Kaleb-15 Months

Kaleb had his 15 month appointment last week. He was 32 inches tall (75th percentile) and just shy of 29 pounds (95th percentile). The doc suggested we try to give him a little less milk to see if his weight/height ratio will even out. We also had a discussion about his communication skills, primarily because Ammon and I aren't quite sure if he's really talking yet. He can say "More, Please" and "All Done" in sign language and he definitely understands things that we say (Mom, Dad, Hi, Water, Milk, No, Ball, Shoes, Kisses, Hugs, Dancing, Remote, Pieces [of a puzzle or toy], Put it Back, Can I have that, Change the Diaper, In there, Take a Bath, etc), but it's very seldom he says anything that actually sounds like another word. He often makes sounds that repeat what we're saying, like Ha for Hi and Ayaya for I love you, but he doesn't seem to even call Ammon Daddy or me Mommy. The doctor said she won't be too worried about it unless he's at the same level at 18 months. Thankfully, my sis-in-law is a speech therapist and I was able to get some professional advice and comfort. We'll focus a little more on speaking with him and see how things go.

Some more Kalebisms:

***He now flirts. He will give a little smile that brings out his adorable dimples and giggles in a high pitched-tickled-type-fashion like he's being coy. He does it randomly to anyone. More often with people he knows, but occasionally it's with an old man at the grocery store or a baby at church. I get a kick out of it cause it seems to make him happier just when he does it.

***Interactive Play. Since we've been spending more time with his cousins Christian and Ellie over the last few months, they've been opening up more and he's learning how to actually interact in play. Plus, he has been handing me toys to get me to play with him or show him how to play with them. It's so fun to see his mind grow and learn.

***Stacking Duplo Blocks. He's no expert, but about 60% of the time he can put them together. Small feat, but one I want to document.

***Baby Love! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but Kaleb loves babies!!!! He's so gentle and has to be around them!!! There was a lady with a 3-month-old at the mall playplace and he gave the baby hugs and crawled up into the mom's lap to make sure he had his arm around the baby and could give kisses. It makes me so proud!! Thankfully the mom was understanding and enjoyed his attentions.

***Binky-free. Kaleb has been sleeping without a pacifier for a full week now. About a month ago we tried to wean him from it, but he got sick after the first night, so we decided not to give him extra sleeping stress. Big mistake because Kaleb got doubly attached to it after that. Thankfully he has done pretty well this week. It takes him a little longer to get to sleep and occasionally with a few tears, but nothing like the drama I was expecting.