15 Months!

Ethan and Kelly (Ethan's second cousin) checking each other out.  Ethan literally kissed Kelly, which totally freaked her out, but was pretty darn cute!

What a gentleman!

Watching the peacocks at the Bronx Zoo- Ethan looks like he wants to take off and run after one!

Insert "urgent whining" as Ethan waits in line to ride the ferris wheel at Toys R Us in NYC- he could hardly contain himself!

Snuggling the stuffed animals at FAO Shwartz

We did a loop around the toy store probably  5 or 6 times- down the ramp, up the stairs, down the ramp, up the stairs!

Playing on the piano from the movie "Big" Pretty cool!  Doesn't it look like he could be on the Abbey Road cover?

Posing on the piano- I'm lucky I got him to stop for even a second to look at Daddy for a picture!

Hard at Play on Thanksgiving

Daddy, Ethan, and Lego Santa- Daddy is making sure to expose Ethan to legos as much as possible so that they can begin building together soon!

We are back in Maine after spending a few weeks in Connecticut.  We had a lot of fun spending time with family and experiencing new people and places.  One of the very exciting things that Pete and I did with Ethan was take him for his first trip into New York City. I was a bit apprehensive about how we would do now that Ethan prefers walking to be strolled in a carriage, and I was worried about where we would change diapers, nap him, and so on.  Pete encouraged us to bite the bullet and go with the flow, and I am so happy that I took his advice.  Ethan was amazing!  He didn't complain once all day and was content to lounge in his stroller and watch the trucks, buses, and general hustle bustle of the city. 

We brought him to Times Square, specifically to Toys R Us, to ride the ferris wheel.  I thought that he would be mildly impressed, watching the ferris wheel going around, but the minute he saw it, he was practically jumping out of our arms to take a ride!  After riding, we explored the store, making a special stop at Wonka World for Pete! 

We took Ethan to see the Macy's holiday windows, and also to check out the toys at FAO Schwartz.  Ethan had a blast running around the store, practicing going up and down the stairs, and snuggling the huge stuffed dogs.  We couldn't pass up the opportunity to play on the "Big Piano" so Ethan and I threw off our shoes, and did some playing- it was so much fun!  Having kids really does allow the parents to be kids again too!

As many of you know, Ethan is not the greatest sleeper in the world.  He wakes at the slightest sound, and generally does not take naps unless the conditions are just right for him.  Well, at one point we were walking along, making our way to one of our many destinations, and Ethan was in the Ergo carrier on my back.  One second he was pointing and talking and watching the cars and traffic, and literally a minute later, he was zonked out, snoozing on my back- and for that reason alone, we will be making many more visits to the city!!!  All kidding aside, Ethan always seems to surprise us with how able he is to adjust and enjoy his new surroundings.  As a new mom, I'm always cautious and tend to play the "what if" game, but he pleasantly surprises us again and again at his willingness to go with the flow and experience new things.

Another highlight of our time "down south" was Thanksgiving.  We visited with family in New Jersey.  There are lots of kids around Ethan's age.  It is so wonderful to meet every year, and see how the kids have grown and changed and observe them interacting with each other.  Last year, Ethan was just a little guy, so to see the growth over one year is just mind blowing.  Reminds me to be so thankful of the time we have to spend with him and watch him grow.  I am mindful that it goes FAST and so I cherish every single moment.

Ethan is 15 months old now and we are loving this age.  He is becoming more and more expressive about his needs and wants, and we love that we are able to communicate with him and have him communicate back.  When we ask for a snuggle, his puts in cheek right up to ours and wraps his arms around us!  He has mastered the word no, with a head shake and all.  Only problem is that now, he goes around to all of the things that we've said no to, touches them anyway, and says, "No, no, no" repeatedly.  For example, he'll touch the outlets (they are covered!) and says, "No!"  I guess in a way it's a good thing, because it's a tell that he's doing something he shouldn't, and we're able to redirect him.  But he doesn't quite have down the concept that "no" means you stop doing whatever it is that you shouldn't be doing!

Ethan is also saying more and more words.  He'll say, "Boo" for the cow sound, and he's got a great deep throaty "Quack" for a duck.  He says, "Mama", "Papa", "Ball", "Apple", "Melmo", "Ba" for Barley, and of course, as I mentioned, "No!"  One my favorites is "Nah."  He has definitely picked that one up from me, as I'll use that to redirect him to something else.  It's hysterical to hear him repeat, "Nah" when he decides to switch activities!

Last night, we were watching Elmo ("Melmo")- a new favorite of Ethan's- and Elmo started dancing.  Ethan started dancing around the room as well, moving his head, bouncing up and down, tapping his head, and clapping his hands.  He was dancing so passionately that he had to hold on to a laundry basket that was nearby just so he wouldn't fall over.  Pete and I just watched him and laughed at how insanely adorable this little person is!

Lastly ( I know this is a long one!) we took Ethan to the pediatrician for his 15 month check yesterday.  When the nurse measured his height, she thought for sure he'd be off the growth chart, and he nearly was- 33 inches puts him in the 95- 97% for height.  He weighed 26 lbs. 11 oz., which is 75% for weight.  And his head size is still hanging in there in the 50% range. 

Pete and I were commenting on how huge a difference this check-up at 15 months was from the last one at 12 months.  Yesterday, Ethan was walking around the exam room, playing with the toys, flirting with the doctor, opening the door and trying to escape and generally performing for the nurses and doctor. He has such a big personality!  The doctor and nurse repeatedly commented on what a happy, healthy little guy Ethan is- what more can we ask for?  Absolutely nothing!