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TWENTY FOURTH MONTH
JULY 21 – AUGUST 20 (2016)
COMMUNICATION & COGNITION
- says “Go!” & motions with his arm
- repeats “burrito” (sounds like “bee-tow”)
- repeats “poo poo” & “pee pee” and he (sometimes) says it to tell me he has to go
- practices saying “baby”
- he makes a sound & pretend-grabs the thing he wants from pictures in books or on the computer
- he actually started saying “mama” & “dada” to purposefully refer to us
- he says “beep beep” to refer to Eric because of Eric’s work van ‘back-up beeps’
- he says “dada, beep beep” a lot
- started saying “nah” for the word no (8/5)
- he started using a hand gesture (putting hands up to his mouth) to communicate wanting to have some “formula milk”
- started saying “no” instead of “nah” (8/14)
- repeats 2-word phrase “help, mama” & “help, dada” (his “help” sounds like “ah-p”)
- says no or no-no regularly
- repeats “apple”
- he does the Dragon’s Lair game sounds (“chew…chew…ahh!”)
- he uses an arm motion (like the crawl stroke) to communicate “swim”
- when my parents visited he said “grandpa” a lot: “gam-PA” (with emphasis on the “pa”)
NOW HE CAN…
- open “easy” doors
- Globber! (i.e. Todd’s 1st scooter!) (7/31)
TRUCKS!
- he liked watching the guys load the moving truck & he walked up and down the ramp
- the movers loaded up items from our house on 7/21, then unloaded items in Wenatchee on 7/22
- he loves watching garbage trucks lift up the cans on our street
- we watched the “diggers” at Jennings Park from his stroller (7/25)
- he loves the Tonka garbage truck that his cousins gave him for his birthday
- he loves watching the trucks & diggers working at the new school near our condo
DAY TRIP TO GUEMES ISLAND
- on 7/26 we needed to leave the house for the whole day so the guys could install our new carpet
- even though I used to work in Anacortes, WA, I’d never been over to Guemes Island
- we took the ~5 minute ferry ride over & Todd’s only complaint was that the ride was too short (he signed “more!” & cried when I had to rush him back into the car)
- on island we drove around a bit, then spent some time at the beach
- Todd loved kicking his shoes off, walking in the water & watching the ferry boats come & go
- 1st time burying himself in sand!
- for the ferry ride back, our car was positioned well (Todd could see the water right out his open door), so we stayed at the car. Todd loved it.
- on the way home, we stopped by my old workplace to visit co-workers. I weighed Todd on the wheelchair scale & he was exactly 24 pounds (i.e. he gained 3 pounds in the past 5 months)
EVERETT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
- while the guys completed day 2 of new carpet installation, I took Todd to the Everett Children’s Museum (7/27)
- we hadn’t been there since his 1st birthday
- highlights were the trains, airplane, water feature, & the slide in the toddler area
MUSIC IN THE PARK
- we enjoyed a free evening music event at Jennings Park (7/29)
- Todd danced & socialized with people & dogs
- he even got to strum the bass player’s guitar during 1 song!
- he joined into a football game with several other kids
MORE FUN FOR TODD
- sitting/riding in Eric’s van (very slowly, in the cul-de-sac only!)
- getting into the bathtub & playing with the running water
- turning on the outside faucet, putting his head under it & playing with the hose (including pouring water on himself)
- Eric’s employer had a party for his last day of work (8/5); Todd joined the festivities
- he likes watching the Dragon’s Lair game on the iPad
- he loves playing with cars & Duplos
FAMILY VISITS – (ERIC’S SIDE)
- we visited Eric’s family at Todd’s cousin Adam’s graduation party (7/30)
- Todd was drawn to the lake & he liked chasing his Aunt Dallas’ chickens
- he cracked up playing throw & catch with the dog
- Eric’s parents came to visit before our final moving day ( 8/4)
NEW MOON FARM GOAT RESCUE & SANCTUARY
- visit to New Moon Farm Goat Rescue (8/3)
- (it’s where I volunteered weekly for the 5 years before I got pregnant)
- Todd’s favorite thing was sitting on the tractor
- he did like chasing the goats/sheep & feeding them snacks
SWIMMING SKILLS
- he tipped his head backward in the water, while standing up
- he jumped in & Eric caught him
- he swam with a swim noodle (8/15)
- he jumped into the deep end (I caught him) & climbed up the ladder (8/16)
- he tried to do a back float & kick (8/18)
- from the steps he jumps to me & coasts/kicks (8/20)
BABYSITTER GOOD-BYES
- 8/1 was my last day working PRN (as needed) before starting my new full-time job in Wenatchee
- Jeri also came to babysit on 8/4 for a few hours
- we were sad to say goodbye to Jeri because she is absolutely wonderful 🙂
MOVING DAY!!
- we officially moved to Wenatchee! (8/6)
- I had new employee orientation for my full-time job on 8/16, then I worked 8/19
- Eric started his stay-at-home-dad (SAHD) job!
FAMILY VISITS – ELISA’S SIDE
- my sister & her kid’s came to visit for a week (8/8 – 8/14)
- we went to the Rocky Reach Dam to check out the sights, including the fish ladder’s underwater viewing area (8/11)
- we went to Slidewaters (8/13); he didn’t want to go down the slides except for the little frog slide in the toddler splash area
- we went swimming at our condo pool
- dining out with family: La Fuente (8/8), Lemolo (8/13)
- my parents came to visit for 5 days (8/17-22)
- they camped at Wenatchee Confluence State Park
- we visited them at their site & had dinner there twice
- Todd liked playing in the dirt with his Tonka truck
- he liked checking out the riverfront beach & running in the lawn
- we all went to White Heron Cellars for a music event (8/20); Todd showed off his best dance moves!
- dining out with family: La Fuente (8/17), Mai Lee Thai (8/20)
FOOD NOTES
- he enjoyed wild blackberries while out on a stroller walk (7/25)
- we started trying out a different kind of no-spill cup (8/3)
- he liked drinking 100% cranberry juice (diluted with some water) (8/4)
- 1st time eating corn off the cob (8/11)
- 1st time sitting in a booster seat at the kitchen table (8/20)
- dining out: La Fuente (7/21, 8/6), Cafe Rio (7/22), Shire Cafe (7/25, 8/3)
ANOTHER TOOTH
- last bottom incisor poking through (the left one)
- that’s his 15th tooth
DAY TIME NAPS
- crib naps were typically 2.25 – 3.25 hours
- shortest nap = 2 hrs (8/1)
- longest nap = 3.50 hrs (7/28)
- when he took naps in the Pack ‘n Play, he loved having a body pillow in there with him
- he wanted to get into the Pack ‘n Play for his nap on 7/28 & 7/29
- there were several days when he didn’t get a nap (other than in the car) because of various daytime activities
NIGHT TIME SLEEP
- he woke up crying in the night 4x this month
- when he woke up at night he went back to sleep quickly, after drinking his “formula milk” (1x needed a change of clothes, too)
- sometimes I held his hand through his crib rails as he fell asleep at night
- Todd & I slept in the hall on 7/26 because the new carpet installation wasn’t completed in 1 day
- from 7/27 to 8/6 Todd slept in a Pack ‘n Play for naps & night time sleep because the crib was packed up
- from 7/22 to 8/6 we were without my glider chair at home for our usual wake up/night time routine
- the first thing he said when he woke up was “dada” (8/2)
- after we moved & his crib was set up in his own bedroom, Todd transitioned well!
- bedtimes were often late this month (so much going on!!)
POTTY TALK
- 19 poops were done in the toilet
- 23 poops were not done in the toilet
- he said “poop poop” to tell me he did one in his diaper (8/2)
- he said “poo poo” & then he went in the toilet after I took him (8/12, 8/20)
- he refused to sit on the toilet (even though I knew he had to go), then he went in his diaper (8/19)
- 1st time peeing in a public urinal (8/19)
- started trying to put things in the toilet
NINTH MONTH
(APRIL 21 – MAY 21)
WEEK 35 (PARTIAL WEEK)
Oh, boy a “worst sleep” night kicked off Todd’s 9th month! On April 21st he woke up crying at 10:30 PM. He wasn’t hungry but it took until 12:45 AM before he fell back asleep. Nothing was working until I turned on his Sea Dreams Crib Soother. On the following night, he had another restless period, requiring 1.5 hours to get back to sleep. Fortunately, Todd only wakes up once when he has one of his “bad” nights.
Developmental and other highlights:
- he can lower himself off the couch if we turn him feet first
- he can walk pushing his Little Tikes car without assist over carpet and smooth floors (the car doesn’t get going too fast)
- I removed the folded towels that were padding Todd’s crib (4/21)
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week :
Todd isn’t satisfied if I only offer a pureed food. He wants to have finger foods, and he’ll look around for something “better” than what I’m offering via spoon. When he’s done, he spits dramatically, which is pretty funny.
- bites of quinoa mixed with jarred organic carrot puree
- strip of bread
- quartered banana slice
WEEK 36
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before, but every week we go on stroller walks in the neighborhood, and this includes a walk to the library about once a week. We do our walks (or shopping) in the afternoon, a little while after Todd wakes up from his long morning nap. It’s really nice to be walking distance from our library. Every day, I read library books to Todd.
Developmental highlights:
- controlled crawl off a 5″ tall storage bin
- he repeatedly lifts a leg up while standing (attempting to step/climb up)
- he does deep knee bends…down, up, down, up
- 1st brief thumb sucking (in the past he’s always sucked on his fingers but not thumb)
- shows frustration (i.e. when he walks with his car and it meets an obstacle and stops…but he wants it to keep going)
- he climbed onto a 9″ tall Rubbermaid storage container
Other highlights:
- he likes to walk his Push & Ride Racer car
- he likes getting rides on his car
- likes to be “chased” crawling in the house– crawls away quickly, then stops and looks back, laughs excitedly
- if Eric doesn’t wear a shirt Todd wants to scratch at his nipple
- 1st time at a play group (Kaleidoscope Play & Learn, Jennings Park (4/29))
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
It seems like Todd really started swallowing a lot more food this week, and he lets me feed him small bits with my fingers after he does what he can with his limited fine motor skills. He was able to slurp/suck down strands of angel hair pasta this week (instead of just playing).
- green pepper
- Fig Banana Corny Oatcakes
- ripe mango slice
- roasted cauliflower
- split pea soup
- spaghetti with angel hair pasta
- drinking a little water from a pinch cup
WEEK 37
This was an action-packed week! On May 1st, Todd had his allergic reaction to his lunch. Over the weekend, we partied and we did some rollerblading. Todd got to visit with his Grammie on May 5th. We saw the allergy doctor on May 6th, resulting in Todd getting diagnosed with a peanut allergy. The week wrapped up with Todd’s first day in underwear.
This week, Todd’s sleep was more “normal” for him, i.e. sleeping a solid ~9-11 hour night for 5 days per week and waking up once about 2 days per week (and he didn’t take very long to get back to sleep).
Developmental highlights:
- he stuck his tongue out and touched tip to upper lip a lot (5/30)
- chatting to himself at 3:30 AM two mornings in a row (then fell back to sleep)
- he possibly did the hand sign for “formula milk” (make a fist and squeeze)
- he likes to slap my hands while sitting on the toilet
- he vibrates his 2 fists or a toy against his mouth to make a noise that sounds like “lada lada lada”
- he sucks on his thumb and rubs thumb against upper gums
- he seems a little more attentive when I read books to him (less focus on putting the book in his mouth)
- he started waving his left wrist (not sure if he’s just exploring hand movements, trying to wave, or doing the “all done” sign)
- he can crawl up and down on/off a 5″ tall storage bin repeatedly, without close supervision
- he can step up onto the storage bin while holding the windowsill
Other highlights:
- new sound: “na na”
- we lowered his crib to the lowest setting (5/3)
- food reaction during lunch, multiple hives on both arms, chest/neck (5/1)
- house visit from Grammie and Todd gave her a kiss (5/5)
- allergy doctor appointment and diagnosis of peanut allergy (5/6)
- weight at 8.5 months (with clothes/diaper on) = 17 lb, 8 oz = just under the 23rd percentile
- first full day starting to wear underwear, in addition to diapers (5/7)
- I made up hand signs for “smoothie” and “pancake” because he eats those foods every day
Weekend Activities:
- Party at Dan’s house in Monroe (5/2)
- Rollerblade with stroller on the Centennial Trail (5/3)
WEEK 38
What do you call your baby? We all have cute names, right? I haven’t mentioned this before, so I’ll mention it here. I like to greet Todd first thing in the morning with “Sunshine Boy” and I usually call him “Little One” and “Little Sweetheart” all day long (or a variation, “Sweet Little Heart”). Eric likes to greet Todd in the morning with “Señor,” and he calls him his “Little Buddy.” There’s also “Mr. Todd” and “Toad.”
Do you remember so long ago, when he made cute frog noises? “Ribbit” was his earliest nickname that Eric used while Todd was still in the NICU. I used to call him “Little Mister,” but now I tend to call him “Little Sir” or “Little Son.” On the internet, his “hashtag nicknames” are #minivegan, and #tatertodd.
Developmental highlights:
- very interested in small particles on the floor, tries to put them in his mouth
- he’s initiating more unsupported standing again (in addition to “cruising” with support all the time)
- able to stand unsupported for 30 fast counts
- can walk with a one-hand hold a little bit, and a two-hand hold a lot
- tries to climb up on anything he possibly can, to reach things he wants
- he climbs over our legs/waist all the time when we’re on the floor
- he imitated me doing the “all done” sign and before that he did it himself (I don’t know if he knows what it means yet, though)
Other highlights:
- he likes to “take a break” from playing and prop himself up with his back leaning on the couch (or even a wall)
- he loves when Eric throws him (face down or face up) into pillows on my bed
- he still loves lurching from pillow to pillow on my bed, then he quickly spins onto his back
- he likes to throw his toys out the window
- he loves various kitchen noises (i.e. blender, salad spinner, coffee grinder, etc). He races over (crawling) to see what’s going on, and stands up at the cabinets to try to get a better look
- he likes to stand and shake the bottom rack of the dishwasher
Outings:
- Rollerblading on the Centennial Trail (5/9 & 5/10)
- Out to eat at The Shire Cafe (5/9)
- Kaleidoscope Play & Learn group at Jennings Park (5/13)
At the play group this week, Todd was much more interested in the story reading and songs than he was 2 weeks ago. He was also more interested in little bits of things on the floor. He likes going over to other kids, and he smiles at everyone. I don’t see any stranger anxiety yet! One little girl that was there 2 weeks ago (who doesn’t like him touching her jeans) commented several times, “He grew up.” I thought it was pretty observant, because he did seem different to me, too.
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
He likes to dip one fingertip in his pureed food to taste it, and then takes several more “bites” that way. He loves eating black olive slices by sticking his finger in the hole to pick each piece up. Other small bits of food he can pick up by working them onto his index finger.
- little bit of Field Roast sausage
- homemade black bean burger with ground cashews and quinoa flour
- raspberries (I fed him little bits at a time)
- vegan taco soup and pita bread at The Shire Cafe
- winter squash jarred organic baby food
- black olives (now he’s eating them)
WEEK 39
This was an exciting week for a few reasons.
First, we got ourselves set up for bike riding with Todd! On May 16th, we got a hitch installed on our Subaru Outback that we bought last Fall. On the way home from the hitch installation, we had lunch in Renton, at Blossom Vegetarian (our 2nd time there). Todd liked being fed garbanzo beans from Eric’s chopsticks.
The next day, we went to Costco to pick up an Everyday Traveler Bike Trailer. Such a great deal for only $199! We expect our bike rack for the car to be delivered on May 22nd. Eric ordered the 1 up USA Double Bicycle Quik Rack.
Of course, we wasted no time taking Todd’s new wheels for a ride in the neighborhood. It was also my first time back on my bike since before I was pregnant. Ah…it was about time! I’m looking forward to many more rides to come!
Developmental and other highlights:
- 1st steps! He took 4 steps, stepping toward Eric (several times) (5/18)
- he climbed into the 9″ tall Rubbermaid storage bin (5/19)
- he took 4, 6, and then 11 linked steps (5/19)
- he climbed both feet up the wall simultaneously while holding onto the windowsill (5/20)
Other highlights:
- he got excited looking at himself in his little mirror and kissed himself several times (5/16)
- 1st & 2nd bike rides with the new trailer (5/17, 5/18)
- he loves to stand and bang on the washing machine
Food notes and new (vegan) foods this week:
On May 21st, I noticed that Todd did a pincer grasp to pick up a garbanzo bean. That was the first time I noticed him doing that.
- roasted curried garbanzo beans
- orange slice
- peach mango fruit pouch (Earth’s Best Organic)
- red lentil dal
- raisin
- Tofurky sausage (little bits)
- pickled beet
9TH MONTH WRAP-UP
Sleep–
Right now, Todd continues his “normal” sleep pattern of sleeping through the night ~5 days per week and waking up once ~2 days per week. If he wakes up crying, it’s always within 3 hours of his bedtime (which is typically ~8:30 PM). He gets back to sleep without difficulty.
These days, Todd is asleep when I put him in his crib at night. He falls asleep in my arms after I give him his bottle, then I rock him in my glider chair for at least another 15 minutes before I put him in bed. I cherish that “snuggle time” with him.
The one thing that’s different lately is that Todd is becoming more of an “early bird.” Before, his typical wake up time was definitely after 6 AM and frequently closer to 7 AM. Now, he’s waking up chatting and turning on his crib soother music before 6 AM more often than I’d like! Of course, since Eric leaves for work around 6:30 AM, he’s always happy when Todd wakes up before he has to go. That makes all of us happy!
Regarding naps– Todd is essentially taking one nap per day. It starts about 3-4 hours after he wakes up in the morning. He’s still using the swing and his naps still last 2-3 hours (and even longer). He’ll take catnaps in the car or the stroller sometimes in the afternoons. Occasionally I offer an afternoon swing nap, but usually not.
I think Todd gets enough sleep because when he’s asleep, he’s OUT. That goes for daytime and nighttime. It seems like he gets really good quality sleep.
Food–
Todd is wonderful eater! I’m feeding him solids at least twice per day, and sometimes three. Green smoothie and a pancake (of various flavors/ingredients) is breakfast. Organic applesauce is a regular offering if I give him a lunch. Dinner includes any smoothie that he didn’t eat at breakfast and then a wide assortment of whatever we’re having.
At the moment, Todd is finishing up his 52nd can of “formula milk.”
Toileting–
This month Todd had 3 poop “misses,” which means that at least some part of a poo-poo ended up in the diaper instead of the toilet. On 2 out of those 3 times, it amounted to just a “nugget,” which was followed by a large poop in the toilet.
Ever since Todd’s first day in underwear (May 7th), we’ve been using his underwear daily. I only put Todd in diapers for mealtime, naps/bedtime, and when we leave the house. Sure– Todd goes through a lot of wet “trainers” each day, but we have a stash of 12 and haven’t run out yet. I just round up all of our laundry every evening and run a load of whatever size it happens to be. With Todd in underwear, I know exactly how often he goes. It’s helpful information to have!
Todd pees in the toilet throughout the day. The number of times depends on how often I take him. He can pee a lot within the hour after drinking his formula (4-5+ times). It’s not unreasonable for me to take him to the toilet every 15 minutes. It might sound like a lot of work, but I do think it’s worth it! There’s no doubt that Todd is gradually learning about his body and learning about toilet use by establishing this regular habit.
What else can I say except Todd is a real sweetheart! He’s such a joy to be around.