14 Months

Marshall's 14 months old and just continues to melt our hearts with his spunk and tenacity! There's one thing for sure...he's not a shy child. When people come by to visit, he instantly throws his arms up to be held by them, even total strangers! Last month we had a short stint of separation anxiety when we would drop him off at the church nursery, but that seems to have passed.

Marshall is a busy boy with lots of places to go and a dog to torment. He's taken to reclining on Maggie and she's not a fan...but he's as persistent to sit on her as she is to change locations so it can be entertaining to watch. He also thinks it's fun to give and receive kisses from her. Since he's an open mouth kisser, Maggie thinks he wants to eat her nose...so she nervously licks his face and the cycle of hilarity begins!

He's not quite running, but has mastered his speed walking technique (pumping or throwing up the arms is essential to increasing his speed.) Everything is a game of chase with this guy...so if you convince him to come to you he gets close enough to do a fake out right before you can grab him. If he already gets this concept now, I'm not looking forward to the future! Last week he started scooting this big truck around the living room, it's a jerky scoot but it gets him where he needs to go.

It's such a joy to see his little spongy mind taking everything in. He still only says Da-da and Ya-ya (which is his version of mom), but can bark when we ask what a dog says and we're working on uh-ooh. He can point out his head, ears and sometimes nose. But one day that spongy mind is going to release vocabulary like a flood and we can't wait!

Marshall still LOVES books, balls, dancing, eating and sleeping. (We're still taking 2 naps a day.) Being outside is quickly rising to the top...loves him some dirt! We're taking swim lessons next month so that should be entertaining. My sister moved in down the street and they have a pool, so we'll be practicing the back stroke in no time! ;)

My dear playgroup friend, Whitney, took these pictures for his 1st birthday. They are fabulous! She captured his personality at this stage perfectly. Thanks Whitney!