September 23,
2003 – This may not be the
“cleanest” topic of conversation (ha), but it’s the most important thing that’s
happened lately – I pooped in the potty for the first time yesterday!!!! It took
about an hour of sitting on the toilet with daddy talking to me and reading
books, but it worked! Up until then I was too nervous to do it and kept going
in my underwear. I’ve been potty training for almost two months and doing very
well. My favorite parts are putting the toilet paper in and then getting a
treat afterward J Another “big-boy” thing I did was to sit
alone in the big chair at the dentist’s office
last week. At previous appointments, I had to sit on mommy’s lap with
her holding me tight so I wouldn’t move. Not fun. This time I sat quietly while
the dentist cleaned my teeth and then I got a new toothbrush, a sticker, and a
toy afterward – cool! In less than a month, I will turn 3 years old. Mommy and
daddy can’t believe how much I’ve grown. I’m so tall, and so smart, and I say
the funniest things. My newest one is when I want to do something that I’m not
supposed to do (usually in the kitchen), I look at mommy and say, “Don’t be
mad, mama – now you go into the living room.” (if she goes into another room,
she won’t see what I’m doing!) Doesn’t always work, though J My
favorite things these days are running, playing, and jumping (I’m a boy, after
all!), my weekly YMCA class, going for walks outside (I can pull the wagon
now), and my Matchbox cars (actually, anything with wheels). I also enjoy two
new cartoons – Tractor Tom, and The Save Ums. Of course I know the theme songs
by heart. I just love to sing and dance. I also love to play hide-n-seek. The
best part is getting to count while the other person hides. I literally squeal
with delight at that game. My favorite foods are bagels, bananas, and yogurt,
and anything Kyle is eating. This Halloween I think I will dress as a ghost.
Daddy will take me out into the neighborhood while mommy stays home with Kyle
and hands out candy. Well, I gotta go play. More later. And we promise to
update the website soon J
August 2, 2003 – It’s been a busy two months. I play
outside in the backyard, go for stroller walks (when it’s not too hot!), and watch
too much TV (. . . who said that?!) I went to the Buffalo Zoo recently with my
playgroup buddies – it was fun. I’m not sure who was more exhausted when they
got in the car to go home… mommy or me! Gramma & Grampa Perkins recently
visited us from Florida – we had a great time. I’ve been going to the library
on Tuesday mornings for story hour. We get to make crafts afterward. One week
we were given access to every mother’s two least favorite items: glue and
glitter!! Yea!! Mommy and daddy get a kick out of me lately. I say the funniest
things (and they know this is just the beginning!) Here are a few examples:
when trying to get me to eat some pasta along with the cupcake on my plate,
they said “You need something with the cupcake” and I said “a bib?” (I guess
that’s not what they meant); when trying to get me to put pajamas on before
bed, I said “No thanks, not workin” (I wanted to wear my shorts and t-shirt);
and when mommy reminded me that when I’m big I get to go to school, I asked “
What do they have in school?” Before she could answer I asked “icecream?!” (who
cares about teachers and books, right?!) My favorite things these days are
drawing, painting, playdough, stickers, cars and trucks (playing with them at
home as well as identifying them as they drive by!). And although I still like
Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues, I’ve found a new obsession: BOB THE BUILDER! He rules! I know the theme
song by heart and sing and dance to it when it comes on (I know all the words!)
It’s another Nickelodeon cartoon and is followed by another favorite: Max &
Ruby (they’re rabbits). I guess that’s
all for now. Kyle has to dictate his update to mommy. See ya!
June 13, 2003 – “I do it”, “I do it”, “I DO IT!!!” Will
everyone please get the hint that I want to do everything myself?! That
includes climbing onto the changing table to get a diaper changed (by the way,
I wonder when I’ll show any interest in potty training…), climbing in and out
of the carseat, peeling my morning banana (and climbing onto the counter to get
one off the bunch if I can get away with it), getting dressed (and choosing the
outfit; oops, daddy doesn’t think boys should call their clothes “outfits”;
that’s for girls. I meant to say “shirt” and “pants”… but now I’m rambling
again…) For the most part, mommy and
daddy have complied with my request to do things myself, unless I really need
help or it’s for my own safety. Whatever. Anyway, there’s still so much to do
and so little time. Some of my favorite things to do these days are puzzles,
coloring with crayons and markers (mommy made me a smock from one of daddy’s
old shirts J), making
shapes with playdough (have to wear that smock again), drawing on the driveway
with chalk (should wear the smock but don’t), and going on stroller walks (I
still tell mommy which way to turn). My favorite foods are bananas (they rule),
chocolate chip granola bars (a close second), milkshakes (vanilla), chocolate
milk (thank a recent episode of Blue’s Clues for that one), and those cartoon
character-shaped chewy fruit snacks… I know, doesn’t sound too healthy does
it?! Mommy gets some “regular” food and veggies in there when she can, but it’s
not easy!! But, no one said it would be easy to feed (or live with) an almost
3-year old, did they??!!
May 10, 2003 – Now I’m in the middle of the “Terrible
Two-And-A-Half’s”!! It’s non-stop fun!! Daddy and I went to Florida last month
to visit Mema and Papa T. We had a lot of fun. I swam in the pool, ran up and
down the ramp, and saw a big turtle. I was a good boy on the plane and in the
airport. I really missed mommy, though. She stayed home with Kyle where it was
quiet (ha). Now we’re all together again and enjoying the Spring weather. I
love to play outside in our backyard – on the swingset, in the sandbox, or just
running around collecting stones. Mommy takes Kyle and I on long stroller walks
through the neighborhood. I tell her which way to turn (and get upset if she
doesn’t listen). We’re done with tumbling class for now (will start again in
the Fall). Mommy signed me up for a Friday morning craft & play time at the
local YMCA. It lasts for 7 weeks. I really like it. We also visit other moms
and their kids for play groups now and then – another way to get us out of the
house and for me to “socialize” J When not out and
about, I enjoy running in the house playing hide-n-seek, jumping on the
furniture, singing and dancing. I know the words to a lot of songs and nursery
rhymes. I especially like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. My favorite new cartoons are
Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues. They are very interactive and teach me a
lot. Of course I already know so much from mommy and daddy. They read to me
every night, we play games on the computer, and daddy teaches me French and
Spanish. I enjoy learning new things – my brain is like a sponge – the more the
better!! Bye for now!
March 1, 2003 – I’ve been taken out of Kindermusik
class… don’t feel bad for me – it’s for the best. They required me to sit still
for a certain length of time, which is just impossible. I became too disruptive
and wasn’t really having fun anymore. The teacher said I am a very bright and
articulate little boy – probably a little too smart for the class right now.
Maybe we’ll try again when I’m 3 or 4. For now, mommy enrolled me in something
that’s a little more my speed – TUMBLING! I go to the local gymnastics center
where I can run and jump and bounce!!! That’s more like it! Today was our first
day. Daddy went in with me while mommy and Kyle watched. We’ll plan to go every
Saturday morning until the weather gets nice and then I can play outside
again. Other news from Noah
Central: I no longer tolerate some of
my food being cut up into tiny pieces. I know mommy is just being careful but
c’mon, I’m a big boy now. I have requested that my bananas be cut in half only,
and that my apples be in big chunks (peeled). Of course mommy and daddy keep an
eye on me to make sure I eat them without choking. I’m starting to drink out of
a regular cup, but still prefer my “sippy” cup (hey, it’s easier to run around
the house with). I’ve been doing more role playing lately (pretending to fly
with a towel hanging off my shoulders – Super Noah!) and I like to help mommy
around the house (sweep; empty the dishwasher). I know my opposites (happy/sad,
big/little, wet/dry, and cold/hot). I’m also starting to talk on the phone! You
may receive a call from me in the near future! And I’ve picked up a few more
cute phrases, “That’s terrible”, “Oh dear!”, and mommy’s favorite, “I said no.”
(ha) She loves when I say it back to her J
February 13, 2003 – I’m having fun being two. Mommy and
daddy call it the Terrible Two’s. They’re wondering if they can bottle my
energy. Nope – it’s all mine!!! I’m learning new things every day. I can count
to 30. I know the alphabet. I also know my shapes and colors. I know a lot of
words and can even tell you what a word starts with (mommy and daddy help me
“sound” it out). Mommy raises an eyebrow, but my favorite things to do are to
jump on the couch, play with the pillows and throw them all over the floor,
climb onto the changing table in my room (whereby I usually end up falling into
a box of diapers), and generally just run around and whine and scream. I know
it doesn’t sound like much fun, but believe me – it is! My favorite cartoons
(again, mommy raises an eyebrow -- she always promised herself that her kids
wouldn’t watch a lot of TV…) are:
Teletubbies, Winnie the Pooh, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Calliou, Sesame
Street, The Big Comfy Couch, and Mr. Rogers.
My favorite foods are: bagels
(with cream cheese, please!), spiral macaroni & cheese, bananas, and
milkshakes (no, not from McDonalds. Mommy makes me a special one with vanilla
icecream, milk, and bananas). And my
newest accomplishment is that I learned how to sing! Either by myself or along
with mommy and daddy, I like to sing:
the Alphabet Song, Wheels on the Bus, Ring Around the Rosie, and The
Wiggles theme song from the Disney channel. Isn’t it amazing how much a
two-year-old can do?? I can also drive mommy and daddy up the wall with my
tantrums, but that’s another story for another day. Til then, “Ring around the
rosie, a pocket full of posies…” J
January 22,
2003 – Today was our last
day of Kindermusik. Mommy and Grampy came to watch me. Usually my friend,
Sarah, and her mom bring me to class but they are out of town. Mommy saw how
much fun I had and signed me up for next semester (February – May). The class
will be about animals – we’ll probably have to act like animals (movement and
sound). Mommy says I already act like one… !
January 20,
2003 – So much has
happened in the last month! I can say a lot of new words and sentences now.
Mommy and daddy can almost have a real conversation with me – it’s cool! My
newest “sayings” are “I don’t want it”, “Kyle sad”, and “fire - hot”. I think I
surprised mommy tonight by pointing to my bum and saying “poopy” (for the first
time). Why do parents get so excited about that stuff?! She said something
about getting closer to potty training time… whatever that means. I just know
that I’m having fun being two. Mommy and daddy call it the “terrible” two’s…
OK, I’m a little whiney and I scream a lot and throw tantrums… I refuse to wear
pants or socks, don’t want to put my boots on to go outside, am VERY picky
about what food I eat and when… your usual toddler stuff. But there have been
so many changes in my life… I’m growing so fast, I have a new baby brother, AND
I no longer sleep in my crib (I tried climbing out so mommy and daddy replaced
it with a “toddler” bed). Going to bed is so different now… I can get back out
of bed if I want to… which I do. I get scared in the middle of the night or
early morning and I cry to get into mommy and daddy’s bed. They’re hoping I
grow out of this. I had my first sleep-over at Aunti Moe’s house last weekend.
It went well. Mommy and daddy took Kyle and went to a movie. They picked me up
the next day. They say they are going to do it more often! Well, gotta go. I’m
dictating to mommy and her hands are getting tired. More later!
December 8,
2002 – I’m getting used to
Kyle now. He’s pretty cool. He doesn’t do much… just lays around and sleeps
mostly. But now he smiles… and mommy and daddy seem really excited about it.
Something about that first smile, I guess. Been there, done that J Now on to bigger and better things. Like
jumping on the furniture, coloring on the walls, climbing on the table, and
talking, talking, talking!! I’m learning so many new words. My favorites are
“what’s that?”, “big truck”, “bye-bye”, and of course copying everything mommy
and daddy say (they better watch out!) They are wondering where I get my
energy, and wishing they had some of it. We are a little short on sleep but
catch up with naps when we can. I missed my nap the other day (first time in a
long time) and mommy and daddy say that will NEVER happen again. I was NOT a
happy camper the rest of the day. It was a VERY l o n g day!! I’m getting excited about Christmas. I
sat on Santa’s lap the other night but he scared me and I cried. Why does he
wear that funny red suit anyway?! Oh well, gotta go. Got more running around to
do!! See ya!
November 10,
2002 – First mommy and
daddy put another crib in my room, then I noticed a package of newborn diapers
discreetly placed near my size 4’s, and NOW there’s a tiny, noisy thing sharing
my space AND sharing MY mommy and daddy! During their first week home from the
hospital, I made sure everyone knew I wasn’t very happy about this change.
Things are better now. I found out that this “thing” is my brother! His name is
Kyle and he’s so cute! He makes funny faces and funny noises – I love watching
him. But most of the time I’m too caught up in my “2-year-old toddler world” to
notice him (until he takes mommy or daddy’s attention)! Then I have to turn the
attention back to ME. It’s pretty easy to do – I take my crayons and color on
the walls, or I shake my cup of milk all over the floor and then dance barefoot
in it, or I just scream loudly (my cousin, Jessica, taught me that). Or, my
personal favorite, I just whine. Overall, I’m very happy and actually quite the
charmer around others. I enjoy learning new stuff every day – I can’t wait
until Kyle is old enough to play with me!
September 18,
2002 – I told mommy it’s
time to update my progress report again. She’s been so tired. It must have
something to do with her big belly. I’ve noticed there’s a lot of activity
around here lately. She’s getting out some of my baby items that have been in
the shed... and she’s cleaning stuff out of my room… and her cousin just
dropped off a bassinet. What does it all mean??! Well, I have better things to
do these days than worry about it. I spend most of my time running in circles,
laughing and dancing… except when it’s time to brush my teeth. Mommy brought me
to the dentist for the first time the other day. The dentist was very nice and
he gave me a new toothbrush and stickers, but they can’t bribe me. This
brushing thing is no fun. They also took me to get another haircut last
weekend. The only thing that made it bearable was that I got to sit on daddy’s
lap. They say I look like a “big boy” now without all my long curls. I guess I
“am” becoming a big boy… I’ve graduated from sitting in a highchair with a bib
to the kitchen chair like mommy and daddy (and no bib, no way!). I don’t like
to sit still while eating, though. I stand in the chair, and turn around in the
chair, and get down from the chair and run into the living room with food in my
hands… it’s hard to sit still when you’re my age J That’s why mommy took her friend up on an offer to take me to
Kindermusik class once a week with her daughter (my friend, Sarah). Mommy’s too
tired to bring me herself. This way I get to have fun with my friends, and
mommy gets an hour or two alone to relax (she misses me!)
August 6, 2002 – I’ve been trying to get mommy to update
my progress report but she’s been so busy and so tired. She says this has been
a difficult 3 months. I’ve noticed that her belly is getting quite big… not
sure what that means. She says I will soon. Well, a lot has been going on with
me now that I’m 21 months old and so close to the “terrible twos”. These days I’m into saying “no” and throwing
tantrums. Not just any “no” or any “tantrum”, mind you. I shake my head and
utter “no” several times in a very whiny voice, then I sit down on the floor
and cry. This I usually do in response to trying new foods, or wearing a bib,
or having my diaper changed, or getting a bath, or brushing my teeth… basically
everything that mommy and daddy want me to do. Actually, I just like to hear
myself say “no”… I’m practicing in order to find just the right whiny tone! I
had my first haircut a couple of weeks ago. Before that, mommy always tried to
trim it but I would run when I saw her with the scissors. This time they
brought me to the local barber and he took a lot off! But everyone says it
looks really cute (blush, blush…) and it’s still curly. Some of my favorite
things these days are running outside in the grass; swimming (I put my head
under water!); playing with balls, blocks and all toys with wheels; looking at
my books and having mommy and daddy read them to me; watching my Barney video
(mommy and I know it by heart!); and jumping on mommy and daddy’s bed. I’ve
learned some numbers and letters too. If you say “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”, I will say
“6, 7, 8, 9, 10”! Isn’t that cool? And if you ask me to point out or read
certain letters (especially the initials of my name), I will usually do it.
Hey, maybe I’ll be ready for kindergarten early… nope, still not potty-trained.
That will be one of the next (of many) hurdles to overcome.
May 1, 2002 – Energy and frustration: the two things
mommy says I have a lot of right now.
At a year and a half, I’m just that much closer to the terrible twos,
what can I say?! My recent visit to the
pediatrician went very well. I smiled
for the doctor (until he gave me those 3 shots). He said that at 25 pounds 2 ounces I’m in the 50th
percentile, but at 34 inches long I’m in the 90th percentile and
will probably be tall. That’s a good
thing. As for my communication skills,
I’m very close to talking and can start to say a few words. I certainly understand almost everything
mommy and daddy say. But not being able to talk is what makes me so
frustrated! Well, it will happen soon
and then you won’t be able to shut me up!
Now back to the energy thing.
Mommy can’t imagine me having any more energy than I already have (just
wait!) I run and dance around the house
all day -- playing with toys, climbing on chairs and tables, wiping the magnets
off the fridge and putting them back on again, and riding my car from the
kitchen to the living room at top speed.
Does life get any better than this?
Mommy is tired but she enjoys being with me all day. Of course she seems awfully happy when daddy
gets home and gives her a break!!
April 19, 2002 – Has it really been that long since I’ve written?
Actually, I don’t write yet – I dictate to mom and she types it. I’m sure you
figured that out by now J Well, let’s get the big news out of the way
first: I’m going to be a big brother in
October! Isn’t that exciting?!! We don’t know whether my sibling will be a boy
or a girl – we will wait and be surprised. It’s more fun that way. I’m still a very busy boy. Now that Spring
is officially here, I love to run around in the backyard with the wind blowing
through my blonde curls and the grass (and mud) underneath my feet. Why is it
that little boys have no trouble finding the dirt and puddles?? No problem – then I get to come inside and
do my favorite thing – take a bath!! Of course I end up getting mommy or daddy
just as wet as me, but they don’t mind. It’s the drying off part I don’t like –
and then they make me put clothes on! Ugh. Anyway, I’ll write more after my
18-month checkup next week. Till then…
February 1,
2002 – Busy, busy, busy –
that’s how everyone describes me these days. Going from one toy to another with
surprising speed. And whether it’s in the church nursery on Sundays or at the
YWCA children’s room while mommy exercises during the week, I go in, make
myself at home, and play happily with the other kids. So far my curiosity outweighs
any fear of mommy or daddy leaving me. All I can think of is, “What can I get
my hands on first?!” I think that
dreaded separation anxiety will kick in soon, but for now, no problem! Mommy and I started Kindermusik class again.
This semester’s theme is “farm animals”.
It’s fun learning what sounds the animals make - moooooo! Did I tell you I have an “official”
babysitter? Her name is Jessica and she lives nearby. We have fun together. She
usually comes over twice a week for an hour or two so mommy can attend meetings
and run errands. And for some reason mommy and daddy have also been using her
so they can go out on dinner/movie dates. I didn’t think parents did that after
they had kids. Mommy and daddy say it’s really important that they have some time
away from me. They always miss me when they’re gone, though. What’s not to
miss???? (At some point during their meal, the discussion turns to me and one
of them gets out their wallet so they can look at my picture! Parents are so
funny.) And, last but not least, I had
my 15-month doctor appointment recently and all’s well. I grew a little in
height and weight (50th percentile for weight / 90th
percentile for height) and the doctor said (knock on wood) that I’m one of his
healthiest patients. Mommy and daddy’s newest challenge is to try and brush my
teeth, as I now have about 16 of those pearly whites (most of them all the way
in, with a few recently making their grand entrance). I don’t quite get the
hang of the toothbrush thing yet (I just chew it), but in time I’m sure I’ll
figure it out. I’ve had a lot to learn
these past 15 months!
January 16,
2002 – Happy New Year! I’m
almost 15 months old. Mommy and daddy can’t believe how much I’ve grown and how
much I’ve learned. I keep them busy and surprise them all the time with new
stuff. That’s what kids are for, right?!
I’m sure you’ve heard that I’m walking now. I finally figured out what
to do with these chubby legs. And I understand mommy and daddy a lot more now
too. When they say, “Let’s take a bath,” I walk towards the bathroom with a big
grin. When they say it’s time for a diaper change (not always mommy’s exact
words), I follow her into my room. And when mommy tells me “Daddy’s home!”, I
quickly head for the front door. I especially like when mommy goes somewhere
and takes me with her. We bundle up in our big coats and I wait by the door
while she puts on her boots. Then I grab a toy (always a different one, and
something mommy ends up picking up from the driveway) and we go on our way.
These days my favorite things are playing hide-n-seek (especially under the
kitchen table), playing with all my toys (it’s amazing how fast I can go from
one thing to another), and having mommy and daddy read me my books. I pick out
the books I want, sit on their lap, and turn the pages while they read. They
can’t keep up with me (in more ways than one). Mommy says this is her favorite
age, though: I come when she calls, I’m
easily distracted if need be, I’m easy to cheer up or make laugh, I don’t mind
her singing off-key, I walk/run into her arms whenever they are outstretched, I
smile whenever she’s around, and most of all – I can’t talk back yet! Just
wait, mom!
December 21,
2001 – I can’t wait til
Christmas! This year I notice things that I don’t remember from last year (I
was only 2 months old then!) like the pretty tree with all the lights and
ornaments (sometimes I can’t resist and I have to reach out and touch it), the
presents with their colorful bows (Mom, how come I can’t play with them?), and
the festive music playing. We don’t have snow yet, but they’re predicting it
for the big day. I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I don’t even know
what snow is. But I heard it’s fun to play in!!! Mommy’s been very busy lately
and it’s taken her a month to write another entry. She said that was the month
when her perfect little baby starting acting like a little boy, and she was
sure that the terrible two’s were starting very early J Now she knows what part of my problem was
– I’m getting more teeth!! Lots of them - Mommy has lost count. No wonder I
wasn’t in a good mood! Plus, I heard it’s time for me to start rejecting food
that I always liked. I don’t want to do it, but all the books say I should. So,
most of my meals end up on the floor, and then I throw the sippy cup for good
measure. Mommy just cleans it up (and me) and we go play. She knows that I will
like those foods again someday. But the biggest news so far is that I took 2-3
steps last night without holding onto anything!!!!!! Before that, I cruised
around pretty well as long as the furniture was there to hold me up. If I had
to move between objects and I couldn’t reach, I would get down and crawl. This
time I walked from the living room chair to the couch with my hands free! I
went really fast because I was nervous. But it wasn’t that bad – I think I’ll
do it again sometime. And once I get it down pat, watch out!!
November 22,
2001 – Happy Thanksgiving,
everybody! I’m thankful for my mommy and daddy and all the love they give me.
Can you believe I’m 13 months old today?? I’m learning something new every day.
I can cruise around the house (walking with the help of the furniture) and it
makes mommy nervous. I also like to walk behind the First Steps Plus toy that
Grandma and Grandpa P. gave me for my birthday. More big news – another tooth
came in – a molar!! All the better to eat pizza with… if they’d ever give me
the stuff... I still like the jarred baby food mommy feeds me, but I’m really
into finger foods (pasta, toast, green beans, bananas, and cheese are my
favorites). I like to feed mommy now, but she’s not too keen on eating the
cheerios after I’ve slobbered all over them. I’m doing really well with my
sippy cup (mommy was worried a few months ago when I didn’t seem to get the
idea – I think she worries too much). Sometimes mommy gives me a “baby” cookie
for dessert – yum! I have a sweet tooth like her. Other than eating, I love to
play with my toys. I used to just dump the blocks out of the bowl, but now I
put them in one at a time and take them back out. I also figured out how to
stack the colored rings back on the post after taking them off. I carry those
rings around everywhere (in my hands, in my mouth…) I also understand when
someone asks me for something and I give it to them. I take the spoon from
mommy when she feeds me and hand it back when she asks, and I like to hand my
toys to other people but then I grab them back. They are MY toys, after all.
And now that I’m wearing shoes a lot, I like to go get them and sit on the
floor and try to put them on. Mommy’s going to have her hands full when I start
trying to dress myself. Anyway, being a little boy is fun. I’m going to try and
be good for mommy and daddy. But I don’t want to be TOO good… ya know??!! J
November 10,
2001 – Mommy’s sad.
Everyone told her how fast kids grow up but she didn’t believe them. The
reality hit her when she and daddy recently took a CPR class. The course for
infants was for babies up to one year old. After that they are considered
toddlers/children. I’m not a baby anymore. Sometimes I settle down and cuddle
with mommy and Spot and a good book. But it usually doesn’t last long and I
want to get down and play. Mommy misses the early days when I would fall asleep
in her arms. Mommy doesn’t realize it, but the best days are yet to come. We’ll
have so much fun and I’ll need her even more.
November 3,
2001 – Wow, I’m one year
old!!! Mommy and daddy had a birthday party for me in the back yard on Sunday,
October 21st. Luckily we rented a big tent because it rained!
Everyone had fun anyway. I didn’t know how to blow out my candle, but I sure
knew how to eat the cake! I got lots of nice gifts too. Then I had my doctor
appointment on October 23rd. The doctor said mommy is doing a very good
job. I only got one shot and Grandma P. was there to hold me and make me feel
better. Then the following weekend, daddy, mommy and I went on a church retreat
at Silver Lake. It was very pretty there. I did not want to sleep in my
playpen, so daddy zipped me up with him in his sleeping bag. We slept like
logs. Mommy didn’t – she said we snored all night! Then on Halloween I dressed
up as the Teletubbie “Po” – the costume was a big hit in the neighborhood. I
wasn’t allowed to eat any of the candy though. Maybe next year. Mommy signed us
up for swimming classes at the YMCA. We had our first class last week. The
mommies stand in the water and learn how to hold us babies different ways. Then
we move in circles and the mommies sing and we splash. I got mommy all wet
(hee-hee). I wonder what else mommy has in store for me . . . Life is great!!
October 14,
2001 – Last night I
figured out how to stand up! Mommy and
daddy brought home a big water jug and it was the perfect size for me to try
out my new skill. Mommy turned her back
for one minute and I pulled myself up. I stood there for a few minutes while
she took pictures, then I fell down on my bum. Mommy and daddy celebrated by
renting movies and eating popcorn and icecream (which I didn’t get any of…) That’s
OK – I’m just so excited because I’m that much closer to walking, and then
they’re in trouble!!
October 11,
2001 – Wow, I can’t
believe I’m almost one year old! Where did the time go?? I’ve grown so big and
learned so much this year. I’m still not standing or walking, but I’m trying
really hard. I get where I want to go (and where mommy “doesn’t” want me to go)
by crawling. Sometimes mommy gets on her hands and knees and hides behind the
furniture and I crawl really fast to find her. It makes us both laugh. I
recently started a class called Kindermusik, where mommies and their babies
meet once a week to sing, chant, and move to the music. I really like it. My
friend, Gage, just turned one (he’s in music class with me) and I went to his
birthday party with mommy and daddy. Gage got lots of cool stuff and I wanted
to play with it! Instead I followed his doggie around, squeaking and laughing,
and made a mess with the doggie’s water dish. I really like doggies and wish I
had one of my own. Daddy wants to get me one, but mommy says not yet. Let’s see
who wins J
August 30, 2001 – What a day! Mommy and I waited at the
Saturn dealership for over 2 hours while they looked at our car. That threw my
nap schedule out of whack. Mommy brought a bunch of toys to Saturn to keep me
occupied. But when I saw all the toys they had in the children’s waiting area,
I didn’t care about mine anymore. They had cool stuff like big plastic cars (I
like anything with wheels), building blocks, and a toy train. Then I saw
something that really put a smile on my face – a talking Teletubbie doll!!
That’s my favorite show! I also like Sesame Street with Elmo, JayJay the Jet
Plane and, much to mommy’s dismay, that silly purple dinosaur, Barney! I’m having so much fun now that I can crawl.
I love to grab the little metal wastebasket in the living room, turn it upside
down and play it like a drum! I am starting to recognize objects by name and
will look at or pick up the object or toy that mommy asks me to find. I’m
starting to wave hello and goodbye – it makes me laugh. I have three new
friends - Sarah, Taylor, and Gage – and I like playing with them (as well as my
little cousins Emily, Matthew, and James). As for the eating thing, mommy still
gives me that mushy jarred stuff (it’s pretty good), but she has introduced
whole milk and lots of interesting finger foods. I especially love the pieces
of cheese, noodles, toast and watermelon. I’m still a very happy and curious
baby. I feel like very soon I’m going to say something other than mama and dada
– I think it will be, “Gimme pizza!”
August 25, 2001 – I’m crawling!! I figured it out last night while
mommy and daddy were eating dinner. I crawled to the entertainment center and
picked up the picture frames that mommy had not put away yet (someone tell her
she has a baby in the house!) and then I crawled to the bookshelf and pulled
mommy and daddy’s books onto the floor. I’ve never seen mommy move so fast! She
took all the books off the bottom two shelves and replaced them with my own
books and toys. They’re learning! I rule this house now!
August 6, 2001 – I had my 9-1/2-month checkup today. The doctor said
I’m doing very well. And I was a big boy when it came time for my shot – I
didn’t cry for very long. Of course, it helped to have mommy there with my
pacifier and special blanket. I have 8 teeth now (4 on top & 4 on the
bottom). I’ve been very busy at home, and keeping mommy busy as well J I’m not
crawling yet, but I will be very soon! I
can pull myself up to a sitting position from lying down, and I can rock
forward and backward on my knees. I just can’t figure out what to do next! The eating thing is getting more interesting
too. They’re letting me hold the spoon (but then I don’t want to give it up)
and I can pick up cheerios, toast pieces and veggies with my fingers (I just
don’t like when it comes time to clean my face and hands). I’m learning things so fast these days. I
can clap my hands, roll a ball back when it’s rolled to me, and turn the pages
when mommy reads me my bedtime story. I even went in a swimming pool for the
first time the other day – that was fun!!
Overall, I’m a very happy baby and I smile and laugh a lot. I can’t wait
to crawl, then walk -- Watch out, here I come!
June 4, 2001 – I’m 7-1/2 months now and have 5 teeth and 2 more on
the way. I am enjoying solid foods (that mushy jarred stuff). I’d like to sink
my teeth into something more substantial, like pizza, but mommy and daddy say
I’ll have to wait. I rolled over for the first time the other day. We knew it
would happen soon as I have been rocking on my back for some time. I can sit up
without support, but like to have mommy nearby in case I fall. I make lots of
noises (actually I’m talking, but mommy and daddy can’t understand me yet). My
blonde hair is growing more every day – mommy can comb it now. I like being home with mommy all day. We go
for long stroller walks in the neighborhood and she shows me all the flowers
and trees. She plays with me and reads to me and sometimes we run errands
together. She says I’m a very good boy. I especially like when daddy comes home
from work because I miss him. He picks me up and holds me up high and makes me
laugh. I’d say I have a pretty good life for a little boy J