I've noticed this now in numerous people... and it strikes me as odd, I don't yet understand it. It happens both when I'm by myself with Adam and also when Kristen is there too, so I don't think its gender stereotyping. It tends to happen most with people who don't know us well, but it's not isolated to them. It basically happens like this: Adam is unhappy and screams, which for Adam is usually a pretty loud scream. Adult observer turns to me or Kreisten and asks "what does he need."
Typically the problem is that adam wants to be free to roam around or to do something unsafe and we won't let him. Sometimes he's tired or hungry too, which tends to make his reactions even stronger. I'm never sure how to respond to these people. It's rare he needs something he's not getting... Usually its something he wants or doesn't want. Either way, what's so bad about a 14 month old screaming some? I thought that was expected.
Hmmm....guess it is a little unusual for toddlers to scream very much or very often. Cry, yes, but scream -probably not. I think Adam's a little out of the norm there. And I suppose folks expect you to be able to "read him", if you will, since he's your son and you are around him all the time. I must admit, until they are able to communicate it's always somewhat of a guessing game. Again, he's definitely in the "spirited" category in some areas! But that's not all bad, just a little different. And he's by no means alone, I have seen/heard plenty of other children his age screaming! So don't fret it!
Were you a screamer as a toddler? Perhaps your mom remembers. I don't recall Kristen screaming as you describe; she was pretty mellow after she started walking. What's going on with your friends' kids at the same age?