Ezra-isms, Updated

Our little guy celebrated his half-birthday this month.  It seems a good time to give an update on current Ezra-isms:

• Ezra talks with his hands.  As his pediatrician put it, "He looks like he is conducting the orchestra when he babbles."  He seems to do this most when he is excited or trying to show off.  At any rate, he is fairly dramatic!  
• He has recently become a broken record when he wants something, but has to wait.  For example, now that the weather has warmed up, we go outside most days for a walk.  After his morning milk (and still in pajamas) his only desire is "side" (outside)--right then.  Explanations about first eating breakfast, or getting dressed are pointless.  He will repeat his request endlessly hoping I will at some point give in (or go crazy).  
• Although he has a huge interest in verbalizing, there has been a fair bit of miscommunication between Ezra and I.  He says a word, but I am clueless as to what he is referring to.  He repeats it; I am still clueless.  And we circle around until he is nearly in tears for trying.  Improvement needed--for both of us!
• The nursery leader reports that he loves singing time, and dances around the room, kind of hop-skipping whenever songs are sung.  Current favorites include "The Wheels on the Bus", "Old McDonald", "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam", "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes", and "We are a Happy Family".  But, actually, if you sing to him, he is all ears, no matter what the tune.  He loves music. 
• On those occasions when Ezra is frustrated and hits, I have found it effective (thus far) to say what I like, rather than what I don't like.  For example, instead of just saying, "No hitting", (which usually means I will be hit again), I say "Mommy likes hugs.  Can I have a hug?"  Ezra likes hugs too, and he usually recognizes that a hug from mom is better than hitting.  I am so grateful he is so tender and teachable!  We are trying!  
• Ezra loves his bedtime routine.  It seems to me that he appreciates the consistency and safe feeling of always closing the day in the same way.  After pajamas, milk, and brushed teeth, we head for his room for prayer and Book of Mormon reading.  When we enter the room, he immediately plops down on the floor, folds his arms, and says (expectantly) "pay" (pray).  After prayer, he will pull down The Book of Mormon, chanting over and over, "Mormon".  We read our five verses, and then he is ready to get in bed.  No fight, no fuss.  He snuggles with Bear, assures that the heater and humidifier are on, and then wishes us, "ni-night."  I know it won't always be so pleasant; I am trying to fully appreciate this stage for as long as it lasts!
• Books are still a constant in his life.  He now loves the Gospel Art Book, published by the church as a spiral bound compilation of pictures from the Old and New Testaments, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants/Church History.  Ezra sings songs about Jesus and hears stories about Jesus, so any picture of Jesus is his favorite.  He can be happily occupied for 15 minutes straight looking at pictures of Jesus.  Sometimes, I go through the entire "New Testament" (in pictures) and give a short two-sentence synopsis of each story, which he will sit through of his own accord.  I consider it pretty miraculous, but he really loves hearing the stories of Jesus.  
• We love our sweetie boy!