Time ticks on and Hayden is yet another month older and getting closer and closer to his second birthday. Typically, I look back at all of the photos that I have taken in the past month to see what new things he has been up to. Whenever he does something new, I tend to whip out the camera and try to capture it on film, so looking back is a good way to remind myself of the things he has recently learned.

This time when I looked back, the thing that caught me more than what he's done, is how he looks. He is looking more and more toddler-esque and less baby-ish everyday. He has lost his super chubby cheeks and awkward movements. Now he has slimmed down, gotten a crew cut, and nearly perfected running... everywhere!

Some things that Hayden likes to do now that he is 21 months old are:

• Playing with his trains... the little ones....and the BIG

• Eating PIZZA!

• Rolling in the grass

• Reading...still (thankfully!)

• Climbing up onto the couch (this is a new-found skill that never gets old)...he's pretty proud of himself once he makes it up there.

• Making funny faces...

• Posing with his sunglasses!

• Helping Dad

• Hanging out at the beach

• Laughing...

• Picnicking...

• Playing at the park and going down the slide

• Giving hugs and kisses (if we BEG!)

• Cuddling with his frogs and other stuffed animals

• Studying his rocks all in a row

• Sitting in his new blue lawn chair...and supervising!

He is doing great feeding himself. We only have to help him occasionally now and that is mostly when he is tired and has no interest in eating, or when the last few spoonfuls need to be scraped out of the bowl. He loves being outside especially now as the weather gets warmer. He is talking more and doing great using his manner by saying please and thank you (mostly when reminded).

We look forward to the next month to see him grow and develop even more! -- mam