The Baby is a Toddler

Hanging around the basketball hoop is one of B's favorite places.

Bennett turned 18 months on December 5th!  I almost don't want to believe that our "baby" is officially a toddler!  Today, we had Bennett's 18 months appointment and enjoyed learning Benny's stats and asking our pediatrician some questions.  Thinking back to one year ago, we remembered our worries about Bennett's shivers and going through the neuro exams.  We are blessed to have this healthy little boy.

Bennett is 23 lbs, 15 ounces (22%) and 34 inches (88%).  If you'd like to compare that to Logan's 18 month stats: Logan was 28 lbs, 14 ounces (80%) and 34 inches (88-90%).  Big boys!

Bennett's verbal and physical abilities are developing great.  We estimate he has about 45-50 "words" now and understand everything we say.  He and Logan do a great job communicating and Logan takes great care (sometimes) for Bennett.  Much different than Logan, Bennett throws a goos tantrum for Mom and Dad several times a week.  We are in the process of trying to set boundaries to help deal with the tantrums. Dr. Gilmartin had great recommendations for us.  It hasn't taken us long to learn that Bennett reserves those  tantrums for his parents - never for babysitters or grandparents!

For the most part, the Bennett we know is cuddly, lovey, and smiley.  He loves to giggle and play - especially with Big Brother Logan.  Some of Bennett's favorite things are: play food, hockey, any game with a ball, trains, and books.  Just like Logan, Bennett loves music and loves to dance.  We have some pretty crazy dance parties around here (I'm not taking any credit for their moves...).  Bennett loves to climb anything - literally anything.  Nothing can keep Bennett from keeping up with Logan.  In fact, Bennett gets really sad when Logan gets to do something with John (or me) or something like skating lessons that Bennett isn't old enough for yet.

Bennett loves to read.  He loves to snuggle up and read a book with us, or try to read to us.  He also likes to sing "Old Mac Donald" and "Happy Birthday".  Some of the phrases we hear most from Bennett are: "All done", "Help please", "Love you", "This", and our personal favorite: "No".  Haha.

We have been reminded this fall of the blessings we have and that includes our boys - all challenges aside, there is nothing better than being a parent and experiencing the love we feel for our children.  Even more amazing has been the love we can see between the boys...

We are blessed to have brothers in this house!