Is this kid great, or what?

It has been way too long since we updated the blog, so I thought it was time to get on here and tell you about Garrett (since that is why you read this anyway!). I usually write about happenings or events in our family, but today I thought I would catch you up on my great kid! Garrett is now 17 months old! I know we say this all the time, but I love this stage. He is so much fun to be around. One minute we are laughing the next we are pulling our hair out! Life with a toddler is full adventure and pure joy. He had a great summer hanging out with his daddy doing household projects, doing the grocery shopping and playing outside. They really formed quite a bond and I am so grateful that Brandon's job allows him to spend this quality time with Garrett. The past couple weeks have meant some adjustments for our family. Brandon went back to school so Garrett is going back to Kids Korner and Miss Jaime every Tuesday thru Friday. We have been working on weaning him from his constant pacifier use to only using it at naps and night time. Which has been more like weaning mommy and daddy from their sanity! Speaking of naps, he is now working with Miss Jaime on going down to only an afternoon nap. She would like to include him in "Centers" or the preschool curriculum by 18 months. They usually do this from 9-10:30am daily. Another new phase he has started is the "mine" phase. Except he yells it at the top of his lungs and gets on his tippy toes. Its really quite a performance. Mommy and daddy are really struggling with this new found Independence and bossy behavior. We are trying to stress saying "please" for a toy instead of taking it and giving others a turn. I see glimpses of progress at times. All have assured me this is a phase and does get better! He has also been in a stranger danger phase especially at church. We had many problems leaving him in the nursery while daddy and I enjoyed the service. Consistency has been key because now that we have been able to go to church one month straight he goes to the volunteer without crying and actually enjoys himself even if he has had to steal a security blanket from another kid to get through the hour!
With the fall season comes buying some warmer clothing. Garrett is still pretty short and we have really been struggling to find pants that fit his toddler belly but that he is not tripping over. Also his Meme came up to visit and took him on his first trip to Stride Rite for his first "real" pair of shoes!
Garrett talks constantly. I am not sure where he is getting this from because his parents are quite shy! We are really enjoying how much he is communicating, its really fun. He is now running everywhere..we do not walk. For instance today, we went on a walk and he insisted on getting out of his stroller and running the last 3/4 mile. He gets this from his daddy's side. I better watch because Brandon will be fitting him for running spikes before I know it!
I am still able to be home with Garrett on Mondays. This fall we will be starting a MOPS group at a local church. I am looking forward to getting to know some other women in the community and Garrett will participate in the Moppets group too! Of course our days will still be spent playing and having some mommy time. I love it! We have also made Monday's our library day. It has been fun to go pick a bag full of books to enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this fall season. We are looking forward to football and cooler weather. I am already planing "Boo at the Zoo" and the trip to Stoney Creek Farms to pick a pumpkin. First off is Labor Day weekend at Kentucky Lake with the Kline clan. I am sure there will be pictures to share!