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!

71 Weeks

Xander is 71 weeks old! I know this because I have received weekly emails since his birth updating me how old he is and what kids his age are typically like. The one from this week talked about mimicking adults. This is so cute! I returned home from working out and I was showing Paul some plyometric moves from class and Xander started doing squats and lunges all across the room!

Some of Xander's favorite words this week: Saying balloon and signing "milk," which he knows means directly from his mommy and indirectly via a bottle. I caught him trying to sign "poopiter" the other night, but he's still working on that one. Paul thought he said "down" a lot the other day, but that, too, is a work in progress. Things are going really well. Xander is playing, coloring, talking, walking, and eating a ton! He keeps us busy and is so much fun!

Our Little Walker :)

Xander is 15 months old now! He loves to walk along with and also on his own at times. Xander loves to hold our hand and walk down the block as we have been enjoying the more mild fall weather. I love watching him explore his surroundings: Xander picks up leaves and tries to feed them to Molly (she's such a good sport!), he chooses the biggest sticks he can find and drags them along behind him, and he likes to walk in the grass, up hills, up steps, and along fences. Watching him reminds me how awesome our world is and how lucky we are to have time to enjoy it.

Xander has been signing "all done" and continues to talk a lot. He has been really sweet with Molly (and vice versa), and has been eating all sorts of new things! He stills asks to be held ("up") and is often super cuddly. Here's some Xander walking footage:

Trip to Sioux Falls

Xander took another trip to Sioux Falls this weekend.  He hasn't been feeling very well, but he still had a blast walking around Gema and Grandpa Jerry's house and going to the pumpkin patch.  Thanks to Gema for the pics!

XPusher

Xander had such a fun time with his Uncle Jack and Auntie Kate last night! Check out his new moves: