N: 14 Months

Nathanael Spencer Harper. October 2011

N reached 14 months at the middle of October. I'm a bit behind in posting, but wanted to make sure & get this in before we find ourselves in the middle of November!

Our little N is getting so big!

He continues to impress us with his jovial & easy going personality.

When he smiles, his cheeks frame his adorable lips--showing off all 8 teeth (4 on top, 4 on bottom) and you can't help but smile back. It's literally contagious.

He loves being outside, even though he isn't walking yet--he seems so ready to just run around with his big brother! He has taken several steps (as many as 6 at one time) and spends the majority of his time at home walking from one piece of furniture to another. He is SO close! He claps when he knows he has put forth a good effort--proud of himself.

N likes to splash in the bathtub (especially likes playing with big bro in the tub!), and in the last month has given both Mom & Dad the opportunity to clean extra 'gifts' out of the tub during bath time. We are hoping this is just an October thing and by next month he'll be over it. HA!

N still loves to eat (this morning he ate an orange, banana, and a full serving of oatmeal), and gets VERY upset if he sees someone eating something different than what he has on his tray. He usually eats in his booster seat on top of the kitchen island. It's just easier for this 7 month prego Mama to clean up after him that way. He prefers feeding himself, isn't very interested in drinking cow's milk, and so far doesn't seem to have any food allergies.

On walks, he loves to ride in the stroller. At the park, he prefers to swing and just recently decided it is *sometimes* fun to slide as well. At the store he loves to be buckled in the two-seaters, situated right by his brother and with a full view of our shopping adventure. In the car, he enjoys the ride. At friends house, he loves to explore. At home, he mostly wants to be wherever big brother is playing.

N trying out the microphone while STANDING UP 10/2011

N is fascinated by airplanes (points & mentions them when they fly overhead...which is often...since we live close to the airport), small bugs, and squirrels. He doesn't have any words that are very recognizable yet, but we're getting close. He has an infectious, bubbly laugh and enjoys a rousing game of Peek-A-Boo with anyone willing to play with him. Also, he has added "ball throwing" to his repertoire.

N has been back on his good sleeping schedule for awhile now, for which we are so grateful! He sleeps between 12-14 hrs/night--either in the crib upstairs or the pack n play downstairs. We are still unsure about when/if/how to merge the two boys in the same room together. Right now there is usually at least an hour between the time J wakes up and N wakes up in the mornings & it is AWESOME.

He has recently become more attached to Trevor, wanting Daddy to hold him more consistently and choosing to go to him when we are all playing together on the floor. Of course, Trevor LOVES it and enjoys the kisses & cuddles and he enjoys when he is home.

Nathan & The Pumpkin. 10/2011

We are grateful for the energy, light, and extra sweetness

 that N adds to our family.