Morris Family in Mexico: Joshua: 16 months

I think I probably say this every update for Joshy, but I can't believe that he's this old. He really is growing up way too fast! He's such a fun kid--one of those children that is very happy and joyful, but also very headstrong with a touch of naughtiness. I really think he's going to be a kick in the pants to watch grow up.

I had some fun yesterday looking back on blog posts when Sam and Seth were Josh's current age. I even have a 16 month update (from October 2010...I'm so glad that I started doing this blog!): http://benjamiemorris.blogspot.com/2010/10/16-months-little-late.html. It was neat to see how similar (yet different) they all look and to compare what they were all doing developmentally. We all decided that Josh looks more like Sam than Seth, which is funny, with the big boys being twins and all. The twins were more into reading (maybe because we actually sat down and read with them more?), but Josh is more advanced language wise. He is also almost exactly the same size as the boys were: 23 lbs and 31 inches (I was surprised about this because he looks so chubby to me! He has such a big belly!)

So, here's what our youngest rascal is up to these days:
-Talking a ton. So many words, with "ball" being his favorite. Also says: momma, daddy, doggy, hot, cold, hoop, popcorn, Sam, Seth, ni-ni (night night), car and many more things that he'll repeat after us.
-Is absolutely OBESSESSED with balls, especially basketballs and hoops. Unfortunately it is usually not enough for there to be a hoop that he can reach and dunk into. He wants to shoot in the big boy basket. We hear him say "ball" about a million times a day.
-He loves Rosey. I think that they're going to be best buds. He cuddles with her and steal her toys, and then unwillingly throws them for her (with some coercion). I think we've finally talked him out of trying to pick up the puppy, but I still find him laying on her often.
-He gives the sweetest "night-night" hugs to the whole family.
-His other favorite activity besides throwing balls is getting on chairs and reeking havoc with whatever is on the table (dumping cups of water, breaking crayons, etc.)
-LOVES being outside and would prefer to go there straight thing in the morning, even in 32 degree weather.
-Started trying to "roll" his hands for patty cake and copy the big boys' timeline motions for their CC song. Hilarious!
-Still loves baths, and thinks anytime the bath water runs it's for him...even if he's just gotten out and it's the big boys' turn. It proves to be a bit problematic and the cause of a lot of angest.
-Is really not fun to take to Caleb and Levi's basketball games. For starters, he thinks that he should be shooting on the court using the game ball at all times. Or, if I will not allow him to do that (for shame, right?) then he should be climbing up and down the bleachers. Not. Fun. I think he and I and the puppy will be home for most games this year.
-Plays the most wonderful game of chase, which includes lots of giggling, laughter and hugs.
-So strong-willed. Ben got in a couple of good power struggles with him over Christmas break (and won...but after a LONG time). Watching Ben struggle with him made me realize how often I just have the "I'll deal with it later" attitude that's so easy to have with a third child. So I picked my battle with him this morning. Unfortunately it was in the check-out stand at the grocery store. He provided some screaming ambiance for my fellow shoppers, but I won. Take that Joshua :)

And one final piece of news with Josh: we got his food allergy testing results back. He is NOT allergic to gluten, but IS allergic to dairy. Great. So the twins can have dairy, but no gluten, and Josh is the opposite. Just wanted to keep things simple, right? So irritating!