Almost every day, now DJ busts out a new word or phrase...
toes
foot
mommy hair
circle
star
daddy car
diaper
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Words are tumbling out!
DJ is just busting out the words left and right! Just in the last week, we've heard a score of new words such as:
zipper
sky
wall
ceiling
apple
walk ("alk")
car
buckle
t-shirt
light ("ite")
milk ("ilk")
beak (as in a bird's beak)
Keep those words coming, DJ!
zipper
sky
wall
ceiling
apple
walk ("alk")
car
buckle
t-shirt
light ("ite")
milk ("ilk")
beak (as in a bird's beak)
Keep those words coming, DJ!
Monday, April 06, 2009
LOTS of phrases!
DJ decided to talk more this weekend! He's really starting to put words together!
1. Mommy Sit.
On Friday night, he told me to "sit" and pointed at my chair (the banana chair). By Sunday, the phrase had changed to "Mommy sit" and point to where he wanted me to sit.
2. :person's name: Bye Byes.
Not this past Saturday, but the Saturday before, we were leaving for the grocery store, and DJ said, "Daddy Bye." It wasn't until Tuesday when I heard "Nory bye byes" from the back seat on the way home from Eleanor's house (Nory = Eleanor). This Saturday, DJ said "Daddy bye byes" and yesterday, he said, "Papou bye byes."
3. :person's name: Alk.
Steve figured this out. Alk = Walk. So when DJ put together "Daddy alk", Steve was compelled by the cuteness to go out for a walk with DJ.
4. More.
If DJ wants more of something, he's either used his sign for it or since the last what, month and half, he's been saying the word "More". So now he's compounded the phrase with someone's name e.g. "Mommy more" (to keep pushing him in the swing) OR he's adding a word at the end e.g. "More Nana" (more banana) or "More kwacker" (more cracker).
I'm trying to think of what the others are now, but I'm drawing a blank.
1. Mommy Sit.
On Friday night, he told me to "sit" and pointed at my chair (the banana chair). By Sunday, the phrase had changed to "Mommy sit" and point to where he wanted me to sit.
2. :person's name: Bye Byes.
Not this past Saturday, but the Saturday before, we were leaving for the grocery store, and DJ said, "Daddy Bye." It wasn't until Tuesday when I heard "Nory bye byes" from the back seat on the way home from Eleanor's house (Nory = Eleanor). This Saturday, DJ said "Daddy bye byes" and yesterday, he said, "Papou bye byes."
3. :person's name: Alk.
Steve figured this out. Alk = Walk. So when DJ put together "Daddy alk", Steve was compelled by the cuteness to go out for a walk with DJ.
4. More.
If DJ wants more of something, he's either used his sign for it or since the last what, month and half, he's been saying the word "More". So now he's compounded the phrase with someone's name e.g. "Mommy more" (to keep pushing him in the swing) OR he's adding a word at the end e.g. "More Nana" (more banana) or "More kwacker" (more cracker).
I'm trying to think of what the others are now, but I'm drawing a blank.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Elektra's first tooth!
I think it's here! Her first tooth is through! We've been on tooth watch for at least the last week, as we've been able to see this thing from under the gum since Saturday. This morning, I felt it again and finally, I felt a little sharpness instead of the usual hardspot. I suspect her chewing on toys today will bring it out further and she'll be a happier camper.
DJ's first real phrase
DJ and I were walking out the door yesterday to go to day care when he pointed at Steve's shoes in the corner and said, "Daddy shoes." Boy did he get a big kiss and lots of praise for that!
Monday, March 30, 2009
An Apple A Day...
... doesn't keep the doctor away from scheduled visits!!
DJ and Elektra had their milestone appointments today: DJ's 2 year and Elektra's 6 month.
DJ weighed in at 28 pounds 12 ounces, 34.25 inches tall, and that equals out to about the 65th percentile. Clearly, he has slowed down and is starting to average out. His head circumference is 44.7cm.
That means he grew 1/2 an inch, put on a pound and a quarter, and his head grew 1.2 cm since his 18 month appointment.
Elektra weighed in at 17 pounds 12 ounces, 26.5 inches tall, and that puts her between the 75th - 80th percentiles. She has slowed down a little, too. Her head circumference is 42.5cm.
That means she grew an 1.25 inches, put on a 1.5 pounds, and her head grew 1 cm since her 3 month appointment.
To compare with DJ at his 6 month appointment, he was 19 pounds 13 ounces, 27.5 inches tall, and a had a head circumference of 44.7cm. Doing the math, he was 2 pounds heavier, an inch taller, and 2cm in head circumference. As the doctor said it today, "Viva la diference!"
Actually, the doctor said that in response to their behavior. DJ is very much involved in doing stuff whereas she wants to be involved with people. DJ, at 6 months, was crawling and sprouting his first tooth but not talking whereas Elektra is still only rolling over from back to belly (and that's it), sprouting her first tooth and talking up a blue streak.
But still... Viva la diference!
Both children are reaching appropriate milestones and are healthy. Elektra gets to have 2 solid meals a day now, and I can expand her palette, too. Bring on the peas and green beans (pureed, of course). DJ, well, we just get to fight the terrible twos food war. ;-)
DJ started saying "Bye Byes" (with an S) on Saturday! And he even combined a "Daddy bye byes" when we were leaving to go to the grocery store. This tells me that phrases will be coming soon as he starts to get his babbling under control.
DJ is also very boy. He received a new construction truck toy from his godparents and his cousin Eleni, and he insisted not only to take it to his room when it was time to get changed for bed, but he insisted on taking it to bed. When I went in to check on him before I went to bed, he was clutching it tightly in his hands. It was very cute.
Also this weekend, we noticed Elektra's first tooth is soooooooo close to breaking through. We can see it through the gum it's so close. She is gnawing on anything she can get her mouth on, particularly our fingers. She also ate a metric ton of food on Sunday. Growth spurt anyone??
DJ and Elektra had their milestone appointments today: DJ's 2 year and Elektra's 6 month.
DJ weighed in at 28 pounds 12 ounces, 34.25 inches tall, and that equals out to about the 65th percentile. Clearly, he has slowed down and is starting to average out. His head circumference is 44.7cm.
That means he grew 1/2 an inch, put on a pound and a quarter, and his head grew 1.2 cm since his 18 month appointment.
Elektra weighed in at 17 pounds 12 ounces, 26.5 inches tall, and that puts her between the 75th - 80th percentiles. She has slowed down a little, too. Her head circumference is 42.5cm.
That means she grew an 1.25 inches, put on a 1.5 pounds, and her head grew 1 cm since her 3 month appointment.
To compare with DJ at his 6 month appointment, he was 19 pounds 13 ounces, 27.5 inches tall, and a had a head circumference of 44.7cm. Doing the math, he was 2 pounds heavier, an inch taller, and 2cm in head circumference. As the doctor said it today, "Viva la diference!"
Actually, the doctor said that in response to their behavior. DJ is very much involved in doing stuff whereas she wants to be involved with people. DJ, at 6 months, was crawling and sprouting his first tooth but not talking whereas Elektra is still only rolling over from back to belly (and that's it), sprouting her first tooth and talking up a blue streak.
But still... Viva la diference!
Both children are reaching appropriate milestones and are healthy. Elektra gets to have 2 solid meals a day now, and I can expand her palette, too. Bring on the peas and green beans (pureed, of course). DJ, well, we just get to fight the terrible twos food war. ;-)
DJ started saying "Bye Byes" (with an S) on Saturday! And he even combined a "Daddy bye byes" when we were leaving to go to the grocery store. This tells me that phrases will be coming soon as he starts to get his babbling under control.
DJ is also very boy. He received a new construction truck toy from his godparents and his cousin Eleni, and he insisted not only to take it to his room when it was time to get changed for bed, but he insisted on taking it to bed. When I went in to check on him before I went to bed, he was clutching it tightly in his hands. It was very cute.
Also this weekend, we noticed Elektra's first tooth is soooooooo close to breaking through. We can see it through the gum it's so close. She is gnawing on anything she can get her mouth on, particularly our fingers. She also ate a metric ton of food on Sunday. Growth spurt anyone??
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Happy 2nd Birthday DJ!
DJ turned 2 years old today! Our toddler is now a preschooler... and has quite the stubborn/independent streak. ;-)
When we got to daycare this morning, Sonny and Eleanor started singing Happy Birthday to him. He wasn't quite sure what to make of all the fuss, but he was grinning from ear to ear nonetheless.
Happy Birthday Little Boy! We love you very much!
When we got to daycare this morning, Sonny and Eleanor started singing Happy Birthday to him. He wasn't quite sure what to make of all the fuss, but he was grinning from ear to ear nonetheless.
Happy Birthday Little Boy! We love you very much!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Items of note about the kids
Elektra has not only discovered her feet, but she's discovered that she can get her feet in her mouth! That happened this morning on the changing table!
Yesterday afternoon, DJ was "counting" soda 2 liter bottles... two, teee, two, teee (notice, there is no one or four, LOL). We got him to say 'four' once, but we'll have to wait awhile until we hear that again.
And today is Elektra's 6 month birthday! I can't believe it's been 6 months already... where has the time gone??
Yesterday afternoon, DJ was "counting" soda 2 liter bottles... two, teee, two, teee (notice, there is no one or four, LOL). We got him to say 'four' once, but we'll have to wait awhile until we hear that again.
And today is Elektra's 6 month birthday! I can't believe it's been 6 months already... where has the time gone??
DJ's 2nd Birthday party
Yesterday, Steve and I threw a birthday party for DJ's 2nd birthday. The usual suspects were present (the grandparents, the Schrammies, Marty, the Doyles and Andy Leeds) plus some new ones! DJ's buddy from daycare, Grace, and her family came to celebrate with us! Yaay! She was in an adorable little pink dress with layers of ruffles, white tights, and patent leather shoes. She was adorable! What was hilarious was that DJ and Grace didn't even acknowledge each other for the first hour, as if they didn't recognize each other outside of daycare. Eventually, they figured it out. ;-) And baby Evan effectively slept through the whole party in Daddy's arms. I tried to give them a break by offering to take Evan for awhile, but Daddy bogarted the baby. Foiled again! LOL
DJ spent most of his party going up and down the deck stairs (like a big boy!), snatching Wheat Thins off the plate, swinging on his swing, and running around outside. He finally saw the presents in the living room, and promptly decided that they needed to be ripped open. Grace wanted to help, especially when she saw Thomas The Train stuff to be had! When DJ would open a gift of clothes, he'd scrunch up the tissue paper and fling the clothes behind him. If the gift was a toy, he'd want us to open it on the spot for him. How do they know at age 2?? Wow.
DJ got some cool presents, like the toddler-sized picnic table that Marty made for DJ, cardboard blocks that he loves to play with from Leo, and activity books from Grace. He also got lots of necessary clothes from various people as he's outgrown everything from last summer already!
We sang Happy Birthday for DJ and he got another handful of cake in the process of blowing out the candles. Once his hand got dirty, he didn't know what to do. So I put his fingers in his mouth which, at first, he didn't want to do, but then realized that it tasted good. We washed his hands and he had some cake. It wasn't long thereafter that he went down for a nap... he was beat!
Elektra was being passed around between the grandparents and my sister. At one point, Elektra got ahold of Papou's thumb and was chomping on it because clearly, someone else's thumb tastes better than her own... She also barely napped, as our little Social Bug insisted on being in the middle of all the racket at all times. She was wiped out by the end of the day!
It was a long day (got up at 6:30 to start cooking!), but it was worth it. DJ seemed to have a good time overall, except when Napoleon stole the cracker DJ was eating. To be fair, DJ dropped it, but DJ doesn't know the difference. We also broke a drawer in the kitchen and dog poop was tracked in the house from outside, but oh well. It was fun to have everyone over on such a nice day!
DJ spent most of his party going up and down the deck stairs (like a big boy!), snatching Wheat Thins off the plate, swinging on his swing, and running around outside. He finally saw the presents in the living room, and promptly decided that they needed to be ripped open. Grace wanted to help, especially when she saw Thomas The Train stuff to be had! When DJ would open a gift of clothes, he'd scrunch up the tissue paper and fling the clothes behind him. If the gift was a toy, he'd want us to open it on the spot for him. How do they know at age 2?? Wow.
DJ got some cool presents, like the toddler-sized picnic table that Marty made for DJ, cardboard blocks that he loves to play with from Leo, and activity books from Grace. He also got lots of necessary clothes from various people as he's outgrown everything from last summer already!
We sang Happy Birthday for DJ and he got another handful of cake in the process of blowing out the candles. Once his hand got dirty, he didn't know what to do. So I put his fingers in his mouth which, at first, he didn't want to do, but then realized that it tasted good. We washed his hands and he had some cake. It wasn't long thereafter that he went down for a nap... he was beat!
Elektra was being passed around between the grandparents and my sister. At one point, Elektra got ahold of Papou's thumb and was chomping on it because clearly, someone else's thumb tastes better than her own... She also barely napped, as our little Social Bug insisted on being in the middle of all the racket at all times. She was wiped out by the end of the day!
It was a long day (got up at 6:30 to start cooking!), but it was worth it. DJ seemed to have a good time overall, except when Napoleon stole the cracker DJ was eating. To be fair, DJ dropped it, but DJ doesn't know the difference. We also broke a drawer in the kitchen and dog poop was tracked in the house from outside, but oh well. It was fun to have everyone over on such a nice day!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Elektra milestones
This past weekend, Elektra did a few things!
First, she rolled over the other direction... from left to right as opposed to her normal right to left. She still prefers right to left but if that path is "blocked", she will roll the other way.
She also started grabbing her feet! I know my mother loves this stage, so I hope she saw Elektra do it on Saturday when she and my dad babysat the kids.
The last thing she started doing is sucking on her lips. She'll get a good suction going and then POP! She lets go.
The weekend was GORGEOUS. The weather was as perfect weather can be. DJ and I were outside most of the weekend, and DJ would fuss if he had to come inside. He was exhausted from all of the activity; he took a 3.5 hour nap both Saturday and Sunday, slept 12.5 hours overnight and went to bed early on Sunday. Busy boys make for tired boys!
First, she rolled over the other direction... from left to right as opposed to her normal right to left. She still prefers right to left but if that path is "blocked", she will roll the other way.
She also started grabbing her feet! I know my mother loves this stage, so I hope she saw Elektra do it on Saturday when she and my dad babysat the kids.
The last thing she started doing is sucking on her lips. She'll get a good suction going and then POP! She lets go.
The weekend was GORGEOUS. The weather was as perfect weather can be. DJ and I were outside most of the weekend, and DJ would fuss if he had to come inside. He was exhausted from all of the activity; he took a 3.5 hour nap both Saturday and Sunday, slept 12.5 hours overnight and went to bed early on Sunday. Busy boys make for tired boys!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Weekend Update
And not with Kevin Nealy. I'm not nearly that talented.
First, DJ said "More" yesterday. We both heard him, but he didn't say it again the rest of the day. Today, when we were in the grocery store, he received a piece of cheese from the deli lady and asked for "More" which I rewarded with not just cheese but lots of praise and kisses. We practiced "More" at lunch and dinner as well as during post-dinner activities.
Meanwhile, Elektra started blowing raspberries today! She sat in her swing and blew raspberries at the tv for 20 minutes at one point. Right now, she's enjoying her exersaucer immensely and is beginning to become quite adept at it! We tried the Johnny Jump Up yesterday, but she wasn't so sure about that, even though she's been kicking her legs these days.
Marty came over last night for dinner and hung out with us. Otherwise, Steve and I did very little; it was nice to have a quiet weekend at home.
First, DJ said "More" yesterday. We both heard him, but he didn't say it again the rest of the day. Today, when we were in the grocery store, he received a piece of cheese from the deli lady and asked for "More" which I rewarded with not just cheese but lots of praise and kisses. We practiced "More" at lunch and dinner as well as during post-dinner activities.
Meanwhile, Elektra started blowing raspberries today! She sat in her swing and blew raspberries at the tv for 20 minutes at one point. Right now, she's enjoying her exersaucer immensely and is beginning to become quite adept at it! We tried the Johnny Jump Up yesterday, but she wasn't so sure about that, even though she's been kicking her legs these days.
Marty came over last night for dinner and hung out with us. Otherwise, Steve and I did very little; it was nice to have a quiet weekend at home.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Home again
We made it home from Charleston, SC, with fairly little stress... except for the small detour on 395 through DC... ugh. That was all me. Missed the exit from the HOV lanes to 495...But DJ did great, and Elektra was an angel. The only time she fussed was when she blew out a diaper and was uncomfortable. DJ fussed when he was hungry; this year we must've had enough toys on hand to keep him fairly well occupied.
Anyway, we had a wonderful time again with Damian, Jenn, Leo, Andy and Mike. We stayed at the same ocean front beach house on the Isle of Palms as last year, but this year with one more occupant! Elektra slept in a pack-n-play in our room in the corner. DJ's pack-n-play was in the walk in closet again. It was funny to listen to him wake up in the morning and start banging on the shelves like drums and also push on the french doors that separate the closet from the rest of the master bedroom. And unlike last year, I didn't need earplugs to sleep as both kids slept very well at nights.
DJ loved having Leo around, and was trying to say his name by the end of the week. It kind of sounds like E-O, but hey... it's an effort! We also think that he made more effort to speak words because Leo speaks so well. We think "ka-coo" is trashcan, "bwaba" is bottle (or his cup), "shoos off" for taking his shoes off, and the letter F is now something he points out along with the letter D (sometimes he says E).
DJ also tried to imitate Leo whenever he could. Leo would jump on the couch, and DJ would do his darndest to launch himself on to the couch. Leo would get jello legs (and not walk) and now DJ does it. That said, Leo started squealing like DJ does when he's excited, much to Damian and Jenn's chagrin.
Damian and Jenn are trying to work on Leo's manners (please, thank you, you're welcome), and Leo had plenty of opportunity to practice. One time, DJ gave back one of Leo's toys to Leo - unprompted by any of us - and Leo was so stunned that DJ gave him back one of his toys (to a 3 year old, there is no giving up a toy that you have in your possession!) that he needed to be prompted to say thank you. Leo did very well using the magic word during the week.
We went to Patriots Point again, to see the USS Yorktown. The kids walked tons of stairs. They were so tired that they neither wanted a decent lunch and both napped really hard that afternoon. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, with temps in the mid-60s.
We also took a trip to the Charleston Museum one day, and we ran errands another day. On Friday, I took DJ out to the College of Charleston's athletic fields (which are next to Patriots Point) to run out some energy. We also walked out to the beach even though it was really cold with the wind whipping off of the ocean. The day before, Steve had taken him out and shown him that it's not ice he's walking on but sand. Steve picked up a shell, scooped some sand, and let it fall out of the shell. Well, DJ picked right up on that, and insisted on picking up sand every 2 steps until they got back to the house. When I took him out the next day, I showed him a shell, and he remembered exactly what Steve had shown him (every 2 steps...). DJ also wanted to run out into the ocean, which I stopped him from doing. He stood there and watched as the waves came in, and the foam would gather at the water's edge. He's going to LOVE the beach when we go to Wrightsville in August.
Most lunches were eaten out (Chick-fil-A FTW), and most dinners were eaten in. Kudos to Andy and Steve for being our grill masters. We have learned that if you're going to light a charcoal grill on an ocean front deck and expect it to stay lit, then you need to pour 1/2 a bottle of lighter fluid on the coals. On the other hand, if you take said charcoal grill out of the main path of the wind, make sure it's not near the house's dryer else the laundry room and master bedroom smell like lighter fluid. ;-) Andy and Steve cooked marinaded london broil twice and chicken breasts once to perfection. The garlic bread, on the other hand, wasn't so garlicky... (need to add garlic next time!). The toaster settings are in minutes, not in a scale of dark to light so 5 != medium. Instead 5 = minutes... yes, Mike learned that the hard way for the rest of us when his toast came out unrecognizably black. And it can't be vacation if you don't set off the smoke alarm at least once, in our case, the morning of departure. ::snork::
Although the drive is brutal, we look forward to doing this again next year! Back to unpacking...
Anyway, we had a wonderful time again with Damian, Jenn, Leo, Andy and Mike. We stayed at the same ocean front beach house on the Isle of Palms as last year, but this year with one more occupant! Elektra slept in a pack-n-play in our room in the corner. DJ's pack-n-play was in the walk in closet again. It was funny to listen to him wake up in the morning and start banging on the shelves like drums and also push on the french doors that separate the closet from the rest of the master bedroom. And unlike last year, I didn't need earplugs to sleep as both kids slept very well at nights.
DJ loved having Leo around, and was trying to say his name by the end of the week. It kind of sounds like E-O, but hey... it's an effort! We also think that he made more effort to speak words because Leo speaks so well. We think "ka-coo" is trashcan, "bwaba" is bottle (or his cup), "shoos off" for taking his shoes off, and the letter F is now something he points out along with the letter D (sometimes he says E).
DJ also tried to imitate Leo whenever he could. Leo would jump on the couch, and DJ would do his darndest to launch himself on to the couch. Leo would get jello legs (and not walk) and now DJ does it. That said, Leo started squealing like DJ does when he's excited, much to Damian and Jenn's chagrin.
Damian and Jenn are trying to work on Leo's manners (please, thank you, you're welcome), and Leo had plenty of opportunity to practice. One time, DJ gave back one of Leo's toys to Leo - unprompted by any of us - and Leo was so stunned that DJ gave him back one of his toys (to a 3 year old, there is no giving up a toy that you have in your possession!) that he needed to be prompted to say thank you. Leo did very well using the magic word during the week.
We went to Patriots Point again, to see the USS Yorktown. The kids walked tons of stairs. They were so tired that they neither wanted a decent lunch and both napped really hard that afternoon. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, with temps in the mid-60s.
We also took a trip to the Charleston Museum one day, and we ran errands another day. On Friday, I took DJ out to the College of Charleston's athletic fields (which are next to Patriots Point) to run out some energy. We also walked out to the beach even though it was really cold with the wind whipping off of the ocean. The day before, Steve had taken him out and shown him that it's not ice he's walking on but sand. Steve picked up a shell, scooped some sand, and let it fall out of the shell. Well, DJ picked right up on that, and insisted on picking up sand every 2 steps until they got back to the house. When I took him out the next day, I showed him a shell, and he remembered exactly what Steve had shown him (every 2 steps...). DJ also wanted to run out into the ocean, which I stopped him from doing. He stood there and watched as the waves came in, and the foam would gather at the water's edge. He's going to LOVE the beach when we go to Wrightsville in August.
Most lunches were eaten out (Chick-fil-A FTW), and most dinners were eaten in. Kudos to Andy and Steve for being our grill masters. We have learned that if you're going to light a charcoal grill on an ocean front deck and expect it to stay lit, then you need to pour 1/2 a bottle of lighter fluid on the coals. On the other hand, if you take said charcoal grill out of the main path of the wind, make sure it's not near the house's dryer else the laundry room and master bedroom smell like lighter fluid. ;-) Andy and Steve cooked marinaded london broil twice and chicken breasts once to perfection. The garlic bread, on the other hand, wasn't so garlicky... (need to add garlic next time!). The toaster settings are in minutes, not in a scale of dark to light so 5 != medium. Instead 5 = minutes... yes, Mike learned that the hard way for the rest of us when his toast came out unrecognizably black. And it can't be vacation if you don't set off the smoke alarm at least once, in our case, the morning of departure. ::snork::
Although the drive is brutal, we look forward to doing this again next year! Back to unpacking...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
DJ words
Dj has been pointing to things and trying to name them more often without prompting. Some of the words we've heard from him lately include:
Meow, sssss (what a snake says), ney (what a horse says), sish (fish), kwaka (cracker), shoos (shoes), baby, DEEEE!!! (DJ's name), TEEE!!! (three), ock (rock), moo, ooooo (what an owl says), grrr (what a tiger, lion, and bear say), vroom (what a truck and car say), beep (what a car does, but this one is hard to elicit when you try to prompt him for it), mama, daddy, ayia (yiayia), papou, we think he said Leo's name, keys (both what's on a keyboard and the items used to unlock/start things), wawa (we think this is water), nana (banana), here-oh (here or here you go), eye, ice (current favorite word), eeaf (leaf), coo (cool or cold), bawa (bottle - which we think he means as his cup), choo choo (train), twa-ka (we think this is a new word as of today for trashcan), hi (and we think he's starting to learn how to use it correctly), and tick-toc (what a watch or clock says). At least that's all I can think of right now.
Meow, sssss (what a snake says), ney (what a horse says), sish (fish), kwaka (cracker), shoos (shoes), baby, DEEEE!!! (DJ's name), TEEE!!! (three), ock (rock), moo, ooooo (what an owl says), grrr (what a tiger, lion, and bear say), vroom (what a truck and car say), beep (what a car does, but this one is hard to elicit when you try to prompt him for it), mama, daddy, ayia (yiayia), papou, we think he said Leo's name, keys (both what's on a keyboard and the items used to unlock/start things), wawa (we think this is water), nana (banana), here-oh (here or here you go), eye, ice (current favorite word), eeaf (leaf), coo (cool or cold), bawa (bottle - which we think he means as his cup), choo choo (train), twa-ka (we think this is a new word as of today for trashcan), hi (and we think he's starting to learn how to use it correctly), and tick-toc (what a watch or clock says). At least that's all I can think of right now.
Elektra the Steamroller
It's official! Elektra is rolling over! And of course, she couldn't roll over the easy way (belly to back). Oh no. She had to go from back to belly. I was out with DJ at the Charleston Museum (first museum in the country - established 1773) while Steve stayed home with Elektra and I got a text that she'd rolled over. Sure enough, after I got home with DJ, I watched her do it with my own eyes. It's still effort for her, but clearly, we can no longer just leave her on the changing table!!
Our kids seem to reach a milestone every time they come down to Charleston!
Our kids seem to reach a milestone every time they come down to Charleston!
Friday, February 06, 2009
Posted pictures
As promised, I posted a picture of Elektra eating solids and one of her bath experience.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Happy happy joy joy!
DJ hadn't seen Grace in a week and a half, at least. Either he was sick or she was sick or something.
Yesterday, they finally got to see each other again, and DJ made it very clear how happy he was to see her. He hung onto the gate, jumped up and down excitedly, squealed with glee, and shook his head in outright crazy happiness. Eleanor said it was really cute to see him so happy to see Grace. Clearly, he missed her.
Yesterday, they finally got to see each other again, and DJ made it very clear how happy he was to see her. He hung onto the gate, jumped up and down excitedly, squealed with glee, and shook his head in outright crazy happiness. Eleanor said it was really cute to see him so happy to see Grace. Clearly, he missed her.
Elektra's first solid food
Last night, Steve and I fed Elektra her first spoonfuls of rice cereal.
As to be expected, just about none of it stayed in, and she pushed the spoon out of her mouth with her tongue to boot. In fact, I am not convinced she swallowed any of it. But she sat in her high chair like a trooper, had pictures taken of her, and got all around messy. It was great!
I'll post pics when I download them from the camera. (edit: done!)
However, at 2am this morning, she was awake with gas. Was it from the rice cereal? Not sure. But I changed her diaper, gave her a 4 ounce bottle and just as she finished that, she had a poopy diaper. Changed her again, and found that it was quite the poopy diaper so she must've been feeling better after that. I put her back down in her crib, and she went to sleep almost immediately. I, on the other hand, was awake for at least another 20 minutes. Ugh.
As to be expected, just about none of it stayed in, and she pushed the spoon out of her mouth with her tongue to boot. In fact, I am not convinced she swallowed any of it. But she sat in her high chair like a trooper, had pictures taken of her, and got all around messy. It was great!
I'll post pics when I download them from the camera. (edit: done!)
However, at 2am this morning, she was awake with gas. Was it from the rice cereal? Not sure. But I changed her diaper, gave her a 4 ounce bottle and just as she finished that, she had a poopy diaper. Changed her again, and found that it was quite the poopy diaper so she must've been feeling better after that. I put her back down in her crib, and she went to sleep almost immediately. I, on the other hand, was awake for at least another 20 minutes. Ugh.
DJ, our little Curt Schilling
DJ has reached the Throwing Stage. He's throwing everything. Not only is he throwing everything, he's throwing things at people as well as onto the floor. Elektra has been his favorite target so far, but Grace, Steve and I have not been overlooked.
And of course, as one quickly discovers, one cannot reason with a toddler. I put him in timeout over the weekend when he hit Elektra in the head a couple times, and he thought I was playing. I used my sternest Mama Voice, and even that didn't work. Clearly, this is for attention, but I'm failing to see how, even when I'm playing with him very specifically, it's not enough attention for him not to throw things.
Yesterday, at day care, he threw something near Elektra, so I put him in my lap, told him he should say "sorry" to Elektra (he can't say that yet, but may as well start having him hear the word) and give her a kiss. Oh he didn't want to do that. It took my asking 3 times for him to finally give Elektra a kiss.
He also threw a book at Grace and konked her in the head. I took him to Eleanor's couch, sat him down, he fussed to be let go, and Grace came over to see what was the fuss. I told him, again, that he needs to say "sorry" to Grace and give her a kiss. At least the kiss to Grace was more easily extracted as I only had to ask once. ;-)
At some level, it seems like he's trying to give these things to people, but he's launching them instead of giving them. There are other times when it's clear he's doing it for attention. I'm not sure how to tackle this yet, but hopefully, we'll get through to him soon before he hurts someone.
And of course, as one quickly discovers, one cannot reason with a toddler. I put him in timeout over the weekend when he hit Elektra in the head a couple times, and he thought I was playing. I used my sternest Mama Voice, and even that didn't work. Clearly, this is for attention, but I'm failing to see how, even when I'm playing with him very specifically, it's not enough attention for him not to throw things.
Yesterday, at day care, he threw something near Elektra, so I put him in my lap, told him he should say "sorry" to Elektra (he can't say that yet, but may as well start having him hear the word) and give her a kiss. Oh he didn't want to do that. It took my asking 3 times for him to finally give Elektra a kiss.
He also threw a book at Grace and konked her in the head. I took him to Eleanor's couch, sat him down, he fussed to be let go, and Grace came over to see what was the fuss. I told him, again, that he needs to say "sorry" to Grace and give her a kiss. At least the kiss to Grace was more easily extracted as I only had to ask once. ;-)
At some level, it seems like he's trying to give these things to people, but he's launching them instead of giving them. There are other times when it's clear he's doing it for attention. I'm not sure how to tackle this yet, but hopefully, we'll get through to him soon before he hurts someone.
Humpty Dumpty...
...is now DJ.
Yesterday morning, Steve and I went into DJ's room to get him ready for day care. Steve put down the crib rail, and I turned my back to figure out what DJ was going to wear. Steve left the room to go make his coffee.
At this moment, DJ decided it would be a good idea to see how far down the outside of the crib he could reach. Sure enough, he reached... and reached... and reached... until he literally flipped over, head over heels to the floor out of the crib. I heard a boom which made me immediately turn and look, and I saw DJ on his back on the floor starting to cry.
I immediately picked him up as he's wailing, and Steve came in grinning. GRINNING! Dude! Our toddler just fell out of the crib!!!! This is no time to be grinning!!! Apparently, Steve saw the whole thing happen. DJ only fell a foot and a half, and he landed on his back, not his head. So clearly, DJ was more scared than hurt, but he let us know he wasn't happy for a good 5 minutes.
Then there was the, "You were in the room with him!" "I was picking out something for him to wear!" "Ok, no more leaving the crib rail down, though you'd think he'd have learned his lesson... maybe." HA!
By the time I got him dressed, the tears were dry and DJ was smiling and laughing. I'm sure that's not the last time he's going to fall out of the crib....
Yesterday morning, Steve and I went into DJ's room to get him ready for day care. Steve put down the crib rail, and I turned my back to figure out what DJ was going to wear. Steve left the room to go make his coffee.
At this moment, DJ decided it would be a good idea to see how far down the outside of the crib he could reach. Sure enough, he reached... and reached... and reached... until he literally flipped over, head over heels to the floor out of the crib. I heard a boom which made me immediately turn and look, and I saw DJ on his back on the floor starting to cry.
I immediately picked him up as he's wailing, and Steve came in grinning. GRINNING! Dude! Our toddler just fell out of the crib!!!! This is no time to be grinning!!! Apparently, Steve saw the whole thing happen. DJ only fell a foot and a half, and he landed on his back, not his head. So clearly, DJ was more scared than hurt, but he let us know he wasn't happy for a good 5 minutes.
Then there was the, "You were in the room with him!" "I was picking out something for him to wear!" "Ok, no more leaving the crib rail down, though you'd think he'd have learned his lesson... maybe." HA!
By the time I got him dressed, the tears were dry and DJ was smiling and laughing. I'm sure that's not the last time he's going to fall out of the crib....
Elektra's 4 month pediatrican appointment
Yesterday, I took Elektra to see her pediatrician for her 4 month appointment. She weighed in at a hefty 16 pounds 4 ounces and 25.25 inches long. That puts her in the 90-95 percentile. Interestingly, she's nearly a full pound and a quarter inch smaller than DJ was at 4 months. Yet she feels longer to me than he was.
As it turns out, she wanted no parts of the exam. She was starting to get ansy before the doctor came in, so I'm wondering if she was hungry and the exam just made it all the worse. She fussed and cried even swatted at the instrument he used to look in her ears ("Good motor skill development!" he said).
She's been cleared for solids, too. Rice cereal and the yellow vegetables until she's 6 months old.
After all that was done, she got 5 vaccines, and she really cried at the technician then. By the time we left the office, she was calm and quiet and checking out the world around her. She fell asleep in the car on the way back to Eleanor's. So was she hungry or just exhibiting her personality, no idea....!
As it turns out, she wanted no parts of the exam. She was starting to get ansy before the doctor came in, so I'm wondering if she was hungry and the exam just made it all the worse. She fussed and cried even swatted at the instrument he used to look in her ears ("Good motor skill development!" he said).
She's been cleared for solids, too. Rice cereal and the yellow vegetables until she's 6 months old.
After all that was done, she got 5 vaccines, and she really cried at the technician then. By the time we left the office, she was calm and quiet and checking out the world around her. She fell asleep in the car on the way back to Eleanor's. So was she hungry or just exhibiting her personality, no idea....!
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