18 months old

Dear Silas,

Today, you are 18 months old! I am so grateful that the Lord gave us a little boy. Our family has been forever changed by you; God knew we needed you!

At eighteen months, you are walking, talking, and beginning to run. You started walking just as we were moving at the beginning of August. You were so proud of yourself that you would softly scream as you walked across the room to our out-stretched arms. Now, the toddler waddle is quickly disappearing, and you cover distance faster and faster and with more confidence. Grandpa and Grandma Berreth have quite a few steep places in their yard, and you have started tackling them on your own. But, I am always right there in case you need a hand.

You love to get the family laughing at your silly antics. Your latest? If we say, "Silas, show us your muscles," you will put your arms up and grunt and hold your breath for a few seconds. You also like to fake-sneeze and make yourself dizzy by turning in circles. You love to be tickled and chased. You often break out in song, humming tunes that are familiar to you. One day, you and your sisters were just going down for naps, in adjacent rooms, and you began to "sing." The girls were laughing so hard that they had trouble falling asleep.

You are saying more words, but where you are lacking in words you make up for in body language and tone. You are an amazing communicator. You have even invented a few of you own signs, one being a backwards wave for wanting to go outside. Another is a blown kiss for thank you. You say your sisters' names well, as well as "daddy" and "momma." I love it when you call to Daddy, or are excited to see him, and repeatedly say his name in a sing-song voice. You say "han" for whenever you'd like us to take your hand. You say "moke" for milk, and "harry" for harmonica (you know how to play the one your cousin Tim got for you last Christmas). "Ammy" is piano - you do love to bang on Daddy's keyboard, and then jive to your rhythm. You love birds, and frequently are on the lookout for a "birdie," whether in a picture book or in the great outdoors. You say "szuur" (shirt), "szooo" (shoes), and "saw" (socks).

Silas, you are full of love and cuddles. I love getting you up from your nap. You position your "mankie" (favorite blanket) just right on my shoulder and snuggle in. You also cuddle with the rest of the family. It's especially neat to see you desiring cuddles from your grandparents as you are forming closer relationships with them - one set we live with right now, and the other set we see more often because we live closer to them. You are also good about giving your sisters goodnight kisses.

You are a busy boy, usually on the move. Your favorite activity is probably exploring the great outdoors. Rocks are lots of fun, especially if you have something to empty them into, and them dump them out again. Inside, you love to find little hiding places with Ellie, like under the highchair or dining room table. You also love to push your cars and trucks, and take things apart and figure out how to put them back together.

It is pure tragedy when your "mankie" has to be washed, usually twice and week. I try to put it in right away in the morning, while you are eating breakfast. You have even figured out how to go get it from the dryer. You really seem lost sometimes, when you wander around the house without it. Being reunited with it is pure joy to you. That satisfied and joyous cry cannot be matched!

You are 25 pounds now, which is about at the 65th percentile. You are in the 90th percentile for height. We are thankful for how well you are growing, even with the CF. People comment on how healthy you look. We are thankful for God's ever present grace and faithfulness to us, and whether you continue in great health or get sick, we must remember that God is still gracious and faithful in all things. It is important to remember that for whatever we face, Silas. We love you bunches, and we are blessed beyond description by our sweet, fun-loving, silly little boy. Happy 18 months!