18 months today

Hey Everybody! It's me, Jonah!

Today I turn ONE AND A HALF years old. I'm getting to be such a big boy!

I weigh over 25 pounds now, and I've jumped from the 25th to the 75th percentile. Mommy says it's 'cause of all that avocado and flaxseed oil she's been giving me. I've had many eating ups and downs (mostly downs), but we're so thankful for the g-tube, so I can get all the nutrition I need, no matter what. Mommy's just started giving me some yogurt, again, once a day, and it's going pretty well. I sleep about 11 hours a night and take one nap a day. It's not that long (45 minutes to an hour and a half), but I stay in a good mood most days, so Mom doesn't mind too much.

I can crawl all over the place now. And guess what? I can pull up to standing now!

My favorite toys are still (and always, forevermore) my ball popper...

my stacking cups and shapes, any ball, this new toy that my Nana got me that's a fun light-up wand sort of thing, and books. I LOVE BOOKS, especially the kind with flaps. I'll sit and let Mom and Dad read to me. My favorite books are "Barnyard Dance," "Peek-a-Boo I Love You," "A Cuddle for Little Duck," "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" and "Where's Baby's Mommy?" I love music and anything with a rhythm. My favorite shows are "Yo Gabba Gabba," "Wonder Pets," and "Jack's Big Music Show." I also like "Curious Buddies."

One of my other favorite toys is my new activity table. I love it and it's the perfect height for kneeling or standing.

I'm getting more interested in non-toys these days. I love to explore, and am really learning that I can get into things. I love playing in the dishwasher and trash can. I'm such a fun age right now. I've learned to give hugs and kisses. I go "mm-mmm" when I give hugs, and I give great kisses.

I'm becoming so affectionate, and Mommy thinks I like snuggling and hugging more than ever. When Mom or Dad sit or lie down on the floor, I just can't stop myself from laying my head in their laps or crawling all over them. My favorite time of day is right before bed when Daddy takes me upstairs and we read books and play basketball. It's our "Man Time," Daddy says, and I love it. Last night he was teaching me how to throw my hands up and say, "Touchdown!"

I'm repeating lots of things. I'm not consistent in what I say, but at one time or another, I've said or repeated: dog, kitty, baby, bear, hello, bye-bye, ten, circle, moo, ha-ha-ha (what a monkey says), meow, pop, ball, daddy, up, down, nana, shaina, granny, and deac. Mommy thinks that's it but she may be forgetting some. She thinks maybe I said "mommy" yesterday, but she's not sure. She doubts it. I like to drive her crazy like that.

These last three months were busy and exciting. I guess the biggest thing is that this is the first time I've ever made it from well visit to well visit without having to go to the doctor's office. I've been so healthy!

In other news, Mommy gave me my first full hair cut...

I got to go to the Children's Museum for the very first time...

and to the beach (for the second time, but I don't really remember the first)...

I got to go swimming for the first time (LOVED it!)...

And I got to take my first stroll by the ocean...

and Mommy bought me my very own big boy shoes (even though she still calls me her baby)...

The hardest thing about the last three months has been the heat. It has been H.O.T. We hardly go outside at all, except to check the mail. I spend my days longingly looking out the front door...

waiting for the day I can break outta this joint...

I'm enjoying getting out more and more, although I'm still a little apprehensive in new places. I still like going to Target, the grocery store, and I love going to church and playing in the nursery. I'm not ready for Mom or Dad to leave me there yet, but I'm getting more comfortable. Mommy can't wait until the Fall when we can get out and EXPLORE. She has big plans for us, including but not limited to: the zoo, a pumpkin patch, every park in Forsyth County, the Farmer's Market, the fair, and restaurants with outdoor seating. We can't wait. I mean, our house is cozy and all, but enough already! We want OUT!

It's been a great three months, and Mom and Dad know that the best is yet to come. They just love me so much, y'all. Sometimes it's almost suffocating...

How embarrassing. They are so proud of me and can't believe how far I've come and all the things I've accomplished. They thank God for me all the time and can't wait to see what He has in store for me. They know it will be something great and are so excited for my future.

And guess what else? Mommy says we get to eat the rest of my amazing birthday cake tomorrow. I mean, they'll eat it. Me, not so much. Who do you guys think I am? Let THEM eat cake.

Thanks for praying for me and following my story and letting everybody know about EB. I'm doing so well, resisting infection, gaining weight, breathing easy... all because of the prayers you've prayed. Mommy, Daddy, and I just can't thank you enough. You're loved and appreciated. So, THANK YOU!