18 months old

I can't believe it but Cooper is 18 months old. It makes me so sad that he is closer to turning 2 than he is to turning 1. We went in for his check-up on the 17th. Our pediatrician Dr. Shellie Ring is amazing! She actually took over my pediatricians practice so we have been going to her for a long time. She was Chase and Aspen's pediatrician but by the time she came around I didn't really have to go to the pediatrician much. She is young and bubbly and so nice. We just LOVE her!!! Anyways she just moved offices and is now at the Riverton hospital. This was our first appointment at the new office. The only down side is the old office was right next to Brad's work so it was easy for him to come. Now it is so far that he wasn't able to make it.

Cooper was so funny at the new office. He wasn't so sure about the new people and the new environment. The elevator totally freaked him out! He was a big boy and walked from the car inside but once the elevator started moving he wanted to be held, then once we got off he wanted down again. In the rooms there is a full length mirror and a computer. He couldn't get enough of either. It was so hard trying to get him to not play with the keyboard and mouse. Once Dr. Ring came in he froze. He had no emotion on his face and wouldn't talk at all. He just stared at her the whole time. But at least he didn't cry! Cooper looked perfectly healthy. He even passed the autism evaluation that they do at the 18 month check-up. Not that I was worried but it is still nice to hear! The best part of the appointment was NO SHOTS!!!!! Cooper surprised us with how much he has grown. He has always been low on the percentage charts but not this time baby! He weighs as much now as I gained when I was pregnant with him. I don't know how I did it....he is a tub to carry around!

Cooper 18 month stats:
weight: 25.79 lbs 49%
height: 32.48 in 56%
head: 18.9 in 57%

Cooper is so much fun at this age. He has turned into a toddler. He is talking up a storm and is so independent.

Words Cooper is saying (that I can remember):

mom
dad (Da)
papa (what he calls my dad)
baby (rocks his arms like is he holding a baby when he says this)
his version of "what's this"
juice
milk
cheese
finished (his own version of course)
shoes
socks
please
more
no
yes
uh oh
ball
bite
bath
hi
bye
up
help
sleep
fish
fruff (dog)
wa (water) and touches his nose at the same time
buddy and Inna for Indiana
orange
tickle, tickle, tickle
soft
jump
block
book
apple
animals sounds: dog, horse, cow, fish, elephant, lizard (sticks his tongue out), monkey, lion, bear, bird

Cooper Things now a days

• when he needs or wants his diaper changed he goes and gets a diaper then lays down for you to change him
• runs upstairs when you say lets take a bath
• understands so much! All day I say certain things and he completely understands me

• is officially forward facing in the car seat
  
• takes one nap a day

• Still does almost everything I mentioned in his 15 months update
  
• points to everything and wants you to tell him what it is

• loves to look at himself in the mirror
• is a total diva.....you put a hat or scarf on him and he rushes to the mirror to check himself out

• loves headbands, sunglasses or anything he can put on his head
• doesn't like high chairs at restaurants he wants to sit at the booth. But actually eats better this way anyways

He hit is face on our neighbors stairs. It was quite traumatic and lots of blood involved. His lips were so swollen he looked like a different baby for about 2 days. But he didn't let it stop him at all.

• runs and puts his dirty clothes in the laundry room after he is changed
• has discovered how to unzip his feetie pajamas so he is usually half dressed when he wakes up

• runs like a maniac
• insists on using forks/spoons when eating
  

• has quite the arm.....this kid can throw
• has 14 teeth
  

• LOVES the swimming pool.....total 360 from the summer. He puts his head under, runs around, goes down the slide, plays hard, jumps off the edge with no hesitation and likes his face getting splashed

• loves giving hugs and kisses
• repeats words when you tell him to

• every time he goes upstairs he pats his leg and makes this noise (almost like a kissing noise) with his mouth to get Indiana to follow him
• so talkative.....is always going a million miles a minute and you have no clue what he is saying most of the time
  

talking and climbing at it's best

Cooper is definitely a crazy, energetic, loud, BOY but we wouldn't have him any other way. He has made the past year and half so exciting. I can't wait to see what else this child has in store for us!!!!!