14 Month Old Michael

Cute things he says:

"Pl-l-l-l-ane!" (airplane) He says this when an airplane flies overhead. The "L" part is a slobbery raspberry!
"Bur-r-r-r" (bird)
"Wha-a-a-t?" Always said like he's asking a question, VERY LOUD.
"YAH!" This is his favorite word to scream. He says this while getting my attention, if he needs a drink or wants a bite.
"Ball!" Not nearly as clearly as it's written there, but very distinct.
"Mo" For more or milk. Can't tell which yet!

Cute things he does:

He cuddles. So cuddly. If he is upset at all, he'll crumple into a little pile on the floor and lay his head slowly down between his legs and cry for "mama". Then while being picked up, he slumps his head down as though it's already laying on somebody's shoulder. Then he just snuggles and whimpers.

He holds still to be "dance tickled". Whatever may be the emotion, he quiets right down when I rub his back or arms or legs, enjoying the goosebumps racing up and down his skin.

He plays chase. I'll get on my fours and snarl teasingly at him and his grin turns into pure delight as he toddles by as fast as he can, trying to escape my tickle torture.  He and Jakob run back and forth from the fireplace to the couch giggling and laughing as hard as they can.  What heaven it is!

 Michael feeds himself. Has ever since he could eat normal food (around 9 months). The best part is, he sticks his whole chubby fist in his mouth, then releases the food, losing half the contents since his mouth can't shut fast enough to let the fist out and keep the food in. He eats tries every single thing I put in front of him and eats as much as his teeth and patience will allow. Then when he's done, he belches, and then if I don't take that hint fast enough, he throws whatever is left onto the floor, including the plate.

Jumps on the trampoline. He has a lot to handle when jumping with his older brother, but they thoroughly enjoy each other, no matter how anxious it makes their mommy!



His personality:

He is the happiest baby I've ever seen.  He is always content and never throws tantrums. He has a sense of humor, apparent in his quickness to laugh and smile.  For example, sometimes he's not terribly happy about going down to bed, but if I play up his favorite song, Twinkle Twinkle, he gets giggling so hard it turns into a full out, gutty, laugh spasm! His routine is easy because he never, ever fights it.  Going down for bed is rarely fought. Meaning he lays his head down on my shoulder while I sing and talk to him, then I lay him down in his crib and he just snuggles up to the pillow or blanket and shuts his eyes. 

He is a leader. He doesn't follow Jakey too much, in fact, I'd say that Jakey more often follows him! It's the perfect situation, because the two compliment each other so well! Jakob is very patient and gentle (most of the time) with his baby brother which gives Michael confidence to try new things and follow Jake's example, and Michael has the easy going, always happy temperament that soothes Jakob's ever nagging anxiety!  They are strengths to each others' weaknesses.  Best friends.

Animal lover.  This kids absolutely LOVES any kind of animal. He lets Bruiser, the Yorker dog at Grandma's, nibble on his fingers, lick him, stalk him, whatever it may be, and Michael just delights in it.  He makes up games of chase with him too.  This is the case with nearly every animal Michael has come across.