John Michael at 15 months...

At 15 months old, John Michael is growing up so fast in so many ways. He loves things that move, like this cute car he borrowed from his cousin. He loves to push Lego cars and trucks around the house and crawl after them. He loves to chase the cat when she taunts him with her tail. He likes to stand when I pull him up, and is working on trying to stand on his own. He loves to crawl and climb up to his knees at each chair and sofa and coffee table within reach and put toys on them. He definitely has the concept of "in" and "on". We worked with him for a while on putting things "in" and now he can do it without any difficulty. He's starting to stack 2 blocks and if I hold them still, he can sometimes stack a couple more. He still enjoys knocking towers down, especially the ones Greta so lovingly builds for him out of Duplo Legos. He plays a mean kazoo and loves to hear the sounds he makes. I bought one for him and Greta at the music store for 95 cents apiece. Best $2 I've spent in a long time! He loves to play the drums and xylophone and is very good at banging with one stick. When he has two, he usually puts the left stick down and bangs with his whole soul. He loves to shake musical egg shakers (also from the music store) or anything that makes a sound when he shakes it, as well as banging things together. He loves remote controls and telephones and usually mimics me on the telephone by putting it up to his ear. So cute. He is trying to say, "Mama" but his "B" sounds usually get in the way of "M". That's OK. I'm thrilled he's so close. There was a time when I would think he'd never say "Mama." He usually waves 'hi' and 'bye' and makes a "T" sound for tree. He says a short "a" for Anna and can say "Dada." He gives the best impromptu soft, wet kisses and will gladly give anyone a "high five." This little guy is so joyful and gives so much, it's hard not to fall head over heels in love with him.