Joshua Daniel: Eighteen Months

Josh has grown so much in the past six months. I'm so proud of him and all the progress he has made.

At Josh's one year well check, since he still wasn't crawling officially his pediatrician referred us to therapy. He had his last NICU graduate follow up appointment the same day he started doing physical therapy, which was mid September. He graduated from PT when he started walking which was at the end of January. I think part of the reason he took so long to walk was because he has sisters to carry him everywhere haha. He started doing speech and occupational therapy in October and is still doing both of those together since they overlap a bit. It has made me appreciate each milestone he reaches a little more than with my girls since he has to work a little harder.
He is saying a couple words and making more sounds that are close to words. He's really progressed with it in the past month. I haven't ever been worried about him not talking, but he has taken his sweet time haha. He says ball and no. He tries to say bite and blanket. He knows Dad too, and I think Mom as well. It has been hard to tell what he has said on purpose. He has finally started to make some animal sounds when I repeat them a few times too. 
Josh is in size three diapers and still in size 12 month clothes. He's still a tiny little guy. He's got skinny little arms and legs and he is stronger than he looks. He might be ready for his 18 month clothes soon. I was told that preemies usually catch up to their actual age around 2-3 so we are getting there!
Josh will eat basically anything, although what he prefers does vary from day to day. When he doesn't feel good, which is actually about 50% of the time, he prefers baby food pouches - I think since they're easy to eat and probably don't bother his throat as much as other food. He can be pretty entertaining when he's eating. The only down side is that when he's done with his food or doesn't want it he throws it on the floor. 
Yes, he has still been sick just about as much as he's been healthy. Pretty normal with his sisters bringing home germs, going to the gym childcare, church, and just life. He's not too fun when he's sick but you can't blame him. He also had his last neurology appointment in October because his neurologist said his brain looks good and has absorbed almost all the fluid. We have slowly eliminated each specialist we have had to see.
Josh usually goes to bed anywhere between 6:30-7:30 and he is up around 7:00 the next morning, which works out since his sisters are up then anyway too. He will take 1-2 naps still, depending on how long his morning nap is and how he's feeling. He has started to rest his head on our shoulders before going to sleep while we sing and it is the best. He is good at putting himself to sleep, as long as he has his blanket.
Josh has definitely been different than my little girls. He is super busy and likes to get into everything. He's often banging stuff together or hitting something. He's always walking around and doesn't sit still for long.
Josh is obsessed with balls. Ball was his first word. He enjoys playing outside, especially if a ball is involved. He likes to carry his littler ones around the house and will point them out in books or shows or if he sees one somewhere.
Josh still loves bath time. He has outgrown his baby bath and moved up to the regular bath. We also moved him into a different room so that when we have guests we won't have to kick him out of his crib. His crib is definitely where he sleeps best. Maybe besides the car. 
The girls are still as obsessed with him as ever and I am truly dreading the day that that ends. He has definitely gotten used to being the center of attention because when it's just us two while they're at school he is slightly needy. It's hard to get stuff done because he's constantly wanting attention. He gets so excited when they come home and loves playing with them and being where they are.

The rare cuddles.

Waiting for Hayley to go by at the homecoming parade.

First Mudbugs game.

Last NICU follow up appointment!

Why do all babies like to play with shoes?

We sure love our little man! I am grateful he came to our family and am constantly reminded of the little miracle and blessing that he is.