Hellobee

Our little guy turned 18 months, and it’s the stage I relish. This is the age when their personality starts to shine through, they’re on the cusp of a language explosion, and there is some relief from the demands of having a baby. Admittedly, I had tough baby stages with both of my kiddos; colic and a serious medical diagnosis. However, even before we had kids, I gravitated towards toddlers. I thought when my first kiddo turned a year old, she would be this crazy, fun toddler. But the baby stage seemed to stretch longer than a year. Thankfully, a good friend told me to hang in there until 18 months; the magic age. She was right!

At this age, I can leave behind the worries I carried during their babyhood. There are no more major milestones to think about, even the well-check, pediatrician visits spread out. Toddlers put everything in their mouth, so catching a cold feels inevitable, instead of something I’m constantly try to prevent. (Although, I still try).

The best part of this age is watching their personality emerge. At 18 months, I noticed how our daughter had this quiet focus at home. She could play trains, build blocks, or color for hours, but she was an extrovert at the playground. With our little guy, he has this sweet, laid-back side. He likes to play ball with mommy, but he also has a wicked sense of humor. He likes to steal big sister’s toy and make a run for it. He’s social, but becomes bashful when the attention is directed at him. I’m starting to see, all of these qualities in him are not just phases, but his personality.

Toddlers can definitely try my patience and zap my energy. Our little guy can wreak havoc, and turn the toy room upside down in a minute. But, he can also blow kisses, wave hi, and point at doggies. All the cuteness makes up for the big toddler messes. I really love the social interaction at this stage. After giving so much attention and affection, he can start reciprocating with kisses and hugs. It’s also interesting to see how he interacts with the big kids and becomes part of the chaos.

Yes, toddlers have tantrums, but it’s less stressful than a crying baby. When our little guy has an epic melt down, I’m not cycling through all reasons a baby might cry: hunger, teething, bored, hurt, or tired. At this age, he can at least point and try to tell me what he wants, and it is usually a toy. Now, his tantrums are easy to appease, or easy to distract him from. It’s so amazing, between 15 months and 18 months, the difference in the amount of words toddlers learn to say increases, which helps with meeting their needs.

At 18 months old, it feels like the upheaval a new baby brings has been replaced with a steady family dynamic. My husband and I are finding a reprieve from the demands of babyhood. It’s just a little bit easier to find time for our hobbies, to leave the kids with a sitter, to manage bedtimes, and to take day trips to the museum or park. Outings are so much easier because he can eat at a restaurant or we can bring a quick snack with us. As a bonus, the stimulation from a day trip results in a long nap, which we all need.

In many ways our little guy is still a baby. Only now, I get to enjoy the parts of his babyhood I love the most. Rocking him to sleep while studying his beautiful little features and he pats at my cheek. Holding him when he is upset, and knowing that is enough to comfort him. It’s the best of both the baby and toddler stages.

Our little guy has tantrums and creates messes, but he also has this unbridled excitement for everything. I love being pulled into his world of exploration, watching his fascination and joy at spotting a bird or school bus. I’ll miss some of the sweet baby moments. But this is the age I’ve been waiting for, and it’s finally here.