19 Months

I am shamefully late posting Carver's 19 month blog. Yes, I know he will be 20 months in a mere 4 days...

Never fear, I've tried to really think about what to actually include in this posting versus the next one I will do next week. And, it is actually a little difficult to remember what new/different things he was doing in month 19 and what he is doing now in what I consider month 20. It's a little confusing.

Here is my best attempt at documenting month 19.

1) Carver is still mostly non-verbal. When I can force his pacifier out of his mouth he gets very chatty but, really, all of it is indistinguishable. He does have a list of words he can say, he just doesn't normally choose to. It can be a little frustrating. His new favorite word is "hot." He has probably heard this word more than any other this summer. Every time we walk outside I complain that it is hot; or I tell him we can't play outside because it is "too hot." Now everything is "hot." He does seem to have a general understanding of the meaning. He often says it when we are outside, or in reference to the oven (though not necessarily only when it is actually hot).

2) We had a quick visit with Ellen, Terry, and Emerson toward the end of June. It was SO GREAT to see Ellen-- our visits are rather infrequent, and it was really fun to get to spend a little time with Emerson and watch her and Carver together. (Sidenote: I also really enjoy getting to see Terry. I don't know him super well, but he is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He has a way of making you feel so important and welcome. It is a really great quality.)

Notice Carver's tan lines.

I adore this picture. This is probably a typical response to some of Carver's antics. Emerson is clearly saying, "What on earth are you doing???"

3) We spent the 4th of July out at camp but, unfortunately, with darkness falling after 9 p.m., the little one did not get to see any fireworks :(

Playing on this piece of machinery is Carver's favorite thing to do at camp. He could sit here all day...

A little 4th of July pool party-- notice the festive suit.

4) The temper is still very present and part of our daily lives. I will say, however, that I think things have been a little better. My patience has improved some and I've been reading some parenting books. (Don't laugh-- they really are pretty good). I'm still working out a strategy for discipline so I'll let you know when that happens. Carver is never really "bad," it is just a matter of needing to curb certain behaviors, you know?

5) Favorites: breakfast, playing outside, sidewalk chalk, Wheat Thins Chips (garden veggie), milkshakes, kitchen cabinets and drawers.

6) Least favorites: brushing teeth, being told "no," diaper changes (still?!?), highchairs and shopping carts.

7) Sleeping patterns: Nap: (1) 2-3 hours; Bedtime: 8:00, Wake up: 7:30-8:00.

8) Visited a local petting zoo with Nana and Papa (and me)!


Carver and I have had a really good summer. I feel like his transition into toddler-hood has been apparent these last weeks. He is fiercely independent but still likes to be held and loved on. (for brief moments). With Daniel busy all summer we had even more bonding time than usual. I feel like he is my little sidekick. He goes everywhere I go and though I get really tired and frustrated sometimes, I wouldn't change a thing.

My cup is full and I am overwhelmed. In a good way.