What's Up with Xander

Xander is almost 18 months old now!  He's such a busy kiddo, always finding something interesting to play with.  Xander's latest word is "ball," which he loves to throw and bounce on.  Xander has a new interest:  standing on anything that will make him taller, such as books, his tambourine, and boxes.  He also likes to sit on things now, like his elephant toy (not meant to sit on!), his Mollydog, and the aforementioned ball.  Like his father, Xander things running is fun!  He laughs as he runs back and forth across the house.  Xander is like a parrot these days in that he mimics sounds and words he hears.  We were listening to birds outside yesterday, and Xander was making bird sounds.  He also repeats many words he hears throughout the day.  Xander has no patience--when he wants something, he has to have it right away, whether it's food (he signs for "more" snacks) or milk (he signs for this, then goes and stands by the bedroom door).  I can't believe how long he is; at times, he still seems so small, but then moments later will seem so grown up.  Oh yeah, and Xander has a new favorite toy:  the scale.  He sneaks into the utility room and bounces up and down on the scale to see the numbers move and listen to the noises.  He's so much fun!