I can’t believe that I’m writing this post so soon! My little man is growing so fast and although I miss those newborn days because they’re so short-lived, seeing him become a little boy is the best. I can no longer call him a baby, he’s grown into the cheekiest little toddler I know.
Aiden is seriously a delight and he is developing so well. Last month he had a couple of settling in sessions at his new nursery before he starts properly later this week. He wasn’t even bothered about being separated from me, in his typical style he just got on with it and carried on playing with the toys. All the playgroups that we’ve attended since he was 3 months old have definitely helped his social skills. His favourite classes are sing and sign, swimming and we’ve recently discovered a lovely little playgroup that he also enjoys.
One word that describes Aiden perfectly is cheeky, he’s such a happy little boy who likes to keep himself busy. My kitchen cupboards are no longer safe – well, actually nothing is safe anymore because everything seems to spark his interest. He’s always exploring, discovering and keeping us on our toes. This boy loves music, singing and dancing too. I’m so glad that we have camera phones now that record and capture these funny and special moments.
Language is a massive milestone at this age and AJ is doing brilliantly. ‘No’ is his favourite word, but he can say so many other single words too. We never know what he’s going to come out with next, including being able to count to 10! Obviously, he’s just copying what we’re saying and doesn’t realise the significance of the numbers, but it’s still lovely to hear.
There is a long overdue post on our baby led weaning journey coming up, but overall Aiden is doing really well with his food. There is nothing that he won’t try, he isn’t a fussy eater at all. This past week he hasn’t really eaten much, but toddlers tend to go through phases where they stuff themselves silly and then barely eat anything at all, so I’m not worried.
Some days I feel like we’re going backwards, Aiden still wakes in the night and recently this has been more often, meaning the challenging days are even more challenging when you’re sleep deprived! We still co-sleep, mainly because it’s the easiest option than trying to train him to sleep in his cot. We’re still breastfeeding too, but I know this is only for comfort and not due to hunger. I know in time these things will phase out as he gets older, but sometimes you do wonder if you will ever get there at all.
As a mother, in some ways I finally know what I’m doing then there are other days where I feel like I’m just winging it. Things are a little easier because Aiden is more independent, but equally, they are challenging too. Every day brings up something new that we haven’t come across before and it’s always a struggle knowing what to do for the best. Recently, teething and tantrums have been an issue, but we muddle through and somehow get there in the end.
I think my kids were right along with Aiden. I think some days I felt like we had made so much progress and other days I wondered when we were ever going to get out of the stage. He is darling and you are amazing that you keep such a great record for him!
This is such a wonderful age. You can really see their little personality developing. I love seeing what words they are going to say next xx
Aww great post. It’s a huge life change that takes some getting used to, but you’re doing an excellent job xx
Wow, 18 months has gone so quickly. I think going to play groups from a young age is so important, as it does help them to settle in when they go to nursery.
Awww he’s such a sweet heart! It’s crazy how fast it’s going!
He is so cute. My toddlers were running around at this age. Keeping me fit. Lol.
We all wing it on some days Jemma!! It’s a tough thing this parenting lark – but nothing in the world is better or more rewarding! H x
Aw, he seems like such a lovely little boy! Well done you! Growing up in a time when buying a video camera was quite expensive, I always used to feel a bit sad to know there aren’t any videos of me growing up, so I can imagine it’s lovely that we have smart phones to capture all sorts. I know I’d probably never stop taking photos or little videos if I had a children!
She’s So Lucy
Gosh yes some weeks we are all over it some weeks it’s carnage. I have two under two now and it just highlights it even more- good days are great and the hard days are a big lesson In self control and resilience. At least we now know it’s all just a phase and will pass
I think it is such a lovely age. I love when they just start to talk and you can have little conversations with them
I’ve been following your journey through motherhood these past few months as we have similar interests and we both have lovely sons we adore! I also co-sleep and breastfeed my 25mth old son – it really helps everyone get the best sleep! Around 18mths they go through a big developmental leap (possibly the worst one!) where they are quite unsettled & it can be quite trying. You are providing him with such a wonderful comfort by breastfeeding & don’t discount all those wonderful antibodies that keep him so healthy and the pain relief it provides when teething. My son woke every few hrs during the night to feed but once he turned two he really matured a lot & I felt he understood when Id say “Milkies in the morning, it’s sleepy time now” and he’d roll over & go to sleep. Last night he slept all the way through from 9-6pm! I couldn’t believe it (we still co-sleep). Don’t worry – you’re doing a great job by responding to your little boy when he needs it. Take care 🙂
Oh he’s gorgeous. My daughters fave word at that age was also no. We are currently going backwards with her going to sleep at night. X
Good for you for still breastfeeding what an achievement, and for co sleeping I agree with all these things and it is what I have done with my two. My daughter is now five and will go to sleep by herself she is independent and sleeps well. So does my son who is 2 and 4 months. I think the key is to keep doing what you are doing and keep making him feel safe when going to sleep and he will be okay. You need to do what is right for your family. Whenever you listen to your own advice things always work out well. He looks like such a happy little boy xx
Aw bless him, he is such a cheeky chap and growing up so fast. I hope the teething and tantrum issues get better!
What a lovely little boy you have! We definitely all wing it very often! Toby’s now 21 months old and I was up twice in the night with him last night then he wanted to be up for the day at half 5, it’s exhausting (especially at 9 months pregnant!) but all the awesome stuff makes it worth it!xx
What a cutie. I hope he settles into nursery and has enjoyed his first days there xx
Oh, the bunny ears picture is so cute! I don’t have any kids, but my best friend is due soon, so it’s nice to see what she’s in for :] Best of luck to you!