3.30.11 - Happy 18 Months!

Liam -  Happy 18 months!

Dear Liam,

You are 18 months old today.   I am so proud of the little man you are becoming.  Everyday, you amaze daddy and me on the new things you do and say; and make me teary-eyed when I realize how quickly you are growing up.  We love you so much more each day, I didn't know it was even possible to love you more than I do now.  Three heart surgeries, one g-tube surgery, two heart caths and hundreds of doctors appointment, therapies and tube feedings later, you are truly our miracle, God's miracle. 

One year ago...first oral feeding!

You are so smart, Liam.  The things you can say at your age and say so well, like no, go, daddy, momma, hot dog, cat, walk, down, up, milk, keys and your probably favorite word right now - juice.  You are a wonderful communicator and we are so proud of you.  You know signs for more, eat, done and I am teaching you milk, but you always like to wave the other way!  Your little facial expressions, like your "Oh!" face are so cute and make us laugh and giggle.  You have picked up quite a few of your gestures from Grandpa.  Your hands behind your head when your relaxing is your signature "move".  Everyone thinks you are so cute when you do it, even total strangers.

You are SO close to walking on your own.  You take 3-5 steps towards daddy and I (and the furniture at times!) and are very confident.  Still a little wobbly, but it won't be long!  You love to be outside too.  Walking or scooting on your bottom, you love the outdoors (and have put a few holes in the bottom of a FEW pairs of pants while doing so!).  In fact, you go with daddy to the mail box everyday to check the mail and cry when you have to come back in.  When it's nice we go for walks and you just love it.  You are always pointing at your stroller saying "Walk, walk!".  

You are doing great on eating and again, we are just so proud of what a big boy you have become.  Your favorite foods are hot dogs,eggs, ketchup, cheese, fruits and veggies, lunch meat and goldfish.  You also have been drinking your yogurt milk like a champ since we started weaning you off the tube feedings and have managed to gain weight!  We are so glad we can finally cut back on the tube feedings, as your favorite feeding chair, the Nap Nanny, has quickly become no match for you and you have escaped from it's confines several times lately =)  We can really only tube feed you if you are asleep.  But at the rate you are going, we won't need to worry about that for long! 

You still sleep through the night and nap well during the day most days.  You take one nap a day, usually from around noon- 2 or so.  You always manage to fall asleep in the car.  No matter what time of day, if the trip is longer than 10 minutes, you'll be asleep by the time we arrive.  You love to "Go" in the car and LOVE riding in shopping carts.  Mimi and I love that you are a very well-behaved little shopper!  You also love going out to eat.  You are just so happy all the time.  We rarely hear you cry unless you get frustrated at something or fall down, and even then it is very short-lived.  You laugh at everything and smile and giggle constantly.  

Liam, your are one fabulous little boy.  We love you so much and are honored to be chosen as your parents.  You are a true blessing, our hero and our heart.  We can't wait to see what the next few months will bring!  Hugs and kisses sweet boy!  And Happy 18 Months!!

Love,

Your momma XoXo