Signs that my baby is getting older

It's hard to believe that Drew's already 16 months old!!! Where has the time gone? It's been such a joy to watch him grow and develop and discover new things. You can't deny that he's growing up and turning into a little boy (but he'll always be my baby). He can do so many things that amaze me and remind me that this season of our lives is fleeting. We need to stop and enjoy the little things before they're all gone.

Signs that my baby is growing up:

• He can use a fork and spoon with increasing success (=less mess)
  


• He can follow one-step directions (and sometimes even 2 or more step directions)
  


• He knows where things go to put away out of the dishwasher and will put them away for me when asked. (Tupperware dishes, plastic grill drip pans, pie and cake pans, etc.)
  


• He can amuse himself for longer periods (though still not very long) at a time looking at books or playing by himself
  


• He's starting to recognize when he needs a new diaper and will respond when asked
  


• He can get his own cup out of the refrigerator (after we open the door) and knows how to put it away
  


• He will pick up toys and books and put them where they go
  


• He loves to help with laundry and can put clothes into the basket
  


• He's getting better at throwing a ball
  


• He can step up and down small steps when holding onto someone or something (we're still working on the big stairs - he can go up, but not down)
  


• He claps and smiles when I say "Daddy's home" and goes looking out the front door
  


• He can recognize people in pictures and can identify them with alarming accuracy
  


• He can lead you by the finger to get you where he wants to go
  


• Plus a thousand more things that I can't think of right now...the list goes on and on

I'm attaching some of our most recent pictures for your enjoyment! There probably won't be many posts for the next week or two. We're heading to Houston on Thursday and will be back a week from Sunday. (In between, Drew is getting to spend time with Gigi and Grandpa Randy and Mommy and Daddy are getting to spend time together in Jamaica!!! I'll post all about it when we get back!) Enjoy the pics.