Happy 16 Month Birthday, Hayes!

I can't believe it...my sweet baby boy is already 16 months old. I don't know where all the time has gone. Hayes has 8 teeth now...6 on top and 2 on bottom. He looks like he will be getting another 4 on bottom any time though. He is no longer walking. He is RUNNING everywhere. He loves to play chase, cars, and ball. He is still mostly doing everything with his left hand. He is eating with a spoon like a big boy and is super messy. He is very independent and stubborn. He has started the hitting phase of being a toddler. He doesn't hit at daycare though so at least we are not having to worry about that right now. Unfortunately, he does have a bitter in his class. Hayes got bit on Wednesday on his left hand. You could ask him, "Hayes. where is you boo-boo?" He would point to it with the most pitiful little face and then hold his hand out so you could kiss it. It was the sweetest most pitiful little thing you have ever seen. We are just praying that him getting bit does not trigger him to try to bite to get his way.

Hayes can say several words...Mama, Dada, Nana, Papa, Hi, Hey, Bye-bye, Baby, Ball, Dog, Bible, Roll Tide, Car, Night-Night, Bath, Tree, Me, Mine, Be (short for Kirby), AA (short for Aunt Amanda), Trey, Beep-beep, Vroom, Wow, Whoa, Uh-oh, No-no-no (this one comes complete with him shaking his finger at you), Thank you, Please, Love you

He is also is very good at his signs for "More" and "Please". If you give him something that he really likes to eat say a brownie bite, he will immediately start doing the sign for "More". He is one smart kiddo if you ask me!

He also knows the motions for "If you're happy and you know it" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider". He loves to dance!!! He really likes to dance to "Old MacDonald had a Farm". He also LOVES game shows that clap a lot like Family Feud and The Price is Right. He claps every time the people on the show clap. It is so funny to watch!

You can ask Hayes, "Who did God make?" And, he will point to himself with both thumbs and shout, "ME!"

He still loves Kirby better than anything else in the world. He also loves Razzle (Mom's pup), and they play so well together. Hayes will lay flat on his stomach and let Razzle climb all over him. He just laughs the whole time. He is definitely a dog boy!!

One of his favorite toys at our house is the broom. He loves to sweep. Guess those genes skip a generation because he definitely didn't get this passion from his mom or dad! He also loves to help fold clothes, dust, and organize the cabinets and refrigerator. I am encouraging this love as much as possible!!

He also gives lots of hugs and kisses. He pats you when he hugs you. It is the best feeling in the whole world. He is very big into the "Don't you give me any more kisses game." To which he answers with giggles and big sloppy kisses. We play that game a lot at our house!!!

If someone is holding Hayes like Nana or Daddy and I come up behind them and put my head on their shoulder and say, "My Nana" or "My Daddy". He very quickly pushes me away and then lays on their shoulder so you can't do it again. We play that game a lot, too!

Hayes, you are the best pieces of your daddy and I! You are our hearts! You have brought more happiness, joy, and laughter to our lives that you can ever imagine. You are the bright spot in both of our days everyday. We are so grateful to God that he allows us to be your parents. I hope that you always know how much you are loved and wanted. We love you, turkey leg! Happy 16 Month Birthday!