18 months

My sweet boy's 18 months have flown by oh so quickly! I was warned...several times, but it's going by in a whirlwind. I must say though, that we are having a blast right now. I love seeing how much he's learning and how much personality (good and a teensy bit of negative) is coming out. What year and a half old doesn't have their share of minor meltdowns?! :)
Here's the latest greatest news on our little man (sniff, sniff):

Weight: 28 pounds (75th percentile)
Height: 34 inches (75th percentile)

School: Each day is a little better. Luke just has a hard time going in to his room, but once he's there a few minutes all is good in the world. It's sad watching him just walk in like a little trooper sniffiling, but he's so brave and keeps going. (Heart break...here)

Socializing, Socializing, Socializing: A boy after my own heart. He loves to talk and hang with friends and talk some more. He enjoys watching big kids, as he thinks he's that big too, but loves playing with his friends his own age. He enjoys giving Avery a push every now and then, but she goes in for the hug and it's total bring down. Complete affection though, hopefully it will last a little while longer before a case of cooties sets in. One day Avery planted the sweetest kiss on Luke's cheek and the smile was from ear to ear...again heart break. :)

Currents Favorites:
Food: Mac and cheese (this ones in for the long haul), graham crackers, saltines (I always steal those prepackaged ones of two for the car rides), grapes, scrambled eggs, chocolate teddy grahams...the cubs aka "cookie", yogurt - which he insists on feeding himself, always. He's quite the independent feeder these days, which is nice, but can get a little messy too.
K9s: Taylor Jay. Oh what fun they have! He loves getting kisses and she loves giving them. It's a sure fire way to give him the giggles. He's doing really well at being "easy" with her, except for today when he thought about it and then stepped on her head. Poor beagle...but she's a trooper and nothing a treat won't fix.
Toys: Puzzles! Which I love that he loves. He's really good at some of them and has learned at least 4 shapes using them. He also seems really content just to sit and read sometimes which I also love. He's a music lover and we have a lot of fun playing band and he can really dance! And then there's the backdoor. With the nicer weather, he's been able to go in and out to his hearts content since there is no electricity wasted..and he and Taylor go to town. And he really just loves going outside and exploring which I think is great and enjoy myself now that the weather's cooler.
Songs: As mentioned, he loves music...a lot! When asked what songs he wants to sing it's usually either "row, row" "Jesus" or "wee wee" (This little piggy...technically not a song, but it helps me get those toes clean in the tub). A lot of times Ross and I just turn on some tunes and he dances for about 10 minutes...such a show off!
Football teams: Cowboys and "Aggies"...he's got that one down...now we just need to learn "touchdown"

Current Dislikes:
Haircuts. Hates them! Thankfully they only last about 6 minutes, so it's over fast.
Coming inside - see earlier note about loving outside
Taylor getting a little too feisty and jumping up on him, thus knocking him on his bum.
Holding my hand crossing the street, however, not an option my friend.

Everyday I am so reminded of what a blessed person I am, and Luke brings that all into perspective. His innocence is something I cherish so much for him and I hope that he will be able to seek the Lord through the same kind of fervor and passion as he does life in general at this age.

This is an exert from another blog, but it truly describes my heart for Luke and the Lord:

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him."
1Samuel 1:27

"most days I sing because He has given me this Joyful Song, this child who teaches me just how much I need my Father- and how insufficient I am to raise him. I am learning that He supplies my needs according to His riches in glory. His mercies really are new every morning. I could not do this without Him. And I thank Him for this precious gift He has given me. He has given me the desires of my heart."

Thank you Lord for the gift of an amazing 18 months and an amazing family. I am so blessed.