Henry Lately: 21 Months

This is a FUN age. Our little man is really changing and becoming more and more like a little kid - and far less of a baby. 🥺

Heny's got opinions, loads of energy, feelings, preferences and routines.

He lights up for school buses, still chugs a helluva lot of milk, and would prefer being outside over inside any day of the week. ("Side"..."outside" in his little voice.)

Today, I'm sharing my favorite updates of Henry at this age.

His vocabulary is exploding

Henry's a chatty one (like me I guess!). His pediatrician—who just so happens to be the same doc I had—warned me his "language would explode" between 18-24 months and she was spot on.

Most days, Henry will spit out a new word or two — and it always stops me dead in my tracks. "Did you say 'creamer' ... like for my coffee?" 😆 My mom (Henry's Nana) and I are keeping a running list of new words he says. It's been fun to watch the list grow day to day, week to week.

In addition to all the words, he also does a bit of signing - which is something that was taught to him at daycare. I love this! He uses "more" and "all done" very often.

As outdoorsy as they come

Also, like me, this little blondie prefers being outside. He will grab his shoes and let you know that he intends on going "side.... outside" at that very moment. Once he's out there, it's all about running, laying in the grass (haha, not sure what this is about), exploring new things and then dislking the idea of going back inside.

I ususally face about a minute-long tantrum trying to get him back in his stroller or through the door if we've been in the backyard. (Any tips for that?)

Henry loves the aquarium

We brought him to the New England Aquarium the other weekend and he had a blast! A big penguin fan, I will say. 😂 It was hard to get him away from that one exhibit. After so many months of not doing things as a family in public, it felt really freeing to take him somewhere new and watch his eyes light up. Henry had us running all over the place.

Fun fact: mornings at an aquarium are basically all families with young kids. I can't tell you how many toddlers and strollers I saw around us at 10:30am. 🙌

The cuddliest boy

I'm sure there will be a time where this changes (which is why I'm soaking it up now), but Henry is just the most affectionate, cuddly boy ever. He is the first to grab a blanket and take my hand to the couch to cuddle. He gives kisses and tight hugs. He says "Love you too." He will put his hand on yours. I'm all for the lean... you know when your child leans on you. He does that. I'm obsessed!

A total mama's boy, this one is. Lucky me.

He rises with the sun.

Yup. This never changed, or at least not yet. (Someone just told me their toddler started sleeping signifcantly later at two... so we'll see?)

We have an early riser! I guess you could say he takes after me and my dad (his Papou) because we've always been morning people. Henry never sleeps past 6:00am, in fact, he's up most days in the 5 o'clock hour. 😴 BUT... but, he does sleep through the night and takes a great mid-day nap from about 12-2/2:30, so that is all great stuff.

I feel lucky I have a son who loves his sleep and his routine. Even when staying at his grandparents' houses, he goes right down so easily and peacefully. Henry doesn't need much other than a blanket and a dark room to fade away into dreamland. 😍

The king of blueberries

This boy loves, and I mean LOVES, blueberries. He will scarf down an entire little carton at breakfast. One of his first food words was "Blue.. blue." 😆

He wants them in oatmeal, as a snack, and will open the fridge and find them! I guess it's a nice, healthy obsession to have. (I'm a big fan too.) Needless to say, we always have a fair amount of blueberries on deck.

A lover of school

Two days a week, Henry goes to daycare - we call it "school". It's the best for us all! I get to focus on my full-time work at home (over a year now of remote working), and he gets to meet friends, learn from his amazing teachers and gain a sense of independence throughout the day.

When I pick him up, I'm greeted with a loving "Mama!!!" as he runs over into my arms. I love seeing all that he learns there, and the artwork he creates... I just can't. 🥰

Giggles - and lots of em

I love watching Henry's personality shine. He is a happy little guy and his laughter brings me all the joy. I have a funny feeling he's going to be really a silly, joyous happy-go-lucky guy when he grows up. He's already showing signs of all of that (to me anyway), although he is a bit of an observer/more reserved around new people.

Isn't it awesome watching your little ones grow and become more alert, aware and in awe of the world around them?

It's my biggest honor to be Henry's mother and get that opportunity to watch that every day.

To watch life through his eyes... it's simply the best.

Have a great Friday,

Ari