The Gates Family Blog: Kyle Update

Kyle is 18 months old. Can you belive it? He's getting so big and is full of personality. He LOVED opening presents on Christmas. He dug right in and now has some cool new toys to play with. See the picture below - he's a crazy man. He had his 18 month check up today and weighs 23 pounds and is 31" - a little peanut but growing. Watching him eat, we're not sure how he's not about 40 pounds by now, but seeing him run around all day, I guess he burns all those calories off! He also started 'school' last Wednesday. He goes 1 day a week for 2 1/2 hours. More of a little break for me and a chance for him to get used to sitting, sharing, playing with kids his age, etc. He was unsure of it at first, but didn't want to leave when I picked him up. It's a great place - they sing songs, have cool toys (a ball pit, gym to play in, sensory table), and do art projects. I think he's really going to like it. He's starting to talk more and more now too. My favorites are mama and dada of course. He sounds like an Englishman when he says Dada - I hear it constantly and it's so cute. He's always looking for his Daddy. He also says Maymay (for Macy the dog), up (bup), more, and does tons of animal sounds - our latest favorites are cat (meow meow - it has to be twice), giraffe (which isn't really a sound just a giraffe eating), pig (he snorts), cow (moo), and hippo (gotta hear that one in person). He's learning more and more signs - help, please, shoes, orange, and thank you are the latest. He just keeps us entertained. I don't know what we did without him. I'll put up a video later of his latest pasttime - spinning - loves to get dizzy I guess! He still loves vacuuming and is getting more and more independent - always wants to feed himself, pick out his shoes, carry groceries, etc. We hope you all are surviving winter - we're figuring we got about 2 1/2 more months to get through. Wish us luck!!