Anson is a Walking Pro

This may be more of a personal journal entry than anything, just to document our little boy at this stage.

Anson has been walking for probably 6 months now, taking a step at a time.  For a long time he was walking everywhere but required a hand to do so.  I was definitely ready for him to just let go so I could walk with a straight back.

One night we had the Mukherjee's over and Anson was showing off his walking skills.  But instead of crashing into them he stopped in front and handed them something gently.  Turning point!

Not too long after that we were practicing walking between Blake and me and this is what we got:

The next day he was walking between Blake and I when we were in separate rooms in the house, just going back and forth.

The next day he was officially walking everywhere.  Yay!  He's been essentially walking for so long that he started with running, walking over things, carrying heavy objects, etc.  I really don't mind.  He was into everything already anyway and at least he's not pulling on me all the time.  I can walk freely now, too. :)

Some more "stats" on Anson at 16 months:

• At our recent checkup our pediatrician told us he's at the 6th percentile for weight and the 90th percentile for height, which has been consistent for his lifetime so far.  He's a tall and lean kid.
• He can say: Mama, Dada, Mama (a little differently for Gramma), Papa, ball, Co (for cup and milk), car, koki (hikoki is Japanese for airplane), bapo (Japanese for belly button), kaka (for cookie/cracker), hah (hot), nana (for banana and string cheese), buh-bow (bubble), uh-huh (for yes) and uh-uh (for no), buh-bye
• He imitates inflection for "Here mama" (handing something over),   "I wan(t) Mama",
• He can sign: dog, ball, more, food, milk, drink, juice, please, diaper, ice-cream, cheese, banana, peas, bread, cereal, car, airplane, train, hot, wash hands and go!
• He also thinks it's funny to pinch his nose and say "Mama"
• He LOVES (and chases) dogs, cats, and cars.  
• He also loves balls and has a pretty good arm.
• He dances to music, claps after every song someone sings or plays, and sometimes conducts the music with both arms.
• He clasps his hands together for prayers.
• Every morning he gives kisses & hugs, blows kisses, waves good-bye, and signs "I Love You" with just his index finger extended.
• His favorite people are Mom, Dad, Claire, Gramma and Amanda but also likes to talk to family on Skype.

 We love this kid!