Closer to Two

This little man is officially closer to age 2, than age 1.  Rudy is 18 months and 1 day old today.  

My baby is growing up too fast.  

We had Rudy's 18-month wellness check this morning and he did great.  No shots and the doctor said everything looks good and he is right on track.  

Stats: 

Weight: 25.6 pounds (69 percentile)

Height: 33.75 inches (89 percentile)

Head: 48.8 (86 percentile)

Our big homework assignment is speech.  She said, on average, 18 month olds speak 4-5 words and by 2, they speak 50 (with a swing in range of up to 300+).  At first we looked at each other like, "Shoot.  He doesn't talk at all."  But she also said sounds count (like consistent sounds for things)... so we got to thinking and, for the record, Rudy can say:

1. No

2. Yes

3. Dada

4. Mama

5. Papa

6. Ruff (or Arf-Arf)

7. Moo

8. Wow

We think he thinks he is saying words, but it all comes out sounding the same.  Some days he gets a babbling and I'd just love to know what is going through his head because he looks and acts like he is giving someone (or Rufus) an earful.  He understands us very well and communicates in his own way -- lots of pointing, yelling, etc.  He is sure to get his point across and he is awfully bossy lately.  He points to where we each have to sit, where he wants his food on his plate, and what clothes he wants to wear.

Rudy and his best friend

Rudy checking out the fish at Scheels.  

He walked up and took a seat.  And then bossed Gran into doing the same.

Rudy LOVES cheese.  He eats his fair share of shredded cheese, mostly because we can't get it out of the refrigerator without him going crazy until he gets some.  Gran was over and didn't know about this infatuation when she got out the shredded cheese to make lasagna.  Rudy just about leapt out of her arms to get in as much as he could.  She looked up at us with eyes wide, "He really likes this stuff!"

Avery was all eyes for Rudy.  He keeps her pretty occupied when she is awake!

 And he likes her quite a bit, too!

 "Rudy don't leave.  Stay here with me!"

Rudy is a fan favorite around our house :)