Month 16

If memory serves me correctly, it has been 16 months since our little bundle of Finn-joy came into our lives. Nothing has been the same since. Before Finn, I always thought (to myself) how odd it was that when a parent was asked how old their child was, they responded with an unusually precise 15.75 weeks or 21.5 months.  Which forced me to do the math in my head and go, oh he's almost 4 months old, or she's nearly 2. What was with all this week/month speak? Would I be "that" girl who says her kid is 56 months? 

What I'm now learning is that month-speak is really code to other parents. As in, my son is 16 months old; therefore, it has been 16 months since I slept through the night without waking up to check the monitor to make sure it was still working, 16 months since I have gone to the bathroom ALONE, 16 months since my thoughts haven't constantly revolved around someone else, 16 months since I've gotten dressed up, washed and dried my hair and put on makeup . . . all in the same day, 16 months since, well you get the idea. Basically, it's been 16 months since I wrapped up my heart and gave it to someone else.

As we celebrate 16 months of Finn, I would say it is safe to assume we are in the throes of toddlerhood. His new and favorite word is "NO." Which he says to everything, including, "Do you want ice cream?" Of course he does not want ice cream, why would you even suggest that, wait a minute, what is ice cream? He also likes saying variations of "no" including, but not limited to, "oh, no" and "no go." He is learning where his nose, mouth, eyes, ears are located, but prefers to show you where yours are rather than his. He is starting to go up and down the steps, using his feet, not his fanny. He is starting to be really independent and wants to do things all by himself. He has inherited his Big's love of the outdoors . . .  he wants to be outside all of the time, even when it's raining. And he is extremely impatient. As in, "I want that NOW, not 30 seconds ago, but NOW, wahhhhhhhh." He prefers to run, not walk, everywhere. He loves light switches, fans, anything with an on/off button, so maybe we're raising a future electrician?

 He is so much fun right now, even when he's being a royal pain. It's hard work, but I am really enjoying watching him learn, take in the world and develop his own personality. 

On a side note, I found this article in Newsweek I thought I would share because I found it reassuring and that's something all parents need once in a while, whether they've been a parent for 16 days or 16 years.