Now that you’re walking, park play dates have become so much fun. Whether it’s just you and me, or we’re meeting friends, you absolutely love to run and play. You spend the whole time moving, often just running around the park, picking up pieces of wood chips, acorns, or sticks. And since Daddy had already taught you to use the slide at home, you easily climb the stairs and push yourself down the slide. Swings aren’t really your thing right now. You’ll sit for a few minutes and then you’re done. Honestly, who can blame you – you have to just sit there and let me push you back and forth. wink
I’ve found that you need active play time almost every day. Usually, you get an hour at the gym three days a week, and I try to take you to the park once or twice a week. It’s been cold lately, so we’ve started going to indoor play places. Many of the large churches in our area offer free play in their kids’ center. We went to one last week and you had the best time running around and climbing on everything. We’re meeting friends there again this week!
Your eating abilities continue to impress me. The foods you like continue to grow and you are a great eater. You still eat eggs, toast and a banana every morning, but lunch and dinner vary depending on what we’re having. You’ve gotten pretty good at using a fork and you’ll often ask for it at mealtimes. As for teeth, you’ve recently gotten three of your molars and all four of your incisors, so I believe that brings to total up to sixteen.
You recently got your first taste of a sucker while at a friend’s birthday party. The concept took a bit for you to get used too. You looked at us as if to say, “I can’t bite it?” “You want me to put my tongue on it?” Basically, you would hold it in your mouth and not let go. An unfortunate side affect of that was that you also didn’t swallow. By the time Daddy got you to open your mouth, he got a handful of cherry saliva along with the sucker! LOL
There are so many new things you’re learning. Animals continue to be a favorite. You know the sound for dog, owl, hen, horse, lion and cow. Thanks to books, toys and the Wild Kratts television show, you recognize the elephant, penguin, bird, giraffe, monkey, cat, sheep, dolphin, zebra, and many others.
You can point out (on yourself or others) many of the parts of the body – eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, toes, hair, hands, belly button. We have a few books that talk about body parts, and it’s so cute to see you pointing to them as we read the book.
You still use sign language to communicate with us – “more,” “eat,” “all done,” “down,” and “bath” are the most used ones. But you are trying to say words. It’s so cute to hear you repeat things. Initially, it sounds like gibberish, but as you try over and over, you begin to use the correct sounds. We’ve been working on food words lately, since pointing in the direction of the kitchen doesn’t actually tell me what food item you want! ;) You’re currently trying to say such things as – noodle, orange, milk and raisins. You can clearly say – eggs, cheese, banana, toast and blue (blueberry).
A few other things to note: you love to give high fives. You’re sometimes shy with new people, but if they offer you a high five, you’ll run over and give them one, along with a big smile.
You are also responding to commands – lay down, sit down, hands up – which is great. Now, if we can just get you to “come here” and not run the other way!
Recently, you discovered airplanes. Anytime we’re outside, you keep an eye out for them and will quickly point them out to us.
Last month we started you on chores. In the evenings, you help pick up your kitchen toys and any building blocks that might be on the floor. This is definitely a chore for you as you don’t often want to do this. smile But your favorite “chore” is to feed the dogs their dinner. I’m not sure we should call it a chore, maybe……activity? You love to do this! As soon as you’re done with your dinner, you go over to Daddy, say “dog,” and point towards the laundry room where the dog bowls are kept. We help you feed them and you always finish with a big smile and a hand clap. It’s so cute!
That about wraps up January. Let’s see what February brings!