18 month thoughts and pictures

I keep thinking about Brady being 18 months.  It's just unbelievable how fast time goes and how fast they grow up.  He's already so tall.  And it's just amazing how much he's learned in the past year and a half.  I was thinking a lot about how different last summer was compared to this summer.  I was thinking about how we get in a routine, and then about every six months it changes.  18 months seems like a big milestone to me. 

* It took me 18 months to be able to just run into Casey's (with him) to buy beer.  :)  I never wanted to be that parent, but I did it this month.
* It took us 18 months to feel like we needed to do more with our days.  Not that we were getting bored, but we were now ready to get out and do things.  We have a play group on Monday mornings and we try to go to library time a few times a week.  So this means we try to get up and get going to the gym right when daycare opens.  We do tend to have busier mornings and it's nice for both of us.  I actually think he needs a little more play time so I have to figure that out yet. 
* It took 18 months for me to turn his car seat around to the forward facing position.  I know they recommend to age two now, but I felt ready and he seems to enjoy it more.  Not to mention he can feel the AC now and doesn't get so hot!!
* It took me 18 months to realize I could no longer use the excuse "I just had a baby" for my weight.  So this past month, I buckled down and lost a few pounds.  I hope to keep it up, but this week is an off week for me and I'm having trouble staying on track.  I blame it on vacation...  :)  But, I have around 4 pounds to go for the baby weight and then I can tackle the "pre-Brady" emotional eating weight I packed on the couple of years before Brady.
* It took 18 months for Brady to consistently sleep through the night.

And here are some more pictures!!

Grandpa came to visit!!!

Waukee's 4th of July parade.  We were headed back to the stroller but he apparently needed a break. :)