James is Nineteen Months Old

This picture pretty much sums up what life with the "toddler tornado" is like these days.  He is never sitting still for more than a couple of seconds at a time -- always on the "go" -- and most likely running barefoot.  He climbs onto everything; no distance is too far and no surface is too challenging.  For example, I walked into the dining room to find him just casually sitting in the middle of the table.

I often comment that my life was forever changed when Jack became a toddler.  Following two girls, he was a completely different child to raise.  He was always wanting to be outside, always getting into things, breaking items (not maliciously; just inquisitively) and always keeping me at least two steps ahead of him whenever possible.

But Jimmy is even more challenging.  He wants to do everything that Jack used to do ... but do it at a younger age because he wants to try to be just like his big brother.  The running/climbing/throwing has started a good 6 months earlier than it did with Jack (if not more).  Yes, those two boys can be dangerous together!

Jimmy's vocabulary is still very limited.  His favorite word is "cookie," so much so that I might even consider it one of his first words.  He takes directives well and is very clear on what he wants and doesn't want.  He has three older siblings that talk for him so he is not in a rush to do so.

He still continues to take two naps for me, even though I was sure that he would drop the morning one this summer.  He seems to need both (but can skip the morning one if we need to) and still sleeps about 11-12 hours at night.  He is in his crib and will likely continue to be there for a few more months.  (I transitioned the other kids out between 19-22 months and will do so around the same time or when he attempts to climb out -- whichever comes first).

We have started using the deadbolt on all of the house doors now because James is very good and opening the doors and escaping outside.  The older kids KNOW that the doors must be locked at all times.  He's the happiest outside and our hardest days are usually the ones when it is raining and we are cooped up inside.

This Fall, it will just be him and me three mornings a week and I am excited to have a little one-on-one time with him.  So often, the fourth child gets thrown into the mix and is forced to share me with the others and have no choice in the matter.  But, I have big plans to read lots of books, do lots of puzzles (he is just starting to show an interest in them) and soak up the final days of good weather here as much as we can ...