Gus's Grandiose Gabble: 17 Months Old (October 11th, 2011)

It's incredible that a month from today, Gus will be a year and a half. For whatever reason, 18 months is like a HUGE milestone developmentally, and it's like we're on the cusp of a whole lot of change. Each day, Gus does something that amazes me. I often wonder, if I wasn't staying at home with him and able to be around him so much, would I even notice these things? I truly am very lucky to be able to stay home and raise him.

Here are some things to expect from this month with Gus:

Emotions Are Blossoming

You have probably noticed that your little one can show intense feelings. You may have seen him become suddenly very excited, frustrated, happy, angry or fearful.

Oh my goodness... this is Gus exactly right now. He goes from happy to pissed off in no time at all. God forbid I break a graham cracker in half for him... it's like the end of the world with REAL tears. He gets upset so easily!! Sometimes it's hard not to chuckle and laugh at him, but I know that's not what he needs... he needs love, support, and someone to tell him that it's okay to be frustrated.

How I Grow

I like to lug, tug, and drag things.
I want my own way almost all the time.
I can walk upstairs if you will hold one hand. (Gus can do it unassisted)
I like to run, but I fall or bump into things sometimes.

How I Talk

I understand more words than I say.
I'm getting good at imitating words. (And imitating actions)
I often have long, babbling conversations with myself. (Yes, with lots of laughter too)
Sometimes I will do what you ask me to do.

What I Have Learned

I can fit a round block into a round hole.
I can point to one or two parts of my body if you name them. (Nose and belly)
I can copy the simple lines you make on paper.
I may be able to match circles and squares on a form board.

How I Get Along with Others

I'm still mostly just interested in myself. (Not really)
I may be grabby and greedy. (Nope)
Sometimes I'm stubborn and bossy and sometimes I'm loving; in a few months I'll be calmer and friendlier. (Gus is loving 99% of the time)

What I Can Do for Myself

I can help put toys away.
I may be able to turn on some faucets.

Play I Enjoy

I like playing with nesting toys and stacking toys.
I often run around without any particular plan.
I like pushing wheel toys and large toy boxes and other things like that around the floor.

Here's what "What to Expect the Second Year" says about the 17th month:

Most toddlers will probably be able to...

run (yes)
drink from a cup (yes, but he spills)
point to something they want (yes)
pull off mittens, hat, socks (haven't tried mittens, but yes to hats and socks)
Look at board books independently (yes- with pleasure)
Enjoy finger play (itsy, bitsy spider)
say 10 words (yes)
play alone on the floor (yes)
recognize themselves in mirror or pictures (yes)
laugh at something funny or silly (yes... Gus has discovered that farts are funny)

Half of all toddlers will be able to...

dance to music (yes)
drag things around (yes)
crawl backward down stairs (yes)
brush teeth with help (haven't tried)
drink with a straw (yes)
start showing preference for one had over another (yes... he's a lefty)
stack 4 blocks (yes)
say 20+ words (yes)
string two words together in phrases (yes)
ask for something by name (not yet)

Some toddlers may be able to...

jump (not yet, but we're working on it at The Little Gym)
throw a ball overhand (yes)
identify 2 pictures by naming (he can do 1)
combine words (yes)
be understood when speaking 1/2 the time (yes)
sing (yes)
remember where things belong (yes, and everything HAS to go in the right place)
show off to get attention or repeat sounds (or actions) that make people laugh (yes... Gus is the life of the party)
recognize emotion/show empathy (yes, Gus will start to cry if someone else is crying-- he also likes to give hugs and kisses)

A few toddlers may be able to...

take toys apart and put them back together (yes... he likes to take the chair apart and put it back together-- he likes to buckle and unbuckle things as well)
help put toys away (yes!)
string large wooden beads (haven't tried)
blow bubbles (nope)
take off clothes (yes!! Shirts and shorts and the occasional diaper)
draw circles (nope)

I'm eager to see what comes this next month!!! See you on Gus's 1/2 birthday!!