Carter at 17 Months

Sweet Carter, how can you already be 17 months?!  You are growing so fast and becoming a little more independent with each passing day.  This past month was a bit rough with nap transitions, teeth cutting and just plain whining/neediness.  However, I see so much progress in the past week or so.  Your speech and understanding have really taken off and we've finally got the sleep thing figured out! 

Even though we've had our share of 'moments' this month you have been so much fun!  You and your brother are playing together more and more and have so much fun together.  I love seeing you run after him and tackling him.  You guys are hilarious and I love to hear you laugh together!  We moved your crib into Cade's room a couple of weeks ago and you guys have done great together.  I think you both really enjoy having the other one in there at night.  So thankful for this smooth transition because its time to make room for sister!  You guys do sleep separately at nap time but other than that have done great.  I love our family time before bed in your room with both of you in your beds.  We all sing, pray and read Bible story.  It's such a sweet and special time. 

Another thing I love about you at this age is that you are still super cuddly.  One of my favorite things is to be sitting on the floor and you run over and give me a huge hug.  You are very affectionate and I definitely see physical touch being one of your ways of showing love.  Now, you don't just give out affection to anyone, but you freely hug and kiss me and your Daddy.  I love it!!  You have also become very attached to your stuffed zebra lately.  Since about 9 months you've had to have it in your bed at night/naptime, but in the past couple of weeks you've carried him around EVERYWHERE!  You won't leave him in your crib when I get you up and you drag him around the house all day.  He does stay in the car during outings, but you are not very happy about it.  It's so cute seeing you walk around with it since it's almost the same size as you.

You still wear a size 4 diaper and are pretty much wearing all 18 month clothes.  You are definitely still an eater and tend to have an opinion about what and when you eat.  Milk is still a priority at bedtime and you won't even swallow juice.  Your favorites right now are cheese, yogurt, cereal(with milk), pretty much any fruit, crackers and spaghetti. This month you have finally started letting us read to you.  You love your little board books and will bring them to us and say 'book' over and over until we read to you.  However, you don't normally sit still while we read, but prefer to stand and point to all the pictures as we go.  No sitting still for you!

 You love any and all kinds of sports involving a ball.  Your recent obsession has been kicking the ball, but its probably because Cade is playing soccer now and that's what we're doing.  If you see football on TV you will point to the TV and say "ball".  You don't have much interest in many other toys aside from the balls.  Other than that you just carry things around from room to room.  

We love you sweet boy and all your craziness!  You bring so much joy and life to our little family.  We can't imagine our family without you.  Excited to see what month 18 has in store, but please slow down with the growing.  You are getting too big too fast!!