Cookie? Cookie? Cookieeeee?

Imagine hearing "cookie?" in various intonations as you are trying to get through the grocery store. Each item tossed in the cart was met with a heartbroken plea of "cookie?" After eating his two (mom-approved, packed at home) graham crackers by the time we were rounding the corner to the cereal aisle (translation: less than 10 minutes in the store), his pleas turned into a full on scream fest. No, no I won't give you a "cookie." Note: "cookie" means anything that he thinks he should be eating that is not a vegetable or Goldfish cracker.

Julian, sweetheart, this has got to stop.

I can't remember the last time I had a meal where you didn't start screaming at some point. It could be because your plate is empty (this is not shocking, given the rate at which you throttle food into your little mouth). It could be because you have set aside all of your vegetables in the cup holder and are without anything desirable. It could be because you want what I'm having. God help us all when it's time for you to get wiped up. Sweet son, you sure know how to wail when the "end of meal" signal (i.e. a washcloth) appears.

You are not starving, I assure you. On the contrary: you eat more than I do. You do not need to look in the trash throughout the day, looking for cookies. I'm sure that the first, sweet, forbidden taste of peanut butter via an old sandwich crust was delicious, but for the love of sanitation, please, stop this behavior.

I rue the day when you can actually open the door to the pantry. You can be found down there, trying to your hardest to get in. Should you hear the door open, or even *think* that I am walking down the hallway to open the pantry, I can be sure you will be hot on my heels, hoping for a little snack.

Please, Child.

I have given you things at this age that I did not give to your younger brothers, just for a little peace. Half of my turkey sandwich? Have at it. PB&J? Why not. Have a chip or three.

Just please stop screaming.


I'm running out of crackers.

Julian at 15 Months

It's been really fun to hear the pad pad pad of another set of feet around here. I still do a double-take when I see your little body round a corner, standing (albeit a bit unsteady) on two feet. You are such a big boy!

Last month you said your first word: "ca ca." Over the past two weeks, this has changed into a solid "cookie" sound, which means anything delicious to eat (crackers, cheerios, and yes, the occasional cookie!). The irony of this first word is not lost on us, because son, you love to eat. Other words you say are "nigh nigh" and "beebee" (baby).

You've turned into quite the cuddle bug. You love to take a break out of your busy day to rest your head on a shoulder and receive some loving. And yes, thumb-sucking is a huge part of this ritual. Your thumb is a big source of comfort for you at this stage of the game, and I'm wondering how long this will last...

Your dad and I think you have really big hands for such a little guy.

In the last months, you have shown a bit of a temper. This usually occurs when we take something forbidden away from you, or move you away from out of the fireplace. I know, I know: how could we? Those fireplace rocks sure are tasty, aren't they?

You are 33 inches long and weigh nearly 23 pounds. Big boy, you are!