17 Months Old!

Why am I smiling?...

Mommy & Daddy took me to the zoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leo spots a jaguar perched in the tree...

But Daddy will keep him safe.

Who's this little fellow?

Look Mom, only one hand...and a few screams.

Above: Pictures from the local zoo last weekend :)

Yesterday Leo turned 17 months old! It's sort of unreal. Such a big number for such a little guy, though he's getting bigger every day and running around on those little feet like there's no tomorrow. Just the other day Robert said to me, "Where did those hands on Leo come from, and that huge big toe?" He's growing all the time - about 4 more inches and 5 more pounds since we brought him home from Korea 4 months ago. He's got 15 teeth and a STRONG set of vocal chords :) He proudly points to the various parts of his face and body, and spends lots of time in the garden helping me water (mostly we water Leo!!!) and riding around in the red fire engine Daddy built for him. Leo still loves Sesame Street and Big Bird (so do I), bread and cheese, and trucks, cars, and choo choo trains. A couple of days ago we were at a restaurant when we saw a garbage truck pull up and do its thing and Leo's excitement was palpable - big smile, lots of pointing and squealing.

Part of me wishes I could just press the pause button and stay in this time and place with Leo for about 5 years. Not only is he physically adorable (I can't stop squeezing and hugging him) but I also love watching him discover new things and the pride he has in his accomplishments (like walking toward me with a truck in each hand or successfully transferring food from a spoon into his mouth). It's just beautiful (and often really funny and cute). Yet I'm also excited about the rest of Leo's journey and watching him enjoy all of the different stages of his life. No rush though, I'm loving every day with Leo right now. Here he comes with a book for Mommy to read to him....gotta run!!!!