Cade Michael - 19\20 Months

As I mentioned in an earlier post, during our September vacation, Cade and I took a pause in it to return home for his regular check up. I had tried to reschedule it but couldn't get an appointment for another month. Seeing as how it was his 18 month wellness check-up and he was already 19 months, I didn't want to delay it any more. Plus, we needed to chat with the pediatrician about Cade's speech. While he's definitely improved at his communication skills in general, his speech is lagging. Were we worried? Not really. Was the doctor going to be worried? We didn't think so. But, it's at this appointment that early intervention for speaking issues can be suggested and if that were to be the case, we didn't want to delay it for sure.

Waiting for the Doctor

On that visit, we got these stats:
Height - 33 inches - 55th percentile
Weight - 22 pounds 11 ounces - 25th percentile
Head - 44cm - 66th percentile

As for the speech, the doctor was not concerned. He's known so many kids that didn't have a word before they were 2 and then you couldn't stop them from talking. We've known a few folks like that too which is why we weren't concerned. We know he has good comprehension so as long as he's mentally progressing in understanding\communication, all's well. Other than that, the check up was pretty standard. Cade was very brave with his vaccinations. Made a sad face for a few seconds but a momma hug wiped all his worries away.

It's always difficult to try and describe someone's personality. There are just so many layers to these little humans and to dissect every one is just impossible. But, I'm going to try and give you an idea of what my little boy is like.

Cade LOVES to try on shoes!

- He is fearless and independent but also great at asking for help. For example, we went on a hike last weekend and he walked down the mountain by himself. With many tripping hazards in the way, I was worried about him tumbling downward on a rock or root so I had a hold of the hood on his jacket most of the way. Wasn't need though because as soon as he got to a step or rock with a step size down of more than he could handle. He stopped and put his hand out for help.

- Cade's not shy. If he needs help, whomever is closest and will take his hand, he will take the help.

- He's very sweet and loving. He gives the best and longest hugs. When I get home from work, he always runs to me and wraps his hands around my neck. He also goes straight to your lap if you're on the floor or couch for book or tv time.

- He adores his brother. Great in that they entertain each other and make each other laugh (no better sound in the world then your kiddos laughing together) but terrible when Dylan wants to exclude him from his current toy set up. It shatters Cade's world.

- Cade REALLY does not like being told no. Seriously, just the word can set him off. We do our best to steer him in another direction or substitute objects\activities when he's doing something unsafe.

- He can be quick to get upset but he's even quicker to calm. As a day old infant just picking up and hugging him could soothe him. It's a quality he's kept until this day.

- He's got a fantastic laugh and wants to be sure you're laughing with him. When he sees something he enjoys, he makes sure you're seeing it and\or enjoying it too.

- He loves taking a shower. The second that water goes on, he is pulling at his clothes to get them off (which is funny because he has no idea how to get his clothes off yet...he just starts yanking at them).

- Cade also loves brushing his teeth. Well, at least he comes and is excited when I say it's time to brush them. Mostly, though, he just likes to suck on the toothpaste. Then it's work to get his mouth to stay open long enough to get to the teeth. Most mornings we do a lot of upside down swinging to get the mouth open and get to the teeth.

- He plays very well independently. He gets very focused on his toys and will go for very long periods of time playing solo. From a very young age Cade's done this. We remember having to constantly entertain Dylan when he was a year and younger but Cade's always been a bit more independent.

- When he's tired, he's ready for bed! Cade goes from happy and laughing at the tv to grumpy and going to Daddy (because that who normally puts him to bed) in a flat second. Not one to fuss about going to bed.

- He loves to push buttons. And wear sunglasses. Doing both together is especially awesome.

Kind of a terrible picture, but you get the drift.

-He's a sympathetic guy. He's quick to soothe anyone (especially his brother) when they're upset with a pat-pat on the head and\or a hug.

Cade is really a delightful little guy and he makes our family complete. Love that cute little baby to pieces!