Height: 32.5 inches* (this is a very rough estimate)
I still can't get over how quickly you're becoming a big boy. Your walking and climbing skills continue to impress me. The park has even become a little less scary because you have learned how to back down from ledges and stairs and are even a little cautious. (Although, it still infuriates you when daddy or I try to help). You have become very expressive this month. You ramble on and on and even use hand gestures. The only problem is, that with the exception of a few words, we have no idea what you're saying. I can't wait to know what's going on in that little head of yours! You finally added a verb to your vocab and it's a very fitting verb- go! I believe you even said your first sentence. "Let's go!" In fact, I think I've heard it several times... This pretty much sums up our past month. Go, go, go! (Well, at least after you were quarantined with
hand, foot, and mouth disease). You also started saying "don't," a very drawn out and assertive "doooo-ooon't!" You said it for the first time when daddy was trying to help you climb down the stairs. How dare he?! You are Mr. Independent, after all, and want to do everything by yourself- including walking up (and down) stairs.
It has been a very HOT month, so much of our time has been spent at pools and beaches. You're slowly getting more comfortable in the water, but it makes you a little nervous. You're most happy playing in the sand at the edge of the water.
Bryant Lake Beach is our new favorite hangout. It has huge umbrellas that offer some shade from the sun, shallow water, and a wonderful playground. (They also have stand-up paddle boarding, which is a bonus for me!) I have a feeling we'll be spending lots of time here this summer.
We also had a very fun play-date at Lake Calhoun with our friends Bridget and Caroline. She was even sweet enough to feed you some of her snack.
Besides hangin' at the beach, another of your favorite pastimes is picking raspberries. Your first time ever eating a raspberry was after picking it off our bush. I think the tartness shocked you...
I guess you liked it, though, because you continued to eat several more. You're surpisingly good at finding the ripe ones, although once in while you pull off a leaf or unripe berry and try to eat it. Every time we step out the back door you head right for the raspberry bushes and have a little snack. I think you're going to be pretty disappointed when they're all gone...
On Father's Day, we had a barbeque with our immediate families. Daddy
smoked some ribs and grilled some brats. You nibbled on some baked
beans and potato salad and wolfed down a bunch of watermelon and
blueberries (you favorites).
It
was a fun day, but definitely bittersweet since it brings memories of
your grandpa Hacker. I really wish you had the opportunity to meet him
and I wish he had the chance to see what a wonderful dad your daddy is.
It's safe to say he had an amazing role model.
This Fourth of July was the hottest one on record (101 degrees)! We
braved the heat and walked down to the parade in the morning. We thought
that you'd really enjoy it this year, but that wasn't the case. You
were bored after about five minutes. We toughed it out for a little
while, but ended up leaving before it was over. (I think we all were
ready to get back into the air conditioning).
That afternoon, after you took a nice long nap, we went to your great-uncle Bill's for a pool party. Daddy and I had fun swimming, but you seemed to be a little nervous...
I'm a little sentimental this month because almost exactly two years ago
(July 11, 2010) I found out I was pregnant with you. Daddy and I had
been hoping and praying for that moment for over two years and we were
over the moon. We still can't believe how lucky we are- you are truly an
amazing kid. Adventurous. Curious. Funny. Charming. Tenacious. I could
go on and on... (I am your mother, after all). Some of these
characteristics can be
a little challenging to deal with at times, but we LOVE you and your spunkiness and are so thankful to have you in our lives.
Happy 16 months, peanut!
Love, Mom
