Twenty-one months(ish)

He drives me absolutely crazy, and has totally captured my heart.

Aden is well over 21 months old now, and has developed by leaps and bounds since the last update.

We hold conversations. Real ones. He understands pretty much everything we say, though he doesn't always care what we say. I understand a lot of what he says. It's about time.

Continues to love the bath. And eating. Maintains one single dance move, the bounce.

Sings "Jesus Loves Me", "Deep and Wide", and "Twinkle Twinkle". Extreme jock versions of each one.

Knows several letters and designates pairs of things as "two" whatevers.

Uses the word "no" with abandon.

When told "no" or removed from a temptation, hits himself in the head repeatedly.

Loves his Mama more than anything in the world. The whole wide world.

Lets me read to him. Finally! On occasion, reads to himself. The current favorite is "Ny Ny Muh" (Good Night Moon).

Has not gained much weight in the last several months, but has grown taller and thinner. Thinner except for right after meals, when it looks like there's a cantaloupe shoved up his shirt.

Loves playing outside.

Tries to put his own socks and shoes on. Enjoys wearing a hat (or bucket) on his head around the house.

May have an anti-gravity setting. The kid can practically climb up walls. Of course the gravity sometimes kicks in at the worst possible moment.

Is starting to hold his own against his brother. Much to his brother's chagrin.

Has internal radar for trucks, trains, motorcycles, and tractors. Squeals, points, and giggles to watch them go by, but if the noise from any of them gets too close to him, he starts shaking like a leaf and buries his head.

Is almost two. Two. Can't believe it.

Love you, sweet Aden boy!