Lars :: The oven

The stove/oven is a constant battle with Lars. He loves to turn the knobs, which turns on the gas, which is a terrible thing. He knows to stand back when we open the oven because it's hot. Yesterday he saw me open the oven and use a pot holder. So as soon as I had put the pot holder away and turned my back, he grabbed the pot holder out of the drawer and tried to open the oven.

Lars :: So long highchair

Lars has given up the highchair. He prefers sitting at a stool at the counter. If Adam and I are both at the counter (we only have 2 stools) then he will sit in his chair. But when it's just the two of us, he'll sit on a stool and watch me cook his breakfast or lunch and talk to me about what I'm cooking. Such a big boy

Lars :: Words

Lars now says "hi." Not just waving, but an actual "Hi!" Hooray for more words.

This weekend was my second time ever having a night without Lars. The first time was when we went to Cave B with Trina and Dave for New Years. This time, I hosted a shower on Saturday for Kristin Rose (and Tyler) so Adam and Lars went to the lake. They left Saturday morning after a pancake breakfast and came home Sunday night. I don't enjoy a quiet house - even Timber is gone.

Lars :: Colors

Lars know his colors! Yesterday at Little Gym Teacher Nikki told the kids to find the yellow mat and he ran right over to it. Then he ran to the next yellow mat and pointed to it - and ran to the next yellow mat.

Lars :: and the dirt bike

This weekend at the farm Lars figured out how to start the dirt bike. Once he gets on (requires help) he knows to turn the key, press the choke, then press the starter. He revs the engine and squeals with delight. He could not have been more proud of himself or more thrilled with the noise. He spent the rest of the time either asking to be on the dirt bike (the tractor would do) or making engine noises and pretending to turn the key.

Lars :: Words

At 18 (almost 19) months, Lars speaks fewer words than he is supposed to - according to the book and what the other kids in Little Gym say. But he communicates very easily with "da-da" and pointing. I can understand a lot more words than other people can, but I still claim them as words.

What he says:

"Mama"

"Dada"

"Da" = that

"Gee Gee" = Grammy

"Gee Ja" = Grammy Joyce

"Ta-Ta" = tractor

"Da-ta" = timber

"Tees" = keys

"Ti-Ti" = Kiki

"kkh" = Jake

He tries to copy almost any sound, but despite his best efforts everything basically sounds like "da-da" with different length of the syllables.

He knows where everything in the house is and you can ask him to go get anything and he'll find it. When you ask him a question he can answer yes or no very easily with nods, head shakes, and 'nu-huh.'