Growing. Moving. Talking.
Exhausting. Amazing.
That right there, could be the whole post. 🙂
But nope, this month’s post is especially long, after last month’s was brief and light on pics. But you’re also just DOING so much new stuff this month…so I have to report on it all! (And I keep holding off on taking an “official” 15 month pic…the weather finally promises some good days this week so we can get one OUTSIDE!)
You are busy, busy, BUSY. From velcroing the HVAC vents to the floor, to darting around all day keeping the bathroom doors shut, we are on our toes! You love to take everything apart, take everything out of its container, eat snacks, climb wherever possible, eat more snacks, dance along to music, give hugs and kisses and cuddle, hurl yourself down your slide, take off for the street the minute we get outside, eat even more snacks, climb out of anything you’re not strapped into especially while it’s moving (making wagon rides and certain shopping cart trips interesting!), and chatter, chatter, chatter. One of your latest tricks to is to point to things you’re not supposed to have, or go right ahead and do something you’re not supposed to (i.e. climb on top of your table) and then deadpan a scolding face and wag your finger at us saying, “no no no!”. So yeah…you get the concept…but the following through could use some work.
You are taking life by storm in every aspect — nothing you do is half-hearted. When you’re happy it’s the BEST belly-laughs and squeals of joy, when you’re frustrated, it’s an all out lay-your-head-on-the-floor-drama, and when you love, it is all-consuming hugs, kisses, and snuggles. One of our favorite parts of the day is when everyone gets home and you go back and forth to hug both our necks, then pull everyone in for a group hug and hold us both tight…you came up with this little routine completely on your own. You are SUCH a love bug right now.
Yes, you’re busy. And so are we. But it’s a really fun and exciting and engaging time with you – you are paying SUCH close attention to our every move, and you learn SO. FAST. Among your newest skills, you can show us where your head, tummy, eyes, ears, mouth and nose are, and tell us what the fish and the pig say. You know to hold up your pointer finger for “one” and are suddenly trying to pull your own clothes on when we dress you. It seems from one bedtime to the next, I’m reflecting on how much more you know over yesterday.
We are still practicing a few signs with you, to reiterate the actual words we’re saying. “More” and “all done” (yes, the demands) are your favorites, and we’re working on “thank you” and you’ve most recently mastered, “I love you”. As far as actual words, “up” is hit or miss, but you’re starting to clearly ask for your “mih” (milk) and “wa wa” (water). If we repeat it with you a couple times, you’ll talk about things you love by name — specifically “bubbo” (bubbles) and “buh” (school buses). You’re also much more consistent with waving and saying “hah!” (hi…with a southern drawl??) but still not a fan of “bye” or waving when you leave someone. Tender heart — you hate goodbyes! I have yet to catch a good waving pic on camera — below is the closest I’ve gotten — you were saying “hah” and waving like a crazy man here!
We can see your brain working so much more — you understand more of what we’re saying and are actively trying to listen and understand. I can ask you to hand me something or bring over an object you know by name, and you can follow the direction. You will spend several minutes at a time looking through a stack of books, dragging your finger across the pages like we do, and mimicking voice inflections as you babble. The evolution of human language really is surreal to experience!
You finished your first month of swim lessons, and I’ve enrolled you in a summer week-long session for June. You love the water and are almost TOO fearless, so we are more than happy to keep you learning when it comes to swimming. You love to slide, and swing on the patio, now that we’ve gotten a few warm days. You have certainly figured out that the best stuff is on the other side of the exterior doors and you are MAD when we don’t take you with us through them! A new thing is trying to reach your coat and/or shoes and “put them on” (see below) since that means you are going outside…hopefully the coat is soon a thing of seasons past!
The biggest headline of this month was that you moved from the infant (3-14 month) room up to the toddler (14-24 month) room in early March. After ruling the roost for some time, this is a BIG change for you, and frankly, for us, too.
When you’re at daycare, you only take one nap as opposed to two (although at home, you still go down for two naps with no protest, so I’m not about to change that!), you are expected to drink from a real cup at meal and snacktimes (no sippy cups! whaa?!), and you sit in a chair at a table, as opposed to a high chair. You no longer nap in a crib, rather on a mat on the floor. I’m still amazed you stay put for that, but the report is that you do!
You were very attached to your old teacher, so adjusting to all the new faces is taking a little time, and there have been tears at most dropoffs until just this week, and even during a couple pick-ups during the end-of-day craziness. It’s hard to see you sad, but we do know as soon as we’re out of sight, out of mind, you’re busy tearing around the classroom. We’re working to learn these new teachers and their methods and always keeping possibilities open for your care going forward. While we had a fantastic experience in the infant room, we are less enthused about a few aspects of day care right now. We’re hesitant to make any rash decisions, but it’s also crazy how much notice you need to change up childcare situations, so we’re working on a new care situation beginning in the summer. On the bright side, you are able to be much busier in the toddler room — the toys are more stimulating, the peers challenge you more to share and get along (ha!), and the schedule allows you to go between different classrooms, the gym, music time with a visiting guitarist (the report is you LOVE this time!) and the playground outside. Much more variety in your day!
As for days you’re home with me, it’s been fun to venture out and try some new activities including Tot Lot, music class, the park when weather permits, and Book Babies. You always like to check in that I’m still around, but are otherwise very social and I like to see that you venture off in new places, unintimidated. Any day now, I’m hopeful we’ll get some consistently warm days when the winds are NOT 30mph, and we can add hanging on the patio with your water table and swing to our list of activities. W
As far as physical updates, you COULD walk on your own, but won’t! You will cruise everything in sight, walk holding onto a single finger, and take a couple steps at a time, but otherwise, you still drop to your knees (you know you’re faster that way!). We have yet to do your 15-month well visit, but when you were in last month for pink eye, you were closing in on 23 pounds. They didn’t take your height, but by my haphazard attempts to measure you, you’re about 30″ tall. And as for that hair, the curls continue to grow in full force. Suddenly every aspect of you seems “big boy” to me!
We had fun celebrating your second Easter (you could open your own eggs this year!) with a 3-and-under egg hunt downtown, and opening your basket goodies Easter morning. We are looking forward to more warm weather memories soon to come like the pool, the zoo, and things you don’t remember from last year like the farmer’s market. We are also getting excited for a family trip to Naples next month. Every new season with you brings anticipation for all the things we want to introduce you to!
14 months…
I’m doubling up last week’s “Oscar shoot” as your 14-month pics. 🙂 It’s been a particularly fast 30 days from month 13 to 14, and you seem to have made big changes this particular month. Words are becoming more pronounced, your general gesturing at things has turned to very deliberate pointing, and you’re quickly realizing there are things you can’t do and that frustrates you greatly!
I wouldn’t say we’re in a full-on tantrum stage, but it’s almost as if the “arch my back, squint my eyes, and groan ultra dramatically” for a few seconds has just become another “phrase” in your vocabulary. You stop almost immediately and are on to the next thing, but you’re not about to NOT let us know when you’re annoyed with the outcome of something. You are getting better about using your very limited vocab to let us know as well — “nah nah nah” (no no no) and “ah dah!” (all done!) are common when I pull out the snot sucker ha!
You are becoming more and more obsessed with the (growing) collection of Baby Einstein DVDs. I have to admit — I don’t even feel bad that you’re watching them. It’s engaging images and vocabulary set to classical music…and we’re convinced it just might emit baby crack as it plays. You are entranced, point to every new object and look at us to name what it is, and you break into huge grins when the kids come on, and you sway to the music. Did I mention? It gives us a solid 10 minute window here and there to do anything from unload the dishwasher (withOUT your help), to even using the restroom in private. It also helps (somewhat) deter your CONSTANT need to climb. Everything.
You have been doing swim lessons the past three weeks, with more to go, and are loving it. It’s kind of amazing to watch the progress each week, both in your ability in the water, and your huge leap forward in trusting your instructor. The first week you were cool as long as Dad was holding you, and you weren’t at all scared of any of the exercises or the water itself — it was merely the new face who would take you from time to time and demonstrate the drill. Fast forward to the next week where you had some trepidation, but you’d let him hold you (briefly) and by the end you were giving him high fives. This last week, you pretty much spazzed with excitement when you saw him and were laughing as he did circles in the water with you. It makes me feel good to see you trust other adults, especially another guy, since all of your sitters/teachers are women.
We are itching for Spring to arrive and bring temps that allow us to be outside for more than a few minutes at a time. I sometimes think your lack of patience is attributed to needing some new environment and things to challenge you. I can’t wait to move your water table outside, eat some lunches in the yard, get to the park more, and eventually the pool this summer. We are planning to hang a baby swing from our patio overhang, just for the season, as well. You have LOVED the few wagon rides we’ve been able to take you on around the neighborhood — any time we go through the garage now you point to it and start jabbering.
Crew’s Valentine was a hit #musiclover #crewyeartwo #valentines A video posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on
You’re suddenly afraid of loud noises, and it’s one of the few things that will make you cry. You are doing better with separation anxiety that seemed to appear around your first birthday, although saying “bye bye” is not your favorite thing to do. You continue to LOVE bathtime, being naked in general, and your sippy cup of milk. I swear I’m at the store every three days buying another gallon. A couple weeks ago, we were at Book Babies at the library and you were mesmerized by the day’s story, Maggie’s Ball. So much so that I ordered a copy for home, and we read it at LEAST three times a day. Maggie’s ball is a tennis ball, so I got out a sleeve of them for you to tie it all together. It has become your new favorite toy – taking the lid off, the balls out, throwing them around the room, collecting them, putting them back in the tube, and trying to get the lid on. Hey, whatever keeps you busy!
It’s so fun to watch your little brain think right now – anything that “fits” into something else, connects, has a lid to remove/replace, is all fascinating to you. You now hold your pouch of applesauce, taking a swig of it, then putting the cap back on, then taking it off, between each bite. Learning, learning, all the time!
We are seeing more independent standing, but no steps yet. Mom has been over-buying for your Easter basket, the next holiday we can’t wait to celebrate with you. We’re all looking forward to the change of seasons with you and seeing what’s in store for you next. Happy fourteen months, little man! We love you!
Muuuuuuah!
Mom
13 months…
I’m hoping to keep up with a monthly Crew update in year two, but I’m already late on the first one, so time will tell… 😉
At 13 months, you are suddenly much more chatty, and saying real words, or trying to, anyway. “Uh oh” is a big favorite right now, although you use it a little randomly in addition to times when there is actually something to ‘uh oh’ about. You have a very pronounced “ah dah” for all done after a meal, and you’re starting to use what sounds like “up” when you want to be up on the couch with one of us, or picked up. You don’t use it every time, but we’ve been working on this, as opposed to your other method of fake crying until someone picks you up. (Fake crying can also be seen below…when the door would only slide instead of swing, as you prefer it.)
You continue to love the water. Unfortunately, this has manifested itself in you playing in the toilets any chance you get to sneak through an open bathroom door. We’ve gotten in the habit (most of the time) to just shut them, since the heavy toilet lids no longer deter you, even if you DO get your hands stuck under them. So yeah…gross. We’re clocking some time at your water table (currently set up in the basement…come onnnnn Spring!), and this coming weekend, you will start swim lessons! Water, water everywhere.
You are improving on your “tricks” — you’ll show us how big you are, do a pout mouth when we ask what the fish says, and give high fives, and even blow kisses, if we prompt you by doing it first. You understand what it means to give hugs, give kisses, give “love” and you do so to both of us and a few other lucky recipients, and Babar, quite frequently.
You are getting better at following directions, including when we tell you to “push” a toy, or “shut the door” (when you’re in my jewelry armoire!), or “sit down” (about to slip and crack your head open in the tub).
You are a CLIMBER and as much as we try and give you reasonable space to learn, sometimes the hard way, you keep us on our toes. The other day, I came around the corner to find you standing in the trunk of your Cozy Coupe truck, trying to climb onto the roof of it. Sigh. You are going to age me prematurely.
You love to play and horse around. Dad is the best (of course) at chase, and the minute he comes home, you bolt from him grinning, waiting for him to “get you”! You like to be flipped upside down on the footstool of the recliner, and to be tickled. to. death. You also love to set the alarm panel…our new bribe to get you to put a coat on when we’re heading out the door.
You play peek a boo both with a blanket/towel over your face, and also by covering your eyes with your hands. It cracks me up when you do this — you don’t make a peep, just sit there and wait for us to notice you’re doing it so we can start the whole “where’s Crew???” routine. 🙂
You continue to be a pretty good eater, with the weirdo exception that you don’t like any kind of pasta (or really anything slimy) – including mac ‘n’ cheese. Who doesn’t like mac ‘n’ cheese?! Current faves in rotation are chicken nuggets, fish sticks, mini corn dogs, Mighty4 pouches, Veggie Straws, Goldfish, yogurt and all. the. cheese. Your nothing-slimy rule is interfering with the whole fruit thing – I try to sneak pieces of grapes on your tray among something else you’re eating and loving…and the second you touch it absentmindedly, you freeze, scowl at it, and chuck it from your tray. Thank god for applesauce, that’s about the only fruit you get with the exception of pouches! I’m thrilled that you continue to love milk, as I hear many toddlers just stop drinking it after transitioning off of formula. It’s your first demand when you wake up, and your last before bedtime. I’d guess you drink anywhere between 3 and 4 cups throughout a typical day. You don’t seem to care for the little bit of juice we’ve offered, but you will chug water.
You seem to be favoring just one nap at daycare anymore, for a couple hours right in the middle of the day. On days you’re home, you still go down easily for both a morning and afternoon, both lasting anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You continue to demand bedtime right at 7, and are sleeping most nights until 6:30 or so the next mornings, sometimes as late as after 7 or 7:30. You like your sleep! Ah, it’s magical to type that.
I love what a happy boy you are (even, for the most part, when Mom put you in Cupid wings for a 13 month Valentine shoot!), your awesome curly ‘fro, and the oh-so-proud look you get when you’re standing on your own or walking with minimal help. I have a hunch this will be my last blog post about a crawler/cruiser. I think walking is coming soon! We love you oh so much, Crew Hayden.
XOXOXOXOXO
Mom
