Cohen - 18 months.

I know every post of mine about the boys growing up begins with "how did this happen" and "time goes too quickly".  I hate cliche sayings as much as the rest of you, but those 2 statements will always ring true.

Cohen Michael,
Today you are 18 months old... 1.5 years old... inching closer to 2 every day.  It feels impossible, yet it feels like you've been in our family all along.  You make me smile on a daily basis and your laugh is one of the most contagious I've heard.

You and Jaxon are really starting to play together.  Every morning as I get you out of your crib, you point and say "ah?", which I know means you want to see your brother.  I carry you down the hallway as your legs start squirming out of my arms the closer we get to Jax.  As soon as you see him, your smile appears and again, with the "ah?", so that Jaxon will acknowledge you.  Then your day with him begins, at his side.  You are a train lover which I'm positive is a direct effect that your brother has had on you.  You are his side-kick.  If he is in time-out, so are you, by your choice only.  If he has been sent to his room, you are outside his door waiting for him to come out.  If he's napping while you're awake, you knock on his door.  Long gone are the days of different meals or drinks for you boys.  You have to have whatever Jaxon has, fork and all.  Of course this means fights between the two of you have also began, but of course that is inevitable.  One of these days I know I'll find you guys wrestling and won't be able to do anything about it.

(WAY overdue for a haircut at Easter time)

You're also a huge fan of your Daddy.  You cry when he leaves a room and jump up and down (or try to!) when he gets home from work.  That's alright.... he's a really great guy and I'm so glad you love him as much as you do.  I happen to think you'll always be a Momma's boy deep down.

Your vocabulary primarily consists of "ah... ah??... ah!!" for everything, and once in a while we'll get a "Mama" or "Dada" out of you.  I have always heard that the second child speaks quicker than the first one did, but that's definitely not the case in our family.  Jaxon was pretty delayed in his speech, and I haven't figured out yet if you're going to be that way as well, or if you're just extremely stubborn.  Time will tell.

You have a huge love/hate relationship with dogs.  You get excited about them from a distance, but get nervous/scared once they get close.  You would spend all day every day outdoors if I allowed, and start yelling from excitement if I announce we're going bye-bye.  You are extremely attached to your monkey, and of course your binky and blanket as well.  You can follow almost any direction I give you, such as "go get your shoes" - "can you throw that away?" - "go find your monkey!" - "go put this away, please." - etc.  You love to give hi-5's to anyone who asks for one, as well as kisses and hugs, and wow... you are a dancin' machine!  I love your tender and sweet heart, although you definitely have an ornery side to you as well.  Your nickname quickly became "honey badger" and if anyone has seen the youTube video, they know why.

Probably the most "unique" thing about you right now is how you LOVE to stuff things down your pants or shirt.  We find your binky in the foot of your jammies frequently, and any time food quickly disappears, it's because it's in your pants or down your shirt.  You love to stuff toys down there as well, and think it's the funniest thing when they fall out as you start walking.

This is one of my favorite stages, as you are becoming more independent but yet still want & need Mommy. You are discovering new things each day, and I love how your personality is really starting to shine.  You are officially a "big boy", as people constantly remind me when they see you.  One of the most frequent things I've heard lately is "he looks all grown up... not a baby anymore!"  Yes, it is true, though most days I still can't believe it.

I love you, Cohen Michael!  I am so thankful that I was chosen as your Mommy.