FOURTEEN MONTHS!

Our scale needs batteries, I'll have weight/height later on...

As many people have observed, at this point there is no denying that Ian is "ALL BOY!"

-His favorite toy is by far a ball! He will point them out wherever we go! Obsessed! :)
-Can climb up and down stairs all by himself! He goes down them backwards, but does it alone!
-Labeling objects spontaneously in books. (Dog, baby, daddy, and ball of course!)
-Gets us to help him with tasks...i.e., he's in the kitchen trying to open the cabinet, comes and pulls our arm and puts it on the cabinet to open it for him).
-Is becoming increasingly independent..."Come here" now sometimes gets a, "No!" as he continues on his own path!
-Turns around backwards, and backs into you to sit in your lap, (most of the time with book in hand!)
-Matches up the correct lids with containers (simple matching).
-Blows his nose for dad!
-Read books OUT LOUD to himself.
-Up to 45 minutes in the mornings he will play by himself in the crib.
-Favorite books at this stage are ones with simple pictures of household objects and any that involve flaps to lift.
-Throws with incredibly good aim! The ball almost always goes right where he is looking!
-Has mastered the art of walking up and down a ramp...without falling. (For the most part at least).
-Understands the concept of a doorknob, but still can't operate standard height ones. (WHEW!)
-Appears to be teething again, finger/thumb sucking has appeared off and on.
-Does not put inappropriate objects in his mouth anymore!
-Is interested in shape sorting toys.
-Experiments in tub/kiddie pool with holding his breath and putting own head underwater.
-Often engages in interactive play with other kids, as opposed to all parallel.
-Initiates simple activities with others! (Ex: brings a bowl and puts on everyone's head!)
-Understands correction/consequences with a simple time out. Nods head when asked, are you going to be nice now?
-Said "Amen!" after a prayer! And, "The end" after books!
-Recognizes uniform as what dad wears...calls to other Marines as "Daddy!"
-Loves to sit in chairs like a big boy!
-Feeds himself with increasing dexterity. He will now break up larger pieces of food into smaller pieces if he can't bite off a smaller chunk, and will also use a scooping (as opposed to dipping) motion with a spoon. Also some success with fork stabbing!
-Is in almost constant movement...he's always up to something! :)

Again, just an idea of all of the ways Ian is growing...inside and out! His relationship building skills are extending beyond his own desire to be the center of attention! One of my favorite things to see is how he recognizes playmate Jared and wants to follow him around and copy everything he does...just like brothers!

Every month it amazes me how much he is able to know and learn! I really have to sit and think hard about all of the things he is doing! He's so busy!

Again, every month that passes by I am so thankful for the wonder God has given us, the opportunity to raise up a child in His service. Every day is another little miracle! :)