Eighteen months is a big milestone in the greater scheme of things. Babies develop at different speeds, but at eighteen months, they should all be on the same page with certain things. Like, if your baby is eighteen months and still not let's say crawling... I don't know. I hate talking about these things as I know that there are children out there that have perhaps missed these milestones and I don't like to think about that. My heart is just too cowardly to think in that direction.
I'm so grateful to have a healthy, bright, beautiful child. He is right on schedule in terms of development and I am delighted that right now: Benjamin is perfectly and beautifully average.
I've listed where a baby should typically be at eighteen months, just to show where this little guy is right now. I know that a great deal of my readers do not have children. A lot of people (male and female alike) read this blog out of curiosity -to look in on a life with children.
Isn't it strange that only now my son can identify certain parts of his body? That he can now start using those muscles to hold in a wee-wee? Those that we use daily. He can now feed himself, build blocks and page through a book. Something that he was not able to do a few months ago. I cannot explain the pure joy I feel when I see my boys learn the small things, like the difference between the hot water tap, and the cold water tap in the bath. He knows which one to turn when his water gets cold and to me that is pure genius.
It's like... Your baby is born and you have no expectations of them. They can't do, say or understand much. They cannot do a single thing for themselves, not even hold a dummy or scratch an itch. So every single thing that they start doing is beyond their abilities. You know? It's such a treat to watch. I'm absolutely honored to be a part of it, to be a mother, to guide and protect them. To clear the path for them to grow, to encourage and support and nurture. It is SUCH a big deal, it really is. Benjamin is becoming his own person right in front of me.
Noah has really loved being part of the experience. From day one, Noah has been helping with nappy changes, peeking over the cot, sitting with us while Benjamin fed -just staring. He has been amused by his brother, he has enjoyed helping and interacting. His excitement when the rabbit started walking was probably greater than ours. When his little brother could finally play, and run and hide and chase. When his little brother could say his name, could call him, showed preference, hugged him, kissed him. Oh those boys make my soul bleed with happiness. They spend hours jumping off the coffee table. Benjamin stands on it and does this little dance... He claps and moves his hips and says "wiggle wiggle" (wiggle is Nu's nickname) which makes Noah's face practically do cartwheels. Isn't it strange to think that Noah knew who Ben was, and could say his name from day one. It has taken the rabbit over a year and half to return the favor. To be able to say "Hello Noah" to his brother? Isn't that special?
Happy eighteen months Benjamin. We are ALL so blessed to know you. What an incredible, happy and kind child you are.
PHYSICAL AND MOTOR SKILL MARKERS
The typical 18 month old:
- Has a closed soft spot on the front of the head (anterior fontanel)
- Is growing at a slower rate and has less of an appetite compared to months before
- Is able to control the muscles used to urinate and have bowel movements, but may not be ready to use the toilet
- Runs with a lack of coordination and falls often
- Is able to get onto small chairs without help
- Walks up stairs while holding on with one hand
- Can build a tower of two to four blocks
- Can use a spoon and cup with help to feed himself
- Imitates scribbling
- Can turn two or three pages of a book at a time
The typical 18 month old:
- Shows affection
- Listens to a story or looks at pictures
- Can say 10 or more words when asked
- Identifies one or more parts of the body
- Understands and is able to point to and identify common objects
- Often imitates
- Is able to take off some clothing items, such as gloves, hats, and socks
- Begins to feel a sense of ownership, identifying people and objects by saying "my"