuum. Anytime a vacuum or broom is out, you can be sure to see him pushing it along the floor saying, "Voom!" or "Bbbbb."

9. I also hate to say this one, but lately Mak has been quite the Daddy's boy. When he hears Daniel come in the door from work, he will say, "Da!" and run to him. If Dan has to go somewhere, he will cry and cry. He loves being with his daddy. No doubt he loves his mama too, but when Daddy is around, he prefers his buddy a lot of the time. I think things have been a little traumatic for him lately because I've had so many doctor's appointments. Everywhere we go, he thinks we're going to leave him, and he has a really hard time.10. Makai loves being outside. Such a boy. Good thing the warmer weather is on its way! If I open the door just a crack, he tries to pry it open and run outside. We have taken a few walks over to Whit and Pete's house, and he insists on walking the entire way, one foot on the grass, and the other on the concrete. Even though they only live about eight houses away, it takes about 20 minutes to get there.

11. The binkie continues to Makee's BFF. We try to make him leave it in his crib for naps only, but some days I just don't have the energy to fight it. He's so funny because he takes the binkie out when he knows he needs to cough or sneeze. He pops it out for those few short seconds, and back in it goes! The other day Dan put him down for his nap without the bink because we couldn't find it. While he was up in his room crying, Dan came to the rescue with the missing binkie. With crocodile tears and a very sad voice, Mak said, "DayDoo!"

12. Mak is really beginning to understand what we are saying to him, so it's getting really fun to communicate with him. He's a little boy who knows what he wants, that's for sure! (BTW...this is the new way he poses for pictures.)13. When we ask Makee, "Where are Mommy's babies?" He has to lift up my shirt so my entire belly is exposed, and then he pats my tummy and usually sticks his finger in my belly button. He thinks it is hilarious.

14. Mak has to do everything grown-ups do. He loves to help stir whatever I'm making for dinner. He loves opening doors and closing them. He loves brushing his teeth. He loves putting on chapstick. When Dan is getting ready for the day, he will put his deoderant on and Makee waits for Dad to put it on him (with the lid on of course).

15. Makee has had a few difficulties lately sharing his toys. He always wants whatever Isabelle has, and he will grab onto her shirt until he gets what he wants. What a stinker! Good thing he's got two sisters on the way! Not sharing will Not be an option. His little temper is coming out as well. If someone tells him "No," he will sulk and look at the ground for about one minute. Then he will hit whatever is near, whether it be a toy or a human. We are really working on this one! But I have to admit it's a little funny when he hits his toys, because it usually ends up hurting his hand and making him more upset.

16. For the most part, Mak is a really easy going kid. Almost everyone who meets him for the first time comments on what a chill baby he is. Now I know why he is the way he is. He's gonna have to deal with two sisters for the rest of his life!

17. Makee loves balls. If there is ever a basketball hoop around, he could spend forever dumping balls through the basket. He loves throwing balls, and he also loves kicking them.

18. The Mak Daddy loves his crib. Sometimes after he wakes up, he will spend up to an hour just laying in there talking to himself. If we try to get him out before he's ready, sometimes he gets so mad! And we have to put him back in until he's ready.

I feel so bad because lately I have not been able to play with Mak or give him as much attention as I usually can when I'm feeling good. But I sure hope he knows how much I love him. I'm the luckiest mom in the world!