14 Months.

I often look at Spencer and wonder how he changed so fast. He seems to grow up faster every day, yet at the same time it feels like this is how he’s always been and always will be.

I remember when he was a newborn and I thought, “I’m going to miss this so much.” I thought the same thing when he was 6 months, and 8 months, and so on. But each stage is more fun! Now, when I look at his “baby” pictures, it doesn’t feel like I’m looking at the same child.

This Spencer, 1 year old crazy toddler Spencer, feels like the child I’ve always had. And this time, I really mean it – I’m going to miss this age when it’s over. I absolutely love having a one year old.

So, Jan. 18th makes 14 months for our dude. Here are the fun things he has picked up in the last month:

1) He started walking! Finally! He let go of the walls and took off. It was adorable to see how cautious and methodical he was in learning to walk. Almost like he wasn’t going to do it until he was confident in his ability to do it safely and without flaw. He is truly my child.

2) He has started this thing where he will stick his pointer finger out at someone, blink one eye and stick his tongue out, and wait until they touch their pointer finger to his. I know he’s had a good nap when he’s pointing and winking from his crib.

3) On that note, he’s really, really into people. He lives to be out in public. He loves attention and stares or makes noises at people until they talk to him. He says “hiiii” and waves to people at the store, at restaurants, wherever we are, he’s trying to make friends. I love that about him and I hope he holds onto his happy, outgoing  disposition as he grows.

4) He is learning animal sounds and will mimic things he sees on his “music videos.” His favorite cartoon is a Little Baby Bum nursery rhyme video on Netflix, and we watch it multiple times a day. I’m so impressed that when I say “what does the horse say?,” Spencer knows to respond  with “neigh.” Right now, he knows the sounds for horse, cat, sheep, frog, and has an arm gesture for elephant. I can’t believe how quickly he is learning!

5) On a more frustrating note, he has also started hitting us and throwing things. I know it’s just an experimental phase, but… mommy and daddy are tired of getting walloped.

Welcome to 14 months, baby! I’m so proud of you.