Friday, August 27, 2010

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!

33 comments:

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Happy half birthday, Jonut. Love from all of us in Birmingham, baby. :)

Shelly Cunningham said...

Loved this update. What a miracle he is. And getting SO BIG!!!!

Lari said...

Happy 18 months Jonah! I love it when you update us! You're so funny! Wishing we lived nearby so you and Caleb (17 months)could play together.

Kim M said...

Happy Half Birthday to the most special 18 month old!!! You are getting so big and I think you are amazing! God has brought you so far and you have taught your parents so much over the last 18 months!!! WAY TO GO JONAH!!

I'm praying for some of your friends, several are BMT kids. I like coming to your blog, you are like a breath of fresh air little buddy!

Loving you and praying for you in Waterford, MI

Nora Lee said...

Happy half birthday Jonah! You are just as beautiful/handsome as ever.

Linda said...

You are sooooo welcome. We love you so much Jonah and Happy half birthday. You sure have come a long way. Mommy and Daddy love you so much and they are truly blessed.
Take care you handsome boy and enjoy the rest of your summer. Love you. Leah's Nana

Gail said...

Happy 18 Months, Jonah!! How you have grown! You are such a beautiful little boy, enjoying life with a big smile on your face! I can't wait to see what you will be doing at your next milestone...2 years! Tell your mom and dad they are doing a great job :)

Mommy Kerin said...

Happy 18 months Jonut! He is such a cutie. I'm so glad he is making so much progress. It's hard to believe how much he has grown!

The Oxford Family said...

So precious! Love these!

Heather said...

I see Jonah is still holding onto that purple ball..Happy 18 month birthday Jonah...you adorable snuggly little boy. Keep growing little guy. You make your mommy and daddy proud :)

Ani said...

Happy 18 months!!!! He is SUCH a cutie! Glad he's doing SO well.

The Buchanan Family said...

LOVE IT! Love that he is doing so well! I can't wait for fall either Jonah!

Deanna said...

Happy half-birthday, Jonah! He's such a little miracle!

Phyllis said...

Great update. Jonah, you just get more and more handsome. Sounds like you are keeping Mom busy and before long she will really have trouble keeping up with you.

Debra said...

Wow! 18 months!! Happy 18th month birthday Jonah! We've been following your mommy's blog and praying for you since you were welcomed into the world. Keep up the great growing & learning!

trooppetrie said...

happy half birthday, thanks for the update

Unknown said...

Happy 18 months sweet Jonah!! Such a handsome big boy!!

Georgia said...

I never comment on here, I just lurk but I check on baby Jonah nearly every day...I am SO excited to see him healthy and doing so well. What a beautiful little man you have and I know you are PROUD PROUD parents. GOD BLESS!

Sandy P said...

Come on Jonah surprise your momma and eat a big piece of cake.

The Smittys said...

"mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy." sending jonah some sweet vibes that would get him cool treats. :)

Nancy said...

Wow, what an awesome post! You rock it, Jonah! Its been so fun to see all the new things you are doing. And I didn't think it could be possible but you are are getting cuter each day!

Chris said...

Hi Jonah, Happy 1 1/2 year birthday. Awesome post. Congrats on well visit to well visit. Quite a milestone.

Jonah is so happy in the pictures that you have posted. I love his smile. He appears to be so full of himself and so mobile.

Thank you for sharing your life with us. It so makes me realize what families with special needs go through. You are awesome parents.

Marla said...

Jonah, I just adored this post. You have such a bright outlook on life and a tremendous sense of humor for an 18 month old! :-)

I am a long time reader/first time poster but this one touched me and I had to write to you. Stay strong dear Jonah. I do believe most of the world is in love with you and I have no problem understanding why!

Sara said...

Happy 1 and a Half Birthday Jonah! I always love hearing your stories and how grown up you're getting!! I bet you make Mommy and Daddy proud. Please say Mommy for her because you know how happy she'll get.

I keep checking on you and all your EB "brothers and sisters." Keep up the good work little guy!

Jennifer said...

Jonah, it has been such a blessing to watch your journey. I got so touched I had to wait and come back to comment. You have come a long way baby (but you ain't so much anymore, eh?). You certainly show how to let your little light shine for Jesus. It is an honor to pray for you, keep up with your happenings and know that through all things Christ works for good. Nothing is impossible and nothing is a surprise to our God and Savior. I love your whole family! Stay on top of the game, Jonah! Jennifer of Southeast, NC

Toni :O) said...

Awwww...LOVED this post, love you guys and it just warms my heart to no end to check in on you all. I love seeing him grow and thrive..just an absolute blessing to see that and just amazing to see all of my prayers for you all come true! God is so, so SO good! Happy Half Birthday to your sweet Jonut!

Stef said...

Jonah is so big & such an amazing testimony. God bless you all :)

Laura A said...

Happy 18 months, sweet Jonah! You're getting SO big and I can tell how much fun you're having! And anyone can see you LOVE those Big People!!

Praying for you as always! Love from your Team in TX!

Laura

Anonymous said...

Stomp your feet, Clap your hands, Everybody's ready for a barnyard dance!! Weston loved that book too :)

Wanda Wilkinson said...

Happy half b'day...you are an awesome little fellow with awesome parents. Looking at your faces I can see the love that is shared between you.

Jonah you need to break bad & say Mommy..at that point you could get anything you want. Of course that need is already taken care of. Don't know why the little one have such a hard time getting Mommy out...but we still know they love us.

I have so thankful that God has blessed you with good health between your well baby (child) check up that is amazing for any baby.

Keep up the good work & the next 18 months will be more amazing. Love the pictures of you..every new one is my favorite.

I hope to get to WS during the next month & hope I can drop by to see you & mom & dad.

Lots of love & prayers.

Jennifer Edling said...

Happy half birthday, Jonah! What a big boy you are! I'm so happy to see that you have been so healthy and happy. What a blessing! I loved looking at all your smiling pictures! You're such a strong little guy! I can't wait to see you and Daylon play together one day! You two would have SO much fun!! Have a happy day!...maybe a lick of icing too! Love, Jennifer

jmh said...

JonahBug!!
I looove when the post of the days is from YOU! I am so happy you are enjoying being one and a half. You are looking so grown up these days. The picture in your mom's last post (of you and her, looking up at the camera), I had to smile, Jonah -you just looked so happy and so much...older. This post, when we see you with that haircut?Goodness. You are so handsome.

I also love hearing how well you are doing. Sounds like you must have some pretty awesome peeps in your life, helping you grow, be happy, taking you to the beach and loving the heck outta you! What a lucky boy you are to have such a sweet mom and dad:) But, you know that more than any of us.

So happy birthday-and-a-half! Maybe TRY a bite of cake?!

jess said...

Love the update...love that boy!! I cannot believe he is getting so big.

You guys are doing awesome.

I have never met you or your amazing Jonah, but reading this update made me smile so big. I am so thrilled to hear how well he is doing :)