Date/Week: 21, 22 and 23 months
Milestones:
- He's visited Ireland and met his Irish cousins (we still are working on getting his Irish birth certificate)
- We're doing a 'Parents and Tots' dance class and both Aidan and I go with him
- He comes to my 'Tiny Tots' Highland Dancing class but is still a bit young for most of the activities - he does like it when we march though.'
- He says grace ("God is Great") - the words are not clear but the cadence is correct
- Insists on sitting at the table in a regular chair and eating with our utensils (he'll even eat mini wheats at breakfast if Aidan has them)
- His favourite songs are 'Old Macdonald', 'Bingo', 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' and 'Are You Sleeping' (when he sings 'Morning bells are ringing', it sounds like 'Wanna have a wee-wee')
- He's become a picky eater but thankfully eats broccoli, brussel sprouts and asparagus
- Knows how to use my iPad better than I do
- Favourite iPad app - Disney's 'It's A Small World'
- Favourite YouTube video - Mahna Mahna
- Loves the Muppet Show and is crazy about Animal
- When he wants you to see something he will grab your face in both his hands and then turn your face towards what he wants you to see
- When he wants you to sit next to him, he will pat the space next to him
- Loves his books and has a stash in the car to keep him entertained
- Already singing 'Jingle Bells'
- If you do 'This Little Piggie', he'll laugh 'wee, wee, wee' with you and give you his foot saying 'Other One!'
- Can say 'NO' with a million different intonations
- If you build something with Lego, he must take it apart
- Knows what Aidan does with the electric razor and tries to do the same
- Knows both sets of grandparents - there's Grandma and Grandpa (my parents), Mama and Grandpa (Aidan's parents) and Grandpapa (Aidan's grandfather)
Developmental Progress:
- He jumps!
- Knows that he is Liam and actually refers to himself sometimes
- Potty training is still in the training phase... will tell you when he needs to go but doesn't usually want to sit on the potty at home. Apparently sits on it but won't go at my parent's house and maybe 50/50 for completing the task at school.
- In the meantime, he wears pull-ups during the day and diapers at night.
- Is able to point out most animals (and the sounds they make)
- Counts to 10 whenever given the chance and recognizes some of the numbers when he sees them - 1, 2, 8 and sometimes 5
- Getting better identifying colours but not consistent
- Can get up and down the stairs on his own - but we observe him very closely when he decided to do it on his own.
- He is so independent.... and focused when he's doing a task
- Loves doing the wood puzzles with animals
- Knows his body parts really well
- Undresses himself and can pick out his clothing and get mostly dressed (pants easily, shirt a little difficult, shoes and socks on occasion and flip flops are easy
- Knows the names of all the kids in his class
- Turns on his music in the morning and plays or sings while he waits for us to come and get him (thank goodness he isn't climbing out of the crib anymore)
- Climbs on the table, chairs, stools... anything he can climb (sigh!)
- If you try to put him down, he grips on to you with everything, including his toes
- Open and closes doors... privacy is a memory
- Is ok with having his teeth brushed if someone else is brushing their teeth
- Brushes his hair with a brush.... and brushes the dog's fur as well
- In the bath he tries to wash himself with the soap
- When he arrives at my parent's house he yells out 'Grandpa, where are you?' - not really clearly yet but close!
Thoughts and Feelings?
I've been tied up in dissertation world so sorry for the lack of updates. Trying to remember three month's worth of developments has been tough. But thankfully there are lots of great memories to pull from to start the process... I may need to do some updates later. In any case, Chapters 4 & 5 of the dissertation are written and the editing process has begun... hope the next few steps go fast!
So Liam is almost 2. He is definitely more boy than baby. He has a very strong personality and I swear will be either a politician or an actor when he grows up. He likes to interact with people and is a constant smiler... unless he's trying to get his way and turns on the water works. And then there the flirting with the ladies. We're so in trouble when he gets older!
He is so enjoyable at this age. He runs us ragged and takes over every second of our day when we're awake. I swear sometimes that I cannot survive the day if he doesn't have a nap on Sundays! He loves his grandparents. He loves his books, he loves Elmo and Animal. He loves music! He still loves to cuddle, especially before bed.
What I am looking forward to:
His Christmas Concert is on Dec 7th and his birthday is Dec 22nd. We're all home between Dec 25 and Jan 2 so we're thinking of playing tourist that week and taking Liam to all of the rendezvous season events. I am just looking forward to lots of time with my little family!
Date/Week: 20 months
Milestones:
- He's the big 2-0... He'll be 2 before we know it
- Likes marching around the house as the drum major or drummer or playing some sort of horn (using his yellow hoe)
- 'Sings' the 3 beat roll to start the parade and the base drum beats at the end
- Likes visiting the Lizards who live in our blind every morning and evening
- Likes saying 'goodbye' to the little girl in his English/Spanish book at night
- An old pro now at catching the ferry - first time to St. Georges during Cup Match Friday
- Had ice cream for the first time (loved it)
- Tries to copy mummy doing yoga (usually results in him being wrapped up in the yoga mat
- More teeth!
- Giving kisses, usually with the sound 'mmmm-smack'
Developmental Progress:
- Must feed himself and is working on spearing food on the fork
- Colouring with more strokes and less dots
- Sings and acts out 'head & shoulders, knees and toes'
- Can drink from his juice cup on his own without spilling anything
- Counts to 10 and recognises the numbers
- Forming more and more 3 word or more sentences.
- Makes decisions on what to eat with clear 'no' or 'yes' comments and a fair amount of finger waggling with no
- Tells the cat to get off of the counter
- Starting to ask 'why' almost as much as he says 'no'
- Tries to negotiate for more stories when it is bedtime
- Potty training is interesting. He'll sit on the potty and then go after you put the diaper back on.
He will tell you that he needs to be changed. He will tell you (sometimes) what he's done. He will take off his diaper if it's wet in the morning and you do not come fast enough to change it. He will sit on the potty and sometimes go before he gets his bath (but then get him into the bath quickly because sometimes he will take having his diaper off as an invitation to keep going...). So basically, he was probably better potty trained at 6 months when we were doing elimination communication than he is now...
Thoughts and Feelings?
I cannot believe that Liam is almost 2.... but then he reminds me with the word 'no', the laughter as he runs around the house, the conversations that he has with his stuffed animals and the dogs, the request for 'bread' at breakfast and when we get home from work. It is an amazing time to experience... both a joy and exhausting all at the same time. So many evenings we have put him to bed and I want to go and climb in mine because he has me worn out in just 90 minutes at home together. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Each night I absorb as much as I possibly can and I live in that moment because it is where I truly want to be. Yay for my 20 month old! And yay for the wonders that I have been privy to over the last year and 8 months!
Other than that, in a months time we'll be on vacation. Ireland and Boston are booked! I'm a bit nervous about the trip over. We're doing Jet Blue to Boston and then Aer Lingus to Dublin. I'm the most nervous about the baggage on Aer Lingus. I wonder if Liam's Stokke stroller will cost us extra since it isn't a lightweight collapsible stroller and should I therefore get another stroller that will be easier to travel with. Then there's the car seat. Since he'll be a lap baby, will they charge us for his car seat (the website isn't helping in this regard...). And finally there's Liam and hoping that we can get him through a day of travel with two flights and a few hours in an airport. We got an Elmo kiddie strap to allow him to walk with us but not go to far. It probably won't go over well in the US airport but I would prefer him to be safe if he wants to walk with us.
In any case, I am looking forward to some time away.... so I now just need to finish off this dissertation before I go...
What I am looking forward to:
Cycling from Dublin down to Dun Laogharie and Dalkey; taking Aidan to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner and a show for his birthday; going to see Idina Menzel at the Wang Theatre in Boston to celebrate our anniversary (a few days late but worth the wait!)
Date/Week: 17,18 and 19 months
Milestones:
- 32.5" long and 22.8 lbs
- Climbs up and down stairs without help
- Loves his sandals for the summer but misses his sneakers (he carries them around the house)
- Just getting comfortable with the toothbrush
- Survived Daddy's 10-day trip away from us... and won't let him out of his sight now that he is home
- Has started asking 'why?'
- Loves 'peek-a-boo'
- Climbs out of his crib - even when lowered to its lowest setting
- Appears to favour his left hand
- Eats cheerios in milk for breakfast
- Has his own cups, bowls, plates and utensils
- Loves chasing bubbles
- Has a horrible reaction to mosquito bites
- Is registered for 'Parents and Tots' dance class in September
Developmental Progress:
- Loves to throw a ball or toy.... or anything as long as it comes back to him to throw again
- Dances to music (Mummy's influence???)
- Conducts music (Daddy's influence???)
- Sweeps the floor
- Picks tomatoes out of the garden
- We're able to understand more of the words that he is saying (they're clearer)
- Loves to say 'hi/hello' and 'bye' along with your name and sometimes says 'hola' instead of 'hi'
- Can put on his shoes
- Can identify most animals and the noises that they make (often followed by 'ei-ei-oooooooo')
- Will point out flowers, trees and facial features when we read his books
- Repeats just about every word that we say and appears to retain quite a few
- Jumps - on the bed, on the couch...
Thoughts and Feelings?
I haven't updated anything since April.... it has been busy. At this moment, I am busy at work, busy with data analysis for my dissertation, busy trying to keep working out and busy trying to spend as much time as possible with my boys. No rest in sight though!
We are planning a family vacation in September... Ireland and Boston!
What I am looking forward to:
Doing a reiki class. Considering career options once this degree is done. Sorting out the dance class schedule for the fall.
Date/Week: April 22nd; 16 months
Milestones:
- Third haircut!
- He can now open doors in the house.... try keeping him out of the bathroom now!
- 31" long and 21.9lbs
- Has his first pair of boat shoes
- Loves his books and will try to read them to you
- Has started to run!
- Boy, can he turn on the drama (and he can turn it off just as fast...)
Developmental Progress:
- If you play 'Twinkle,Twinkle' or 'Row, Row, Row' on an instrument, he will start to sing the song
- Using more two word sentences
- He loves climbing
- He helps with the dishwasher and in the garden
- When he goes to sit on the step he will back up and then sit down
- Helps to put on and take off his clothing
- Feeds himself with a spoon or fork with some help
- Says oh-oh when something drops
- Is starting to get the dogs' names down
Thoughts and Feelings?
It has been a hectic month! Between highland exams, work, the pilot study for my dissertation, 3 weeks of dissertation workshop courses and starting a diet and exercise plan, I have had a time keeping up. I am starting to contemplate what the future may hold. I've also been thinking about what to do to rebuild my confidence level. I am sick of second guessing myself.
I am hoping the fall will bring some peace. I am hopeful that we can have a relaxing vacation - we've identified the time but the plans are still up in the air. I really am looking forward to some family time - and hopefully some celebration time if I have finished the degree!
What I am looking forward to:
Spending time in the garden!
Date/Week: March 22nd; 15 months
Milestones:
- He walks more like a normal kid and less like a zombie
- Liam likes to slide down the slide
- He waters plants in the garden and pulls up weeds
- We've begun to hear a symphony of 'no'
- Yoghurt is his favourite food
- First time joining Aidan at the front of the church for the end of the service
- Loves the local bananas that are just the right size for little hands
- will fill the basket during shopping at the farmer's market when you prompt him to pick up tomatoes, potatoes, etc
- Has learned to blow the dandelion puffballs in his grandparent's garden
- Likes the penguins in 'Mary Poppins' and many Rogers and Hammerstein songs
- 15 months and not one bottle of baby food eaten! Baby led weaning rocks!!!
- When he drops something or wants something, he says 'Ca - wol' (Carol), which is his teacher's name. Since it is also my mom's name, it gave her a real shock that he was calling her name one day (particularly since he's been getting pretty good saying gramma and grampa)
- Signed his grandmother's birthday card with blue scribble - and used both hands to do it!
Developmental Progress:
- If you say 'cows go' he says 'moo'
- He eats more consistently with a spoon and is getting better spearing food with a fork
- Drinks very well from a straw (which was surprise for me since we don't use them so it must be from school)
- He plays pretty well with a ball - mostly throwing it and sometimes kicking it
- Will read to himself from his board books - turning pages and pointing at the items on the page
- When singing 'row, row, row your boat' he will start the next series of 'row,row, row' when you finish the last line
- He is trying to run! If he holds you hands or has his hands between 2 people, he will start running. He sort of jogs on his own
- Uses both baby sign language and words - but we're pushing the use of words more since we've been delinquent on learning more sign language words
- He's been working on breaking into cabinets with the child locks - the ones we purchased at the stores seem to be targets. When we use rubber bands, he finds it difficult and he loses interest.
- Opening and closing doors is his forte - gates, french doors, bathroom doors... you name it. He also plays a mean game of peek-a-boo from the other side
Thoughts and Feelings?
It has been a busy month and we look forward to weekends and evenings for a little down time during play time. As we move into a really busy phase (April - July) thanks to Pipe Band / Regiment Band / my school work / our regular work, time with Liam is a light at the end of the tunnel of each day!
As for my fitness, I have had an awful month. I feel that I need to do something because I have gained weight since weaning Liam. Plus, with allergies I feel really awful so working through that is necessary. I cannot let myself fall apart!
What I am looking forward to:
Starting the research for my dissertation because I was granted approval to do so this month!
Date/Week: February 22nd; 14 months
Milestones:
- Liam is walking more than he crawls!
- Liam now has 6 teeth. the teeth on either side of his front teeth have come in. The teeth next to those are about to break so we should probably have 8 teeth in the next few weeks.
- He has recently stopped breastfeeding. I have a new appreciation for cabbage thanks to this.
- We've been experimenting with different types of milk. He didn't mind oat milk but didn't like almond milk. Rice milk is his favourite. We're now doing a week on cow's milk to see if the congestion issues come back.
- Liam knows that the dogs get a treat before we leave so he goes tot he cupboard, takes out the treats, walks to the dog area, gets one of us to hand him the treats, feeds Bronwyn and Ptolemy, takes the back back from us and puts the bag back in the cupboard - Excellent!
- He has participated in his first PALS Walk!
- When he wakes up in the morning he turns on the music in his crib and plays until you come to get him.
Developmental Progress:
- He is linking some words together i.e. 'dog woof'
- Liam can feed himself using a spoon or fork.
- His coordination while walking is getting better and better. He can bend down, change direction, and even run a bit. He still keeps his hands out in front of him though.
- He does a lot of things while playing - rolling things, stacking things, pushing things, climbing on, over and up things. And he is learning to put his toys away.
- His preferred parent is 'da da' but when irritated by his dad he was follow me around saying 'mum mum mum'
- He loves trying to walk up steps with help and climb them without help (we're behind him when he does this.
- He uses baby sign language regularly to ask to 'eat', 'more' and 'all done'.
- His most used words - 'da da', 'mum mum', 'dog', 'ow', 'thank you', 'outside', 'let's go', 'duck', what's that', 'no', 'book' - there are a number of others that we're starting to hear as well.
- He is very helpful when getting dressed. He will push his arms though and try to put clothing over his head or on his feet. Granted, he is much faster getting undressed!
Thoughts and Feelings?
We've all been through the cold that just doesn't seem to end, of which the cough still remains. In the midst of this and teething, we continue to monitor Liam's ears. His next appointment is on March 13th.
With better weather this winter, we have been getting outdoors more than at this point last year. We did some gardening on Saturday and Liam loved it. He's been playing with his plastic gardening tool and even sleeps with the hoe. I guess beach season will be fun as I assume he will get into the sand this year - then again, he doesn't like grass so sand may be a no-no!
We're thinking about vacation 2012, which will not be happening until the 2nd half of the year. On one hand we're thinking toddler friendly activities and on the other hand we want to relax. We'll see what we come up with using those parameters.
What I am looking forward to:
Will I get in trouble if I say July...
Date/Week: January 22nd; 13 months
Milestones:
- Liam is now in the toddler class at school.
- Before he started, we had his feet measured (3.5) and got him his first pair of StrideRite sneakers. He also has a pair of 'dress shoes' but he still fits the 6-12 month size.
- Liam's front teeth came in between Christmas and New Years.
- We've begun the process to get Liam to take his liquids from a cup - currently he goes to school with both a bottle and a cup and he has a cup with dinner.
- He LOVES his tricycle
- Liam is 10% percentile weight and 25% percentile height
Developmental Progress:
- He has about 8 words but he copies as well
- He can stand and walk on his own but he chooses not to
- He knows to pat the dogs/cats gently
- He is actively trying to manipulate the situation when you say 'no'
- He colours on paper a bit
- He can point out animals in his books
- He hums/sings along with 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'
Thoughts and Feelings?
We have come into 2012 with concerns over Liam's ears. He had fluid in his ears again for his 1 year appointment and he will probably be put on antibiotics and be sent for a hearing test at his 15 month appointment if it is still the case. I expect that we will consider grommets as there are the concerns of hearing loss and slow speech development if the ear infections continue to be bad. The preference of the doctor is to let him grow out of it but we'll see if that would be best.
As for the everything else, it's a matter of developing new routines, making sure there's enough time for walks with the tricycle and playing and many, many books! I do hope that this year is as enjoyable as Liam's first.
What I am looking forward to:
What shall we do for vacation 2012?
