15 Months

Last Friday we went for Leland’s 15 month check-up. It was a bit delayed due to his being sick with the stomach virus and a bump on the head (minor concussion) – we kept putting off the appointment until he is now nearly 16 months old. Leland weighed in at 22 pounds 1 ounce (13^th percentile) and measured 30.5 inches tall (21^st percentile). Leland is still in size 4 diapers and wearing 12-18 month clothing. He has moved up to size 5 ½ shoes.

This month we had our first significant injuries. On September 22^nd he fell at the pool and got a deep scrape to the forehead. Then on October 4^th he fell twice at the daycare, resulting in a very bruised goose egg about the size of a golf ball. I have never seen such a large goose egg in my life and was pretty worried when I arrived at the daycare to see it. We rushed to the doctor, where Leland was diagnosed with a concussion and I was given instructions for monitoring him over the subsequent 24 hours. Leland is “all boy” with no fear, so I am sure this is only the beginning of many bumps and bruises to come.

Leland is continuing to develop his verbal skills. Just this week I heard him combine two words for the first time: “my nose” (while touching his own nose). He says new words almost every day. He now says “night night” every night to daddy after we all read a book together and daddy is heading out as we start to nurse. He makes lots of animal noises – my favorite is his elephant sound. He is also “talking” not in long jabbering conversations that go like this: “jabber jabber jabber DAISY (our dog) jabber jabber jabber DADDY jabber jabber jabber SNACK”. Basically a long string of jabber with recognizable works spaced throughout.

Leland is loving playing outside more and more. Leland’s Grandpa really loves this. I bought him a playhouse at our community yard sale earlier this month and he is thrilled with it. We also take frequent walks to the park or even just around the front yard. Leland also has a strong love of balls. I think balls may be his favorite toy. He identifies balls everywhere we go (an orange at the grocery store) and loves to play with his balls around the house.

Leland had four teeth (his front four) at the beginning of the month (at 15 months), but now has almost 6 teeth (4 on top & 2 on bottom). We just bought him his first toothbrush this past week. Even though he didn’t get any teeth until after a year we cleaned his mouth and gums with a washcloth every night since he was born. With just a few teeth in his mouth we had continued with the washcloth method, wiping his teeth clean. Now with six teeth “wiping” the teeth is a perilous feat that often results in Leland clamping down (biting) our finger. So I bought him a toothbrush and he loves it. He knew just what to do with it and is really very cooperative with getting his teeth brushed.

Breastfeeding is going well. We are nursing first thing in the morning, after lunch (before nap), afternoon when we get home, bedtime, and then 1-3 times per night. My supply is definitely much less then it was months ago, but we are still hanging on and enjoying the wonderful bonding.

Overall it has been a very fun month with lots of fall festivities. We have been thoroughly enjoying our new home and community. Watching Leland grow, learn, and explore is like seeing the world again new though his eyes!