18 Month Check Up

Abram had his 18 month check up on Monday.  He did great!!  We're happy that his doctor visits are much more pleasant than Rebecca's at this age.  He has a blast at the doctor's office, trying to destroy everything in sight.  So much to explore.  He barely even cries when he gets his shots.  Just a few seconds and then he's off and running again.

He did have a pretty bad reaction to one of the shots this time (his whole was thigh bright red, swollen and painful, he wasn't sleeping well).  Thankfully it has gone down now.

Abram's growth continues to be steady.  He is now 24 lbs. 5 oz. (30th%) and 31 3/4 in. (50th%).  Almost identical to Rebecca at 18 months (24 lbs. 12 oz., 31 3/4 in.).  He hadn't grown much in quite a while.  So it's good to see him taking off.  All of a sudden most of his clothes are getting too small.  Time to start putting away the 18m clothes.

He is meeting or exceeding all of his milestones.  He's just trying to keep up with his sister.

Abram is really starting to talk and communicate well.  He tries to copy everything we say.  And he can usually tell you what he wants...or doesn't want.  He likes to look at books and tell you what all the pictures are.

There is never a dull moment for Abram.  He has boundless energy from the moment he wakes up to the time he goes to bed.  He is often running laps through the house yet after we put him in his pajamas.  He loves to be silly (usually with his big sister) and laugh.  Abram still likes to climb and get into as much mischief as possible.  He is very curious and wants to explore anything new.  He also loves to dance. Abram and Rebecca have a lot of dance parties.

Being around two females all day is rubbing off on Abram.  Two of his favorite things to do are clean and bake :)  Abram does not like messes and is quick to grab a towel to wipe anything.  He also loves to vacuum and sweep.  It's hard for Justin and Mary to do either because Abram wants to take over.  He cries if you don't let him help.

Recently Abram always wants to be involved in what's happening in the kitchen.  Mary can't stand at the counter without him wanting to be held.  Throughout the day he goes to the kitchen, stands by the oven and says "bake, bake."  If you ask him if he wants to bake he says "bake, yay!!!" and raises his arms above his head.  If you open the fridge he points to the eggs and says "crack, crack."  And you don't have to ask twice if he wants to help make dinner.  He'll come running saying "dinna, dinna."  It's actually almost impossible to make dinner without his help.  Most nights Mary has to make dinner one handed (holding him in the other) and let him help whenever possible.  And baking is a little more interesting with two helpers.

Abram has become a pretty good eater.  He knows what he does and doesn't want...and you can't convince him otherwise.  But if he likes something he will shovel it down faster than you can get it on his plate.  Meal times only last about five minutes for him (a very big contrast from his sister).  Abram doesn't waste time...eat and get back to playing or anything that doesn't involve being strapped in his high chair.

Although Abram is pretty rough and tough he is also very sweet.  He loves to wrap dolls or stuffed animals in blankets and rock them.  He says "baby nigh, nigh" and "yes, yes" (for Yes, Jesus loves me) and then gives them kisses.  Abram is also very sweet with Rebecca.  If she has to go to timeout he runs to her and gives her a hug and kiss.  He is very concerned when she isn't happy.  He adores his big sister and wants to do everything she does (even if she is not crazy about the idea).

We've been waiting and waiting...and Abram is finally ok with staying in a nursery or having someone else watch him!!  The last two times we've dropped him off in nursery he hasn't cried.  And recently he (and Rebecca) stayed with Grandma Holleboom while Justin and Mary went out.  Our mamma's boy is becoming a little more confident and independent.  He even loves it when visitors come to our house now and is happy to give Grandma hugs and kisses when she leaves :)

We are so blessed to have this funny, energetic, compassionate little boy in our lives.  We are thankful Abram is growing and developing well.  It's hard to believe how big he is getting and how grown up he seems already.  God is good.

We are looking forward to his second Christmas and watching him learn and grow in the next year.