Dump Trucks & Shoulder HugsI

I didn't think we would update on a monthly basis after Lucas' first birthday, but he's been developing with incredible leaps and bounds this past month. I can't resist keeping some of these fun events and memories to myself.

Since moving out here to Utah, Lucas has blossomed. I believe he's more adventurous and brave, to sum it all up. Lucas started walking two days after his first birthday and since then has been unstoppable. He is a wild and crazy man, stumbling and wobbling everywhere. It causes nervous feelings for Matt & I, but we do our best to let his spirit develop with confidence and bravery. Unfortunately when he's tired, he has accidents that bring tears... such as the owie on his chin, caused by a dramatic run-in with the coffee table.

In addition, Lucas is talking non-stop. Granted, Lucas has always been a very verbal child... constantly communicating with us. He tells us when he's happy, sad, angry and pointing at things while using a language we do not understand. His communication is not limited to verbal skills, as we've feebly taught him key words with American Sign Language, as to better help him feel in control. As of right now, his verbal skills are limited to Mama, Dada (his fav), hi and random other mimics. I'm just eager for his development to blossom in this area.

Right now, Lucas' favorite past-time is to open and close things... such as doors, cupboards, folders, books and our wallets. He loves things that fold over and in the process of opening, closing, opening, closing... he tells us all about it... in baby language, of course. In an effort to prevent smooshed fingers, we place pillows behind doors and towels over the tops (which keeps the door from closing tight, leaving a gap).

In the car he enjoys crackling water bottles and in the stroller, he kicks his feet up on the tray. He points a birds and talks about people who walk by. He LOVES trucks... semi-trucks and dump trucks. I believe he's most boyish when he sits up tall and talks so exitedly about this loud obnoxious vehicle passing us on the street.

Oh, he's learning so much. He's active... and I can hardly keep up with him. But on the flip side, he's so very tender. It just warms my heart when he stops in the middle of playing, runs up and hugs me. He'll lay his head on my shoulder and just lie there for a moment. When Matt is home, he'll run up, say "Dada" and hug Matt's legs. It's a wonderful reminder that all the affection we give him, is not in vain. We just melt every time. What a precious little boy he is!

I think our boy needs a haircut, wouldn't you agree?