ek Sal oo neef (1 and a half years old)

Z-man will actually be 19 months in a few days, but I always got so confused when I wasn't a mom on why moms always told their kids age in months. Confusing and so much thinking if you aren't a mom! At least I thought so and honestly can even get confusing if you ARE a mom! Anyway... here's some year and a half tid-bits!

• Don't have any 18 months stats, but we are pretty sure he's in the "normal" range :)
• Does a good job at following directions for example "Go get your sippy cup" however -if you can believe it- sometimes he doesn't want to follow directions, he says "Naaawwwwhhhh" (a stretched out and whinny NO) with his nose scrunched!
• likes to play "On your marks, get set, GO"
• loves to read books and turn the pages.
• is getting better at copying some words and expanding his vocab. It's not just ball, and dog now.
• Loves to watch baby einstein. (don't judge, sometimes a mamas got to do what a mama's got to do)
• Hates it when I'm cooking! I can't wait until he understands that I'm doing THAT for him too, not just ignoring him!
• Still taking 2 naps most days. Tried to move to one, but he's just way happier with 2.
• Has 14 teeth (Opa we try to brush nightly, don't worry!)

And a glimpse at what our sweet boy is up to!

Daddy's little helper- Andy is building Zander's Christmas gift for him out of an old baby gate that was broken (surprise surprise) It is so precious to see Zander pretend like he's building it too! We haven't showed Zander what this contraption is yet and won't see it painted until Christmas!

Really anything that we do he likes to copy! When city water is on, most people clean their *driveways* with a hose and squiggy. He's imagining the water being there.

Kurdish Dancing- We went to our first Kurdish engagement party a couple weeks ago. It was a little overwhelming with the music so loud it would put most college clubs to shame and everyone grabbing us wanting to take their pictures with us. Anyway, he has always liked to dance but it will take some time to get this fancy footwork down

Scootin': This hippo was left here by the last tennants but until a couple weeks ago, he didn't want anything to do with it. His feet can touch now and can finally push himself along which is pretty precious to see him do! A new favorite toy for this little guy.

Christmas Decorating: It's quite amazing the things we can get in here. With a little effort we can find a Christmas tree, ornaments, lights, and wrapping paper! It's amazing how much having a tree lit up makes a difference around here to brighten up our Christmas season. Zander was more of a help this year than last, but still doesn't quite get it. Whenever he sees these ornaments he says "BAWWLLLLLLLL"

Roughin' it: Somedays this culture doesn't appreciate the "American nap schedule" So we are out and about during one of Z's normal nap times. This means he takes naps in some weird places!

Friends- Zander is not hurting for friends that's for sure! All the neighbor kids adore him and his long "yellow" curly hair. He's trying to get used to their affection though as they pick him up and kiss him like crazy. Sometimes he just needs a little space. Most times after playing with Kurdish friends he's ready for some quiet time in his room.

He also has grown quite fond of another family's kids from London (2 girls and a boy between ages 2 and 6) We try to have play dates every week and they get to spend time together at "Sunday School" too! Here's Jonny and Zander!

The Healer: Praises to God, who has been healing Zander's molescum on his back. Look how much better they look! They aren't raised anymore, just a few spots!

Coloring: Zander loves to color. Or at least he loves to play with his crayons. We can already tell he is going to be a "Man of Order" he likes to put them in piles, back in the box one by one, or lately he seems to like to compartmentalize them in his shirt sleeve!

Typical moments?!?: This is what happens after 5 mins. of allowing Zander to have FREE REIGN in the house.

We LOVE YOU through it all ELLIOT ALEXANDER!