so many changes

You have been trying staying very busy lately, exploring every single thing you can. All of a sudden the garden, the park, and even the lobby in our building are fantastic places to be. You even enjoy the bathrooms at home because you've discovered that you can throw things into the toilet.

We had to buy some new shoes for you because of your fat little block feet, but it took no time to break them in since you are constantly on your feet. I guess it isn't constantly on your feet, because you fall down a lot, which could be why there are bruises covering your little forehead. The combination of having a huge noggin and learning to walk have lead to a temporary purple polka dotted head. There is still no hair on your head which only makes the goose-eggs more visible.

You are learning how to climb stairs, which is scary since you don't quite understand what it means to fall further than from standing to sitting/lying down. Hopefully this phase will quickly and painlessly pass.

Last night at dinner after you were through eating your noodles, cantaloupe, and carrots, you actually signed that you were all done repeatedly. Since I was so excited and laughing about it, you kept signing it and we were able to show dad that you understood you were communicating too. It was fun and I even dug out my sign language flash cards so I can really work on teaching some more signs if you're picking them up.

Your sleeping habits have drastically changed recently. Last night you went to bed at 9 p.m. and woke up at 5 a.m. It was great and would've been even better had I not concussed myself chasing after you at the park yesterday. I followed you under the playground equipment where you were stuck and pulled you out. I stood up and hit my head to hard that I almost blacked out. I could hardly lay my head on my pillow last night. Thanks for sleeping anyway. I don't think it was a fluke either because your sleeping has been consistently improving. We've even braved hiring a babysitter for tomorrow night, so we'll see how that goes.

You attended your first birthday party this last weekend. You didn't even need to have a piece of cake to thoroughly enjoy yourself. There were new toys and big kids and a kitty cat to chase around.

You've discovered hot dogs and macaroni & cheese which are both very popular with you. You definitely favor fruit still, but we're working on the veggies pretty hard. You like couscous as much as Eve does and between the two of you, a box is gone in two meals. Insane.

It's a fun time for everyone. Dad and I are constantly entertained and Eve has a new best friend in her little brother. Love you little man.

little man

little man-

So I finally got to meet my big dimpled little nephew for the first time on your first trip back toKansas!!  You and Eve are definitely city kids!  Kansas is a bit different than D.C.!!  Besides being sick and getting new teeth you were sure a pleasure to be around.  You are one of the happiest kids I have ever met, and did I mention one of the most handsome!!  I was happy to get to be a part of your learning to walk.  That is all you wanted to do so everyone took turns walking you around as you got licked in the face several times by all the dogs!! You even walked down the aisle at Aunt Erin's wedding.  You were pretty funny at the wedding too.  You kept laughing and pulling my hair during the ceremony!!  I wanted to say thanks for keeping me up on my exercising there too! I think I took you on a few walks because that was the only thing that would keep you from being upset while your mom couldn't hold you!!  We got to bond a little then!!  Well I sure look forward to seeing you again!!  

Until then!!

Love you bud!!

Aunt Jill

just like your big sister

There are many things that I appreciate about you being like your sister. One is that because she isn't aggressive by nature, you seem very calm compared to other younger siblings I know that have an older brother. You know how to sit calmly and attempt to entertain yourself. You think jumping on the bed, singing, and dancing are about the funnest things to do in the world. You aren't a picky eater (still keeping our fingers crossed). The one thing that really gets us is that you've taken to screaming like Eve did. When she gets really excited or tickled, she does a very high pitched scream that you have taken to. Every time you see a dog, every time you get hungry, every time you get excited, every time you want anything at all you do the same high pitched scream that Eve does. It's actually painful.

You are a full-time walker now and need no help getting anywhere. You really enjoy being in the lobby of the building and walking from table to table trying to grab the plants and flowers before I stop you. It's all a game. We've found a park where you can run around all by yourself and scream as much as you want at the Friendship House. It's miniature and has 3 inch steps that you like to step up. It's been fun.

You have been eating an entire bowl of oatmeal for breakfast every day and have been sleeping very well at night, which is much appreciated.

You now have 5 teeth which really changes your smile, and fortunately you have not been biting.

many firsts

Your trip to KS was full of firsts and I will list some of them here and hopefully embellish some once I've had a chance to catch my breath.

First airplane ride
First ear infection
First trip to the ER
First antibiotics
First severe diaper rash
First tooth on the top
First time meeting the majority of your extended family
First wedding
First oreos
First taxi cab ride

Obviously some of these firsts didn't come at the most convenient time, but it was an enjoyable visit with all the family. You were a champ and now that we're home and you are well, you are like a different person. I'll leave it at that for now.