The Lion at 14 Months

I only recently realized that I'm a week late on talking about 14 months.  So, we've been busy, with a whole lot of crud that I can't go into, but you'll just have to believe me and enjoy the late recap. 

Our little terror is getting bigger, faster, more opinionated, and better at getting into trouble.  Don't get me wrong, I love him to bits, and he can be hilarious, fun, and SO smart...but OH so tiring.

Physical Feats

Robby's now at least a jogger, if not a runner.  He is FAST.  We were at TJ Maxx the other day, and he was sprinting down aisles giggling at the top of his lungs.  Thank goodness for the giggling, because I kept losing him!  I literally couldn't keep up!  (Note: Penn State attire is CHEAP there.  See the 2T outfit that Chris decide he needed to model.)  He can now put puzzle pieces back in the right holes (is that physical or mental?), can use a spoon, but it's slow so he gives up, can go backwards on his bike, though he hasn't figured out forward yet, and actually is falling MORE because he is moving too fast and not being careful enough. 

Mental Feats

Talking really hasn't improved.  He does tell you that a car or truck goes "Vroom" and makes the noise while pushing his toys around, but that's about it.  He is the biggest tattle tale on his furry dog sister.  If she gets on the couch he runs over pointing at her screaming, "DOOOOOOG, AHHHHHH!"  Meaning, "Dog, off!" in English.  He knows what he wants to eat, what he wants to drink, and, on occasion, even what he wants to wear sometimes now.  It can make for a lot of temper tantrums.  EVERYTHING is a reason for a wet noodle and screaming, even if it is just that you walked 5 feet away to get his shoes before you go outside.  He knows routines VERY well, and if you start one that makes him happy (like going on the evening walk) or sad (Mommy leaving for work) he reacts long before you think he'd realize what is going on.  At daycare when I pick him up, he now insists on carrying his own bag, and walking (at least part of the way) to the car himself.  He'd walk the whole way, but what can I say, I get impatient.   

Trouble

Right now, we're starting some discipline tactics.  Mostly, we're trying to start using time outs.  They're only a minute long right now, and not working so well yet, but we're trying.  He KNOWS what they mean, but it doesn't seem to stop him.  Yesterday, we did about 5 in a row of, "If you hit mommy again, you're going to time out," followed immediately by Robby hitting me again.  Hopefully it catches on soon.  I'm taking pointers from Lauren's post here.  I can only hope he gets as good as AM at it!

Favorite Things

Right now, Robby loves vehicles.  Trucks, especially, but cars and bikes are close seconds.  He also still loves dogs.  His favorite toys are, not surprisingly, his toy cars and trucks, and his ride-on bike.  I did manage to damage him when I was pushing the bike and didn't realize he had let go.  Ok, no permanent damage, but I felt awful that he fell, got a bruise on his forehead, and cried a lot.  His favorite foods are yogurt, graham crackers, popsicles, and cereal.  Hmm...have we entered a carb/junk food phase?  We really do try and feed him healthy food.  Daycare is not helping.  Their menu is SO carb heavy.  I'm trying to decide what to do about it, actually.  He used to eat about 75% of his fruits and veggies at daycare when we sent his meals in...now...it's a problem.  He's started swim lessons and SQUEALS the entire class.  Even the teacher couldn't get over how absolutely fearless he is.  He is not the oldest, or the most advanced kid in the class, but he IS the one jumping off the edge on his own and dunking his head.  I think I'm going to have to worry about my daredevil in the future! 

All in all, I still think you're a pretty awesome kid, lil man.  You're definitely a mama's boy, even if you're as rough and tumble as they come.  I love that you come over for hugs "just because" and still check in with me...before you run off, climb something, or pull something over or out of the wall.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Love you!