Temperament - Charlie is a thinker and a silent observer. He is not the little boy who runs into a situation without taking it all in first. This is a relief for me because many of his little friends are much more adventurous than he is. Away from home, Charlie sticks very close to us. He is slow to warm up to new people and places. Once he does, he is quiet and easygoing. He is so aware of other children and watches them intently. At home, he is much more comfortable and likely to explore and get into things. He has become a little ham and knows just what to do to get a laugh. His silly side has really come through recently, and we are loving it. He bounces from activity to activity during the day and can not sit still for a minute unless he is looking at his books. He would also prefer to play with my "toys" rather than his own. We are not at the point where Charlie will play independently. If I leave the room, he is sure to follow me wherever I go.
Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in Charlie's tantrums and random outbursts. Fortunately, the majority of these occur at home, and so far he is still really good out in public. He gets frustrated very easily, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that he can't communicate what he wants or needs at that moment. Other times, he throws a fit because I don't give him what he wants. He has also began to show signs of aggression towards us. He will hit or push us away and throw himself against the floor when he gets upset. According to my friends, books, and parent mags it's all pretty typical toddler behavior. We have really had to start disciplining recently, which is tough with an 18-month-old. It is trying indeed, but as with everything else, this too shall pass in time.
Overall, Charlie just has a sweet and fun-loving little boy. He can be so serious one minute and then rolling on the floor laughing the next. He still loves to cuddle, and I know that is rare in a toddler. So, I am thankful for every nuzzle that I get throughout the day. Nick and I are really enjoying watching him turn into a little person, and we treasure every moment with him.
Development - Charlie is on track for all of his physical milestones. He is running everywhere, can throw and kick a ball, feed himself with a spoon and fork, stack objects, scribble with Color Wonder markers, and so much more. Some of his favorite gestures these days are waving goodbye, giving high-fives, clapping, shaking his head "no", and pointing. He has made great gains in his language development in just the last couple of weeks. Nick and I call it the word explosion. As I have mentioned before, Charlie just has not been talking much until now. He had three words (mama, dada, and ball) under his belt two weeks ago. Since then, we have heard bubble, puppy, baby, lovie (wubie), more, all gone, milk, uh-oh, and his all time new favorite word -NO. I can't tell you how good it feels to hear him talking more. He has been able to comprehend us and take directions for such a long time, and we have just been waiting for the other piece of the language puzzle to fall into place. Even if it means that my child now tells me "No" fifty times a day, I'll take it!
Likes - Charlie lets it be known when he loves something. He is borderline obsessive. These are a few of the things that he loves right now: books, music, playing outdoors, cleaning and helping with household chores, anything Elmo, watching TV, bath time and playing in any type of water, and his lovie.
Dislikes - He is equally as good about letting us know when he does NOT like something. Here are the things that drive the little guy crazy: being wiped off after meals, loud noises, getting dressed and undressed, dogs (big or small), and being told "No, sir."
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