Bear at 20 months

Baby Bear is such a joy and talking more and more each day.  I can’t even keep up with the words that he is saying because he’s adding them so fast.  He’s putting 2 and 3 words together but just the basics, ex: “let me in, give me that, I love you,” etc.

Also, he’s started going #1 in the potty (8 times so far).  I know I know, it’s nothing to celebrate because it could (and likely will) be another year or more before he’s actually potty trained but it was exciting to think that a time will exist when I’m not buying daytime diapers.

It’s so interesting to me that my boys have such different personalities and interests.  Jack would just play for ever in his crib in the mornings, Bear immediately cries for Jay or I to come get him.  Jack was very into action toys but not so much for cars and trucks.  Bear LOVES cars and trucks and is actually obsessed with Chuck (the dump truck) books.  We read the Chuck and Friends book about 8 or 10 times each day.  And then again at bed time.  He loves cars and trucks. 

Bear also loves shoes and socks.  He’s obsessed with putting on and taking off his own shoes.  Now, Jack has always been very independent and I assumed it was because he was a first born.  But Bear, my baby, is also very independent.  He tries to put on his own pants, shoes and socks.  I guess he knows the shirt is a lost cause because he doesn’t even try and there is no way he could get it on himself anyway.  On a typical day while watching Jackson get dressed Bear will put a pair of Jack’s underwear on over his own clothes.  It’s pretty funny.

Bear doesn’t like tv.  If there is anything that Bear will watch it’s Caillou on Sprout.  But he’ll only watch about 5 minutes before he’s off into something else. 

Bear likes to snuggle.  He loves to lay in our bed and cuddle but he’s not nearly as free with his hugs and kisses as Jackson is and was.  He’s such a sweet little man but you have to work for it a little more than with Jack.

Bear is a pretty good eater.  He of course loves pizza and mac and cheese but he also eats soup (which Jackson still won’t touch) and easily eats his veggies.  Both boys are pretty easy eaters at this point and I LOVE that!

Bear is a great sleeper and I am well aware of what a blessing that is for us.  Bear goes to bed around 6 or 6:30 and sleeps until 7 a.m.  He also takes a nap from about 1 until about 3:30.  He goes down very easily and sleeps through the night unless he is sick or teething. 

Jackson loves his baby brother and is a fantastic big brother.  Jack is so patient with Baron and really always has been.  Bear on the other hand is a little jealous of any time I spend or affection that I give to Jack.  If Jack is in my lap while I read Bear will try to push him away and actually hit him while screaming, “no, my mommy!”  Of course we don’t put up with that and Bear will have to learn that being the baby does not give him exclusive mommy rights.  Jack doesn’t get upset though. 

It’s amazing (and a little sad) that my baby is already nearing 2 years old but it’s also so amazing and such a huge blessing to watch our boys grown into little people.

Bear loves to play and laugh.  I know all kids are like that but Bear loves to do “ready, set, go loves” just like Jack did at this age.  Bear will get as far away from us as possible and then yell ready, set, go!  Then he runs as fast as he can to give Jay or I a huge hug.  It’s my favorite game too.  Jack thought it up when he was Bears age and they both bust out laughing when they get to us for the hug.  It’s one of those super simple things that can take a bad mood and turn it into a great one.  Dance parties in the kitchen are the same way.  Both boys love it when we crank up the tunes in the kitchen and just dance like crazy.  We started doing dance parties when Jay was traveling and by the end of the week the end of the days would just wear me out (after having not seen Jay in 4 days) so I did them to change my mood and lift my spirits.  Now we do them when the boys are in a bad mood or fussy.  It always puts smiles on their faces.

Alright, there’s Bear at 20 months!

FYI-I’m working on a blog post about Jack but there are SO many funny stories and quotes that it’s taking me forever.  But I wanted to have a quick snapshot of Bear at such a sweet and fun age before the holidays make things super busy.