Davis at 18 months

Yes, he's still routinely wearing this little bowl on his head as a hat. It's my favorite.

Our adorable Davis turned 18 months! He's in nursery now and so far he LOVES it. We knew he would. Toys, friends, snacks- it's basically heaven for him.

At 18 months he's more of a daddy's boy than ever before. He goes nuts when he sees his dad, and gets so so sad every time dad leaves for work. He pretty much insists that Ben put him to bed at night. He loves his mommy...until dad is in the room and then mom is not so popular.

 He's running all over the place and talking a lot now! He's starting to say lots of words and clearly understands the things we are saying to him. He's little comedian and likes to tease or do little "bits". He asks for a kiss by smacking his lips, and then mostly just offers you his forehead or cheek to kiss. He also sometimes smacks me so that he can show me "soft". We are working on the not-hitting part of that game and just being soft. He knows what soft means, and does "soft" well, but also thinks it's funny to hit people. I think he likes the contrast? Work in progress.

At his appointment he was 26 pounds (75th percentile) and 32 inches (35th percentile). So there's that from the baby who wasn't even on the growth chart! I knew he'd catch up. He's starting to eat with a fork and spoon, like the big boys. He desperately wants to be big like them and do what they are doing. He has hauled the little balance bike or the boys scooters out of the garage to try to ride them. He always puts on one of their helmets first- he knows the rules! He also frequently dons a little backpack as the kids are getting ready for school. He just always wants to be part of the fun!

School has started again! We did our traditional back to school feast a few nights before school started. The boys were so excited to do this again this year- they helped me come up with the menu. Salmon, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, blueberry jello salad and a poppyseed cake for dessert. We ate with the fancy goblets and hung up our back to school banner. The kids actually wanted crowns this year (as opposed to last year when they told me not to bother because they were silly). It was so fun to put together this feast for my little people. They were so excited for it and we love having a tradition to really celebrate a new school year, new possibilities and how exciting education and learning can be!

We finished the night with Ben giving the boys father's blessings, which was really special. I'm assuming this, of course, because I was mostly in the other room trying to keep Davis quiet. 

The big day was so exciting! They had their outfits picked out a week ahead of time. They were so excited to wear their new shoes and to be at school.  Chase got Mrs. Evans this year. She seems nice and he was really excited because that's who he wanted. It's his first year not being in class with his buddy Luca, which will probably be a good thing for him to branch out and make other friends. This is also his 4th year in a row (counting preschool) with Ella Johnson in his class!

One sweet little story- I talked to him a little before school about how he's a big second grader now and it's his job to watch out for the younger kids in our neighborhood at school (and Hudson, of course). Well another mom, who's son Enox is in 1st grade this year and having trouble with bullies. She told him if he's having trouble at the playground to go find Chase and stand next to him. She said that Enox told her that Chase is always so nice to him, says hi to him on the playground and gives him a skittle. A skittle? So then I asked Chase about it, and yes, sure enough, Chase gets skittles from some random child who brings a bag every day (Chase didn't even know the kid's name) and puts them in his pocket and hands them out to other kids at recess! "One per kid!" According to Chase when I asked him about it. This kid is a born leader and I'm so glad he can be a good friend to these younger kids. We have several older kids in our neighborhood that I know have watched out for Chase at school and I'm glad he can be that kid for someone else. We live in the best neighborhood.'

 Taking pictures before school- and Davis most definitely wanted to be involved! He misses his brothers, mostly "Chase!" who he talks about all day until he gets home!

Hudson is in kindergarten with Mrs. Turner. I think she'll be a great fit for him this year. She's spunky and strict, which I think is a good combo for Huds. He's got Nora Bacciocco in his class, as well as Sophie and Daniel (two other kids from our neighborhood). Hudson is in morning kindergarten and my normally slow-moving boy has been getting ready super quickly every morning because he's so excited to go! I think Kindergarten is going to be a great year for him!