18 Months Old (11-11-11)

 

Gus at 18 Months!

A year and a half ago we met Gus for the first time... what a crazy ride it's been!! The helpless little newborn is now a boy that's trying to gain independence, do things on his own, and still is just a baby.

He now has his two top teeth, two molars in the back on top, one tooth next to the front (the other has come through but isn't all the way in), and then his two bottom middle teeth. His hands are constantly in his mouth trying to soothe the pain that comes with teething.

Gus has quite the vocabulary and has learned to say, "No." He is polite about it though, and will just casually say, "No" when asked about something. He is not overly picky with food, but has times when there's no appetite at all, and eats like there's a bottomless pit at others.

Gus loves to help and will happily come over and assist with just about anything. Cleaning up his toys has become something that he can do and it makes the job easier on mama. :-)

We're still working on jumping... Gus so badly wants to jump, but can't quite figure it out yet. It'll be soon, I just know it. He has all the foundational parts in place, but just hasn't connected the dots to make it happen.

Here's what Great Beginnings says about 18 months:

How I Grow

• I'm beginning to use one hand more than the other. (Gus uses his LEFT more than the right)
• When things don't go the way I want,I get angry.(He throws a temper tantrum, complete with head banging)
• I'm learning to creep backward downstairs.(Nah... he's been doing that for a while... he's going down forward-facing unassisted like a champ)
• I like to grab anything I can reach.(YES!!) 

 How I Talk

• I try to sing and I like to have you sing to me. (Gus can sing the ABC song with help)
• Sometimes I can ask you for what I want, like a cookie, by naming it.
• I can say about ten words, but mostly I use the word "no." (Nope... he rarely says "no")
• I am beginning to understand the meaning of "now."  :-)

What I Have Learned

• I am beginning to remember where things belong. (YES)
• I can use a stick to get a toy. (YES)
• I can build a tower of two or three blocks. (He can do 4+)
• With your help I can turn pages of a book. (Can do it without help)

How I Get Along with Others

• I may be afraid of some things, like thunder and lightning and large animals.
• I may have temper tantrums when I'm tired, angry, or frustrated.(YES)
• I still love to show off and get attention.(Absolutely-- Gus also likes to flirt)

 

 What I Can Do for Myself

• When I'm ready for bed, I may bring you my pillow or my favorite stuffed toy. (YES)

Play I Enjoy

• I may be able to string large, colored, wooden beads. (Yes)
• I like blowing bubbles. (Gus LOVES bubbles)
• I still don't play very long with any one thing. (It depends on the toy)

According to What To Expect the Second Year, between 18 and 20 months...

Most toddlers will probably be able to...

• Run (yes and it's so funny to watch)
• Bend over to pick up a toy and not fall (yes)
• Climb (oh yes!)
• Play pretend games (yes-- we play pretend catch at the dinner table quite often)
• Imitate behaviors (yes... Gus now says, "Goal!!!" and puts his hands up... he also imitates sounds)
• Feed themselves with a fork and spoon (yes, he still makes a mess at times though)
• Say 10-20 words (yes)

Half of all toddlers will be able to...

• Walk up steps (yes, and down them too, unassisted)
• Kick a ball (yes, and even better, he can catch a ball!)
• Take off clothes without help (yes, and he likes to get naked)
• Draw a straight line (yes)
• Brush teeth with help (yes)
• Say 20-50 words (yes)
• Combine words (some)
• Identify two pictures by naming (yes)

Some toddlers may be able to...

• Balance on one foot while holding on (yes)
• Take off clothes (yes)
• Name six body parts (mouth, nose, ears, belly, toes, eyes)
• Identify four pictures by naming (not yet)
• Say 50+ words (not yet)
• Form short sentences (nope)
• Ask "why" and "what's that" questions (not yet)

A few toddlers may be able to...

• Walk down stairs holding on (yes)
• Wash and dry hands (yes)
• Build a tower of six cubes (yes)
• Show some signs of potty readiness- for example announce a poop in process (no... but he does try to get his diaper off as soon as he's wet)
• Speak in full sentences (nope)

It's always amazing to see what Gus can already do and what will come during the coming month(s). I'm enjoying being his mom and spending each day with him and watching him learn and grow!! He's an amazing little person!!