Gus's Grandiose Gabble: 16 Months Old!! (September 11th, 2011)

Happy 16 Months to me!!

It's been a wonderful month and has been full of some really amazing things! We traveled to Michigan and Indiana to see family and friends and had a fabulous time. I did not want to sleep on the 13 hour drive there, so I took a quick 20 minute nap to appease mom and dad and then I was up for the remainder of the drive. I was a good traveler and mom read me lots of books and we played with many toys.

I've been making some tremendous gains with my language. Each day I'm saying more and more and I've been able to pick up more signs. I've finally mastered thank-you and now we're working on "sleep." I don't really have to sign that I'm ready for a nap though, I just go to the gate at the bottom of the stairs and mom and dad know that I'm ready for sleep. :)

Just this past week I started going down the stairs unassisted. I started by going backwards and now I'm able to go down forward-facing! Mom is so very proud of me!!

Here's more information about my development in the 16th month (between now and October 11th):

How I Grow

I like to carry things in each hand. (Especially food!)
I want to show you how independent I am by doing what I want, not what you want me to do.
I am learning to walk backwards.
I can turn pages in a book, a few at a time.

How I Talk

I can understand simple directions such as "no," "come," "show me," and "look."
I am learning to hold real conversations with people.
I don't usually like having a whole story read to me.
I would rather point to pictures in a book and have you talk to me about them.
I am beginning to say "no" a lot.

What I Have Learned

I may be able to build a tower of two blocks. (I can actually do four!)
I can scribble with a pencil or crayon.

How I Get Along With Others

I'm pretty self-centered and often not friendly. (Not true of me)
I like to imitate the way you do things, like sweeping the floor, setting the table, or raking the lawn. (YES!!!)
If you show me that you like what I do, I will do it a lot.
Sometimes I will get things for you.
I like to know where you are at all times.
I'm not very good at giving but I like to get things.

What I Can Do for Myself

I can let you know when I have wet or soiled pants but I'm still too young to be toilet trained. (I put my hands down the front of my pants after I'm wet)
I may be able to use a spoon, but I spill. (I'm a pro at the fork!)

Play I Enjoy

I don't play very long with any one toy.
I like to carry around a soft doll or toy animal.
I like playing in sandboxes.
I like rolling a ball with you.

Here's what it says in the "What to Expect the Second Year" book:

From 16-17 Months

Most toddlers will probably be able to:

Play on riding toys (yes)
Drink from a cup (yes but lots of spills)
Say 2 to 3 words (yes)
Enjoy saying "no" (No isn't a word Gus has said yet)
Point to a desired object (yes)

Half of all toddlers will be able to:

Run (yes)
Throw a ball underhand (overhand)
Point to body parts when asked (Nose)
Say 6 to 10 words regularly (yes)
Play pretend games (yes)

Some toddlers may be able to:

Walk up steps (yes)
Kick a ball (yes)
Take off one piece of clothing without help (shirts- do diapers count? lol)
Sort toys by shape or color (not regularly)
Follow a two-step verbal command- without gestures (yes)
Say 10 to 20 words regularly (yes)

A few toddlers may be able to:

Throw a ball overhand (yes)
Build a tower of four blocks (yes)
Identify two items in a picture by pointing (not yet)
Identify one picture by naming "cat" or "dog" (not yet)
Combine words (not yet)
Speak and be understood 50% of the time (no)
Say 50+ words (not yet)

There are still many things that I can do that are very advanced for my age. My language has been lacking (still sorta is) because my focus has been on gross-motor skills (climbing, running, etc.). Mom and I are going to The Little Gym on Tuesday and I'm going to get to see what it's like to tumble and climb. I'm excited!!