Caleb is 16 Months!

Reading with Daddy...one of his favorite animal books!

He thinks he is a doctor!

Swing batta batta swing!

Caleb's New Mickey...one of his favorite stuffed animals. He picked Mickey out at Wal-Mart!

Caleb loves horsie rides!

Oh my goodness..he looks SO grown up!

I can't believe that Caleb is already 16 months old! He has become quite the little man, so here are some highlights!

• Talk Talk Talk - his vocabulary is increasing quite quickly. His favorite words are mama, dada, bear, outside, ball, this, that, yes and Jacob. He is not as clear as Jacob always was, but with context I almost always know what he is trying to tell me. He doesn't say no yet, but he is good at shaking his head no. When I ask him questions, he will respond with a yes or shake his head. His newest word is Baby...he will point on my tummy and say baby. When he looks in the mirror and I ask him who is that?, he responds "Baby". If he wants something, he will point and say "this this". Everytime we drive by Scott & White, he points and says Dada...how sad is that! ;-(
• Gross Motor Skills - this kid can climb! He will climb anything! One day, he climbed onto our kitchen table by using the high chair to get there. He likes to climb up to the top of the couch and LOVES to climb up the ladders at the parks...gives mommy a heart attack! He throws overhand and will kick balls on the ground. He loves push toys and anything that he can ride on. He runs to keep up with Jacob and will attempt anything that Jacob tries. He loves the water and should have a blast this summer in the pool and at the splashpads! One of his favorite pastimes is digging in the sand in our backyard sand box. He will scoop and dump for at least 30 min straight uninterrupted! I just recently bought some buckets and shovels for the park and he loves to sit in the rocks and scoop there as well. He enjoys swinging and the slides and will go down the slides all by himself!
  
• Fine Motor Skills - I have gotten rid of the sippy cup completely and he only uses the big kid glasses. He does great with it and loves to drink like Jacob. He doesn't really care to eat with his fingers, so he insists on having a spoon and fork, both of which he does quite well with. When he is done eating, he starts to throw his food on the floor, so we are working on table manners! He likes to color which includes eating the crayons and playing with play-doh is so much fun. He has gotten better about not putting the play-doh in his mouth, but it is just so tempting!
  
• Monkey See, Monkey Do - Caleb is all about imitation right now. What ever we do, he has to try! I don't think he realizes he is only 16 months old, rather he thinks he is at least three years old. He doesn't want to be treated like a baby, but would rather play with the big kids.
  
• Food - this kid LOVES to eat! He will try anything and loves most food! He especially loves pancakes, yogurt, cheese, lunch meat, carrots, green beans, broccoli, any bread, milk and blueberries! It seems that he eats more than Jacob and has the thighs to prove it!
• Temperament - One of the things I have enjoyed the most about Caleb is watching him grow and develop and love him for the unique personality he has. He is so different than Jacob and it has been such a joy to get to know Caleb for who he is. He is very sweet and quick to share. He always has hugs and kisses for you and loves to cuddle up! He is quite patient and mild mannered. Although this transition into Toddlerhood has brought out a side of Caleb I have never seen. He is not hesitant to throw a fit if he doesn't get what he wants and he has start to pinch Jacob when he gets mad at him. If Jacob tries to take something from him, he applies his death grip and will fight tooth and nail for it. It is nice to see someone stand up to Jacob but at the same time, these little "fights" that they boys have is getting old already! Caleb has taken to Daddy in a way that Jacob never did. Caleb loves Daddy and playing with him...sometimes choosing him over Mommy. Breaks my heart, but after 3 years, Brian deserves it! ;-)
• Jacob - Caleb adores Jacob and those two laugh in ways that warm my heart more deeply than anything I have ever seen before. Caleb shows concern when Jacob is hurt or in time out. He is quick to want to play with Jacob and yet at times needs his personal space and will retreat to his room to play quietly by himself. His favorite toys are his veterinary kit, toy animals (loves the shark, piggies and horsies), trains, balls, and the shape sorter. We are working on taking turns and sharing with Jacob but it will take time before he truly understands that concept!
  

Caleb has brought a whole new dimension to our family and I'm grateful for his place in our home! His smiles, giggles and cute expressions are what make each day worth living for! We love you Cay Cay!