18 Months!

Here's a sampling of what I'm up to now:

1. Still with the blasted sippy cup.   I'm enamored with drinking out of a regular cup like a big boy, but lack the skill.   I can't quite quit the sippy.  It's my constant companion, and you have to work pretty hard to distract me from it.  Out of sight, out of mind only works for a little while.
2. Shaking my head NO.   I've got that move mastered, and I employ it a lot.
3.  My verbal skills are not progressing very quickly.  I still say Ma!, DadDad.  I'm on the verge of "Mo" for milk.  Mom tries to get me to say words, but I just don't care about it very much.  My needs get met either way!
4.  I want to be outside.  All the time.   And I'll scream bloody murder if you try to take me back in.
5. Unfortunately, I'm a feast for mosquitoes.  Mom tries bug spray, but they love me anyway. I'm constantly covered in red dots.   Unfortunately for Mom, she's a feast for mosquitoes as well.  And since I can't be unsupervised, we're BOTH covered in red dots.
6. I'm a daredevil.  While swimming in Orlando, I discovered that I'm not afraid to jump in the pool by myself.   I don't particularly need anyone there to catch me, although my terrified mother argues otherwise.  I start swim lessons next week!
7.  I have a very strong personality, and know exactly what I want to do.  Trying to persuade me from it isn't usually successful, although I can be distracted by snacks.  Mom is a master at redirecting my focus.  She plays me like a cheap fiddle!
8.  I've become quite attached to two of my stuffed animals.  They sleep with me at night, and have to come downstairs with me in the morning for breakfast.  I have others, but 'Winks' and 'Blackie' are my favorites.
9.  I cut two more molars, so I'm up to four molars now.  I can bite so much better now, but it still hasn't improved my diet.   I will eat very few things, and don't seem to mind the repetition.  Mom is at her wits end trying to get healthy things into me.    Sorry Mom, I just know what I like, and what I don't.   And most of it, I don't.   See number "2" above.
10. I follow directions really well.  I will go retrieve anything you ask me to, throw things in the trash, and pick up my toys.  I might not feel the need to talk, but I know exactly what you're saying!