Author / Liz

You’re officially 21 months today…or 1 and three quarters as this mama is savoring every bit of babyhood before you hit two!

We kicked off the last month with a trip to Omaha over Labor Day weekend. We spent the night and split our time between the Children’s Museum one day, and the Zoo the other. You had a blast at both, but as parents I think we enjoyed the zoo the most — a bit calmer experience 😉

The “ball room” at the museum was a huge hit — it was constant joy dumping the balls in, watching them shoot out and trying to track where they were all going. The ginormous water table station was a favorite spot as well!

You loved seeing all the animals at the zoo — the bears and tigers were favorites, and it was a really cool moment to take in the elephants. It was tricky to get many photos, but the aquarium was an adventure all in itself — watching sharks and fish swim all around us as we walked through was beyond cool and you were entranced. It’s always an adventure to travel and do things out of your “norm”, but I’m so glad we made this trip and all these memories.

You’ve been putting together all kinds of short sentences now for a few weeks. “Dada go bye bye big truck?” “Digger all done dig hole” “Milk all gone, more?” You also are VERY into the succession of phrases, “Help mama/dada…over there…hand?” going for whoever will stop to pay attention first, and dragging us by the hand to what you want to do (often go outside or play with the DVD player). You’re also referring to yourself by name now…it was kind of a trip the first couple times we heard you say your own name!

You continue to love school and even the couple of mom drop-offs (as opposed to Dad, who normally does) have gone great. You LOVE your teachers and greet them with big hugs, and instantly scan the room for your favorite buddies. Knox is far and away your favorite friend! Starting this month, I’ve opted to bump up my work schedule a little to three days every week, as opposed to alternating two and three. It provides way more consistency for everyone and I have no doubt you’ll love getting to see all your friends Monday through Wednesday each week! (Below was “all about me” week wearing your favorite (or Dad’s favorite?) Masters hat, and then “pets” week where you were feeding the puppies treats…you LOVE dogs!)

The love affair with work vehicles continues — we saw a digger up the street on a home construction site ONE day and for weeks after you must’ve asked about going to see it ten times a day. I can’t believe the specific vehicles you can name (accurately!) — steam roller, combine, digger, bulldozer, cement truck, garbage truck…the list goes on and on. Mom is going to have to study to keep up!

I settled on a Halloween costume idea for you a couple weeks ago, but it hinges heavily on your love for your pacifier. Of course now that I’ve started to gather things to put it together, you’re all anti-paci. I shouldn’t fight this but the costume idea is so damn cute! I may need a plan B and we’ll see what you end up going as, come end of October. 🙂

You don’t like your hands to be sticky, wet, or dirty — at least once mid-meal now you ask me to wipe them off and say either “all wet!” or “mess! hand!”. Glazed donuts are oh-so-good but you’ve developed a love-hate relationship for this reason!

A different anniversary than in years past. Swim lessons and family dinner at Chick-fil-A 🙂 #backfloatinbabe #realdinnersaturdaynight @therealpagesmith

A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Sep 29, 2016 at 4:46pm PDT

You continue to LOVE swimming lessons and your teacher, Chase. Because of the time, Dad has been able to meet us for a couple of them, so we’ve all gotten to take part and observe. You are still fearless in the water — all the more reason to keep you in lessons!

Hands down, your current favorite activity is brushing your teeth. We’ve accumulated a whole assortment of toothpastes and brushes — I have to hide it all every day or you wouldn’t have any gums left and when I do take the brush/paste away, it’s one of the few things you throw an all out tantrum for. I suppose it’s better than NOT wanting to brush?

You’re trying so hard to blow bubbles…but hold the wand at arms’ length, then wonder why nothing happens. 😉 We’re working on it!

You want to “help” with everything we’re doing and mimic so much of what Dad does. The other day he climbed on a ladder to change a light bulb and you were on that ladder so fast once he was done, reaching up high like you were going to change the bulb as well. Whatever he’s up to, working on, playing with…you want to do the same. When Dad had a friend over to watch the Ryder Cup, you were mimicking all their cheers and watching the TV as intensely as they were!

Under the weather buddy today. #selfdiagnosing #crewyeartwo A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Sep 20, 2016 at 7:05am PDT

In not-so-exciting news, we kicked another round of Hand Foot Mouth this month. I can’t decide if it was better, worse, or equally as awful as when you had it about this time last year as a nine-month-old. The sores were more in your mouth and diaper area this time around, making for a very miserable few days where you would cry for food and drink, but then cry when either hit your poor blistered mouth. Seriously, where is the vaccine for this? I’d take chicken pox ALL DAY LONG over HFM.

Friday morning routine with my mini man. #crewyeartwo #tothelibrary

A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Sep 30, 2016 at 8:45am PDT

We headed out for your first apple orchard experience — I was hoping for a little more tractor action, but you were plenty entertained with picking and carrying around the apples.

Life is crazy and busy but oh-so-fun with you right now. It’s so awesome to see what each new month holds for you — and us! Love you lots, little man!

XOXO
Mom

20 months…

We’re winding down your second summer as you roll into the 20s — 20 months old! Moment of truth — I’m already giving some thought to your second birthday bash! We didn’t do much last year, but I did quickly learn that everything closes (bakeries, Etsy shops, etc) over the holidays, leaving me in a bit of a lurch for a January 5 fiesta, so I’m trying to think ahead a little this year.

Until then, we’re relishing where you are, right now: More running than walking, in a major mom-cling mode the past couple weeks, and growing like a weed — in particular your hair and feet ha — nearly every month, we are getting your hair cut and purchasing the next size up in shoes! You’re still a good napper but are starting to understand how bedtime works and fight it a bit more!

Your obsession with all trucks continues, but you’ve developed a bit of a fear of them up close in real life. You are locked on them the whole time, but scramble to be held if they get too close. Other faves continue to be Elmo (who was wearing his raincoat in an episode one day, so you, too, had to get yours out – below), you love to get the mail — it’s a whole thing to cross the street and use the key to open the box, shut the box, etc.), and you’ve become a pretty big fan of play-doh.

You’ve made big strides in shapes and colors. You can’t name them all, but if we ask you to find a shape in your puzzle, you can locate it. You can correctly name yellow, blue, and purple most of the time, otherwise when you don’t know, you default to everything being “blue”. 🙂

You love to pour and sort stuff — muffin tins, mixing bowls, cups, ladles, and anything you can dump between it all (rice, dry pasta, pom poms, anything) is a bit hit that will keep you occupied for tens of minutes at a time. (Woot!) We’ve also made up a game at home with flashcards that have letters and illustrations on them. We spread them all over the floor and ask you to find an object — just another way I see your vocab growing! You’re continuing to add to your arsenal of animal noises — the horse neighing and the cat meowing (hilarious — you must only encounter loud, mean cats!) are a couple of your newest skills.

Your response to anything we say or ask right now is an upbeat “yeah!”. You must say it fifty times a day. You’re in a pickier phase again with eating — you no longer eat cheese (how are you my child?!) or the veggie nuggets I was relying on for getting you your broccoli. If you had it your way, it would be hot dogs, yogurt, and applesauce for every meal. You’ve discovered sugar is pretty damn good — vanilla soft serve, mini M&Ms, and chocolate chip cookies are never turned down!

The Olympics were a big hit with you! You particularly liked watching the swimmers and the gymnasts. Both would prompt you to sprint and try to somersault, or to lay on the carpet and pretend to swim. There was lots of kicking and scooping and bubble blowing in the bath, too! You started a round of swim lessons again this month and we’re planning to put you in a tot gymnastics class this winter to burn off some energy!

We took you to your first Iowa State Fair this month. You loved the cherry lemonade and seeing the animals! You ended up going back with me the next day for a client’s photo session, and we made a stop at the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit — you didn’t totally get it, but loved collecting things in your bucket, and riding the toy tractors, as you went through the course!

We wrapped up the month with an overnight trip to Omaha, but I’ll save those pics for the next month’s post. I can’t believe we are in the “20s” and on the home stretch to two. So looking forward to a new season and all of the fall activities you can participate in more this year!

19 months…

Nineteen months. So much happens in thirty days and while you’re always the same crazy soul, you grow and change so much that in some ways you’re a totally different kid from one month to the next.

Newest obsession. Got him his own hoop since all he wants to do now at the park is interfere with the big kids’ pickup games. I’m no basketball stud, but I’m pretty sure that’s traveling. #crewyeartwo

A video posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Aug 5, 2016 at 10:47am PDT

Suddenly it’s all about basketball (between a Sesame Street episode where Elmo plays it, and watching the neighbor kids play, you’re a bit obsessed, so much so that we bought you a hoop!).

You continue to LOVE. TO. READ. You’ll look at books on your own but much prefer to sit in our laps and be read to. You frequently get to the end and ask to read it “again” — often more than once.  

You want ALL. THE. PEANUT BUTTER. On crackers, on waffles, in granola bars. You’ll take it all — sometimes just straight up with a spoon. You’d eat hot dogs for every meal if we let you, and you continue to love the pouches of fruit/veggie blends. Still won’t touch noodles (except a couple magical times at school) but you will down quinoa.

You’ve developed a love for Elmo. You still tune into a couple of the more sophisticated Baby Einstein videos, but for the most part it’s all about Sesame Street now — but only the Elmo-heavy episodes. We keep the same faves on DVR on repeat. You love the music, the kids, the puppets, and when a funny antic happens, you laugh and point and look at us until we acknowledge with you just how hil.ar.i.ous. that Sesame gang is.

You’re putting together lots of two-word phrases. “Oh man”, “big truck”, (big anything really), and “bye (whomever)” are the most frequently used.

I’ve noticed more frustration and less patience this month when it comes to toys and other objects — you want things to fit a certain way, bear more weight than they should, function more quickly, etc. You’re getting much better about saying “help” rather than getting so frustrated!

It’s scary how proficient you’re becoming on phones and the ipad (both of which you can ask for by name) — you know how to tap the app you want and navigate through it. You love to FaceTime and watch videos of yourself and your buddy, Tatum. In general, you’re becoming more interested in friends and playing somewhat together as opposed to side by side.

Hitting seems to have subsided as quickly as it started (thank goodness). You are a big hugger – sometimes more than your buddies would like to partake in ha!

We continue to be so happy with the switch to your new school and you clearly love your time there. It’s great to receive photos of what you’re up to all day! I notice little things at home that are definitely rooted in school routines — for one, you actively start cleaning up if you notice me picking up (without me even asking), and you are much more interested in all of us sitting down together to eat — so in recent weeks we’ve been giving a booster seat at the table a go (“big sit!” as you call it).

You are very good at playing on your own for several minutes at a time, although just in the past few days, you’ve started to hold out your hand, or to come grab ours, to pull us to where you want us to play with you. Similarly, you no longer want to go up or down stairs on all fours, you want to walk, which means if we’re nearby, you’ll reach up for our hand to hold. I have noticed if I’m NOT right there, you are getting pretty smooth at holding onto the rails and stepping down yourself!

You clocked in at 23 pounds exactly and just shy of 32″ tall at your 18-month checkup. You gained only a couple ounces in weight, but nearly two inches in height since your last visit three months ago! You’re wearing 18 mo/18-24 in most tops and 12-18/18 mo in most bottoms. You went from wearing size 4 shoes in May to a quick pair of 5s in June, and are now into 6s already. It’s the little things that make me realize you’re getting bigger, but after checkups only two and three months apart since birth, we now don’t go back until you turn TWO!

You’re really interested in babies. You want to hug them and point out where their eyes/mouth/nose are…none of which you do gently, so we have to run interference when we’re around any. It’s a different story when Mom gets to hold any of them…you quickly swoop in for a spot in my lap the second they’ve been handed back. You love to watch repeatedly an episode of Sesame Street that is all about babies and study how the older kids interact with them. If we ask you “how do you play with a baby, Crew?” you do the gestures and say “peek-a-boo!”. No, that’s not an allusion to a future sibling!

We surprised Dad with your newest trick — to “show us your muscles”. You do a half-“Grr” and hold up your little arms. I die. You’re starting to want to help in the kitchen more — sometimes I let you help stir something for real, or dump in an ingredient, but mostly for my own sanity, I just set you up with your own bowls and pans and utensils and let you pretend. You LOVE the toaster and mimicking the “pop” of whatever is inside. We got you a toy version that has been a big hit. You’re starting to get the idea of pretend — we play that we are eating pretend fruits and veggies, and you pretend to drive a car around the house.

Your dad went on a guys trip this month for several days and you missed him– you wouldn’t really mention him and you were in good spirits the nine days he was gone….but then it would come out of nowhere. Twice when you got upset about something unrelated, you started crying hard for him and again once after we hung up the phone talking to him asking for “more dada” 🙁 Break my heart! For a couple nights after he got back, you’d wake in the night and we could hear you asking on the monitor for him by name. We’re both glad he’s home!

You are suddenly super interested in the potty from a functional standpoint. Let’s just say I’ve had a very attentive audience when I need to use it, and you occasionally want to sit on it. Nothing happens and I’m certainly not pushing potty training yet, but I also want to encourage any interest, so we’ve added a seat in your bathroom to try here and there. It feels so big kid!

Holy cow, you’re one-and-a-half! I don’t know if it’s the half-year milestone, but this month has been an explosion of vocabulary and you’ve completely morphed into this car-noise-making, rough-housing, class-clowning little BOY! You keep us on our toes as always, and you never fail to keep us laughing at your antics and amazed at your growth.

You began your new daycare/school three weeks ago (still alternating two and three days a week) and I can’t believe how well you handled the transition. To me, it speaks loudly to the amount of consistency this new environment provides and how nurtured you feel. There were no tears the first day, but a few the second and third as you figured it out. From there on, it’s been smooth sailing — you’re napping well, eating well, and making lots of projects and friends.

You’ve been down to one mid-day nap for a few weeks now, usually lasting around two to three hours over lunchtime. I’d guess you’re pretty typical for a toddler eater — you will try just about anything once, but rarely let it sit in your mouth for more than a split second to find out if you really like it. I’ll serve you things I know you like but haven’t had in a while, and have to basically force feed it to you through your meltdown until you realize, “oh yeah, I DO like that…put more here on this tray.” What a drama queen!

You did a week of swim lessons this month, four days in a row. Your dad took you the first day and then I got to take a turn at lessons with you the following three. It was so fun to see you improve when you had back-to-back exposure for several sessions in a row. You had mastered jumping on your own to us from the side, and flipping from your back to your belly, by the last day.

The most noticeable change this month by far is your language. Your vocabulary is exploding and the first piece of feedback we got on day one at your new school was that they couldn’t believe how many words you already knew. For better or worse – you’re a chatty Kathy like your parents. 😉 It’s to the point where I have to think hard to list them all, but in recent weeks you’ve expanded your vocab of maybe a couple dozen words from before and have now mastered mine, truck, car, tractor, bus, boat, golf ball, mow, Elmo, apple (for apple OR applesauce), door, pop, stop, pretzel, Cheerios, juice, waffle, peanut butter, again, baby, walk, stroller, along with lots of animal names and learning to repeat family and friends’ names. (Our favorite is when you say “Owen” – it sounds like “Amen!”). I know I’m forgetting several, but you get the idea!

You’re mastering the fist bump, you LOVE to dance to music and sing Twinkle Twinkle (“up above the world” is the line you always start with!) and you crave being pop quizzed to tell us what the elephant, monkey, dog, fish, and pig say (and hop like the bunny). You’re obsessed with all trucks and the four or five truck books we’ve amassed are in heavy rotation lately. And while you got nervous up close, your month was MADE when our garbage truck driver let you get up close and sit in the cab.

You are getting pretty good at navigating our phones and the ipad, love to watch videos of yourself, and you’re learning that hitting is not acceptable and that you have to “STOP” before going into the street. You do little things all the time that make me do a double-take at just how fast you’re growing. Whether it’s getting yourself onto and off of the furniture that I not so long ago watched you like a hawk on, or answering the door when the doorbell rings (yes, you can open it yourself if it’s unlocked!), I can literally see you growing before my eyes. It makes me sad and nostalgic and so grateful and proud all at once.

I know all moms think this, but you really are a smart little cookie, too smart for your own good at times, but in light of the world’s recent events, I find myself holding you a little longer each night and reaching for extra hugs and kisses each day. We are so crazy blessed by your presence this last year and a half. Looking forward to all the adventures yet to come that we know you will lead us on…

16 months…

From the beginning, there’s been a correlation between you and the number FIVE. It was May 5th two years ago (5-5) when a test revealed two pink lines. You were born at 5:12 in the morning, on the fifth of January, 2015 (1-5-15). So it’s kind of fun that with all those overlapping fives, the anniversary of learning we were pregnant also marks another monthly birthday for you.

This month, you have entered full-on toddlerhood. You continue to be a HAPPY kid…until you’re pissed about something. We may or may not have laughed and used the word “psycho!” on more than one occasion. You talk constantly and have developed a screech you use at least once a day (you stop if I tell you to…but by then I’m already jolted by the sound!) as part of your expanding vocabulary. It occurs whether you’re excited, frustrated, or just want to hear yourself make noise.

Fortunately, your vocab also includes more real words…your favorite phrase right now is a very dramatic “Uh oh…oh NO!”, a very pronounced “more?” which means just about anything from more snacks to more milk, to more going back outside after we’ve come in. I swear you’re trying to say “ah-side” when you want to go out. Which is all. the. time. (And another cause for screeches and meltdowns.) You want everything “ah-peh” (open). You’ve also developed an obsession with pretzels “puh-pul”.

Rainy Wednesdays = inside “pool” time 😜 #crewyeartwo

A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Apr 27, 2016 at 7:20am PDT

April brought a ton of cold, windy, rainy days, so among other activities, we filled a wading pool with ball pit balls – a good excuse to work on colors. You don’t always nail it if you’re busy doing other things, but you’re starting to discern yellow and purple, specifically. I’ve asked you to find me a ball of either color, and you’ve done so on more than one occasion. The wheels are turning!

You have walked as much as a lap around the room at one time, and seem pretty steady, but have no real interest in doing it more than a few times a day, and only when it’s convenient. You continue to know you’re faster on all fours, and I swear your affinity for cars and anything that rolls along the floor motivates you away from walking as well. You’re getting steadier in even the last ten days, but I still wouldn’t call you a “walker”. It’s about an 80/20 split of crawling to walking by choice. Your doctor isn’t the least bit concerned, and while we cringe watching your knees on the sidewalk, and I’ve resorted to the cheapest pants (since you wear the knees out immediately anyway), we know you’ll choose to toddle when you’re ready. No rush.

You must have been a beauty queen in your last life. You LOVE to wave at everyone and you totally have a parade wave! Up and down the grocery aisles, at restaurants, in the yard, everywhere you go, you’re waving. Your southern sounding “hah!” is becoming a more pronounced “hi!” and you have yet to meet a stranger. As long as Mom or Dad is close by, you’re comfortable around new people quite quickly, and most times will go to others without blinking an eye.

You survived a second haircut with WAY less drama than the first one, shortly before Christmas. I chalk it up to going mid-day with less chaos and crazy kids around. Plus, hello, you got the magic word — a SUCKER! (Dum dums have become my hail mary and I keep one stashed in my bag now for the ultimate toddler deterrent!) I was nervous this second cut would clip away the curls, but to our delight, they keep coming in thick!

You love to “dress” yourself right now — pants, jacket, shirt, you throw them all over your head, wrapping them over your shoulders, and then give us a look like “wait, is this right?”. You will still try for a couple minutes at a time to put your own shoes on — one of your more patient tasks, but because you still equate shoes with getting to go outside.

Your water table, your wagon, your truck, and the stroller are all favorites. You continue to love bubbles, watching Dad mow the grass (and doing so with your own bubble mower). You would love to be in the street, since that’s where the cars are — we play in the back of the yard mostly, so you aren’t constantly tempted! We have yet to run our sprinklers this spring, but I’m guessing that will be a hit as well.

You cut some molars the last weekend of April, which were the first teeth that caused you any grief. It was short-lived, but still awful to watch, as you spent a whole day and a half whimpering and wanting to be held, and eating a super select menu of things. I continue to be thankful you’re a big milk drinker — we can always at least get that in you! Otherwise some of your current likes are hot dogs, pears (if you get to use a fork to eat them), yogurt and oatmeal mixed together, and while you haven’t shown much interest in eggs, when I had a piece of quiche the other day, you gobbled a ton of it. You still hate any noodles, and most fruits are still a no-go because of the slimy factor.

He might get this one from me. Nothing like one leg up, chillin with no pants and a Rice Krispie treat. 😂 #crewyeartwo A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Apr 25, 2016 at 7:26pm PDT

I feel like we “talk” more and more now. Entire conversations, even if your end of them is mostly babbling and questioning inflections. We can say things like “we’re going outside, where are your shoes?” and you’ll go to the mudroom and find them. Or if we ask if you’d like to eat (and you’re hungry), you’ll make your way to either your high chair or the pantry door, point and say “nah?” (snack). You also love to sing and dance. The Wheels on the Bus is the big hit right now, and you try to roll your hands for “round and round”, flap your arms for the doors going “open and shut”, and bounce up and down when the people go “bumpity bump”. Your teachers say you sit totally still when you have music hour at daycare — you are entranced and want to follow along. Excited you’ll be a music lover like Mom and Dad!

Looking forward to a second (!) Mothers Day already (your gift to me was letting me shoot a couple mother-son pics this morning at the Lilac Arboretum!) ;), a trip to Naples in a couple weeks (crossed fingers for a calm toddler plane ride!), and counting down the days until the pool opens. Happy sixteen months you crazy but oh-so-sweet little boy.

17 months…

Another big month for you…you’re a walking, talking machine!

Yes, you are finally an undisputed walker. In the first couple weeks of your sixteenth month, you went from tentatively taking a pass across the room here and there (and defaulting back to crawling once you tumbled), to over a single weekend, suddenly deciding that walking would be your new go-to. You’ve been so hesitant to even try it, that your learning curve happened quickly and steeply. You were visibly steadier each day, and quickly mastered getting back up to a stand with nothing to pull up on (something you rarely did before this month either — stand without something to hold onto). Now that you’ve got it mastered, you’re a walking fool. With or without shoes, indoors or out, the terrain doesn’t matter.

Your version of words is becoming more pronounced and easier to understand. You want everything “open”. Somehow milk has become “mah mo” (we’re still scratching our heads), but otherwise your vocab is expanding quickly and more clearly. It’s amazing how even having a common language of a dozen words or so can eliminate so much frustration on your part. You understand far more than you can say — one of my favorites is that I can now ask you go put something in the trash, and you toddle right over to the trash cabinet and chuck the item in. It’s the little bits of help that make such a huge difference! You are constantly trying to repeat words that we emphasize, even if you don’t immediately retain or remember them. One of your new gestures and phrases is “I uh-no!” (I dunno!):

“I dunno?” #crewyeartwo

A video posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on May 12, 2016 at 5:02pm PDT

And when words just don’t matter, you babble constantly — the whole car ride home yesterday you talked to yourself. I wish I knew what you were saying! 🙂

You went on your third round-trip flight (your first since month 9), and it was certainly more eventful that flights past. All in all, you did really well (thanks to a small town’s supply of snacks and cheapo new toys), but both directions happened to fall during a time you REALLY wanted to sleep, and it was hard for you to get comfortable, leading to some screeching for the delight of the other passengers. You also couldn’t understand why you weren’t allowed out of your seat to show off your new walking skills or talk nonstop to the (stranger) new friends you thought you were making in-flight. Fortunately, neither bout lasted long and you drifted off eventually. But for the time being, your dad and I have agreed no flying for you in the immediate future.

Travel with a toddler. 😳😁✈️👶🏼💤👏🏻 #graciouspassengers #allthesnacks #tgfnaps #crewyeartwo   A photo posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on May 26, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

You’ve hit a bit of a sleep regression this month, perhaps in part due to a cold you can’t fully kick. I’m not sure if it’s that combined with bad dreams or the new walking skill, but you were suddenly up — REALLY up — around midnight or one for nights on end. And it hasn’t been the simple “give him a pacifier” remedy per usual to get you back down…you are inconsolable unless we literally rock you back to sleep, which we’ve otherwise never had to do. Hoping this phase is soon a thing of the past!

We’ve seen more clinginess this month — another thing we haven’t experienced much of, ever, so we’re still figuring out how to deal with it. It certainly won’t help that you’ll be starting a new daycare in a couple weeks…but we are ultimately very happy to know you’ll be in a smaller, more consistent environment with the same faces each day you’re there, rather than bouncing around rooms/teachers/peers. Because you’re only part-time in school, (I’m trying to re-train my brain to call it school!), it’s already hard enough to make it seem comfortable for you when you go, so I’m hopeful having more consistency when you get there will make this transition, and the days going forward, easier. You LOVE the people who take care of you once you know them…we just have to get to that point again!

You continue to be SUCH a lover…big hugs and kisses, not so much when we randomly ask for them now, but when it’s your idea, and especially first thing in the mornings when you wake up. You are of course curious and like to tell us “no” or do things you KNOW you’re not supposed to (dripping your milk is the current fave naughty activity) but we are fully aware of just how good we have it with you.

The obsessions with cars, trucks (anything with a motor), and balls continue…and you’ve added dogs (“bow wows”) to the list. You are particularly fond of our neighbor’s dog, Bo. You giggle like a maniac when you can get close and want to pet, be licked, and grab tails. Needless to say, we are working hard on being “gentle!”.

Happy seventeen months to the happiest little soul who is quickly growing into a boy. Please stay my baby a bit longer.

Love,
Mom

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.

Week one to week two — bawling when his instructor got too close, to high fives and smiles. Thanks for the lessons Papa and Mimi! @prosenberg #crewyeartwo

A video posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Feb 27, 2016 at 12:54pm PST

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 Feb 14, 2016 at 4:22pm PST

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.

Has officially nailed one whole animal sound. Ask him what the dog days…same response. 🙂 #crewyeartwo #yesthatspinkeye #fishface

A video posted by Liz Smith (@lizblogphotog) on Feb 12, 2016 at 12:00pm PST

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

The bunny officially made his stop by the Smith house this morning…

…and it didn’t take someone very long to find the goodies. (Notice…going right for the pouch of food. Somebunny knows this kid is all about the snacks!)

It’s been a quiet morning with my boys, playing with new treats and toys, even a new place setting for breakfast.

And when Crew crashed early for a morning nap, Page and I went about attempting Eggs Benedict for brunch.

So yes, even with just the two of us, I had to play set the table. Any excuse to bust out china. 🙂

We gave ourselves a B for effort (maybe less for presentation ha!) but it tasted good, so that’s most important, right?

Happy Easter to you and yours!

He is not here, for He is risen. Just as He said.  |  Matthew 28:6