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Almost 22 months – June 15, 2016
TWENTY SECOND MONTH
MAY 21 – JUNE 21 (2016)
SPEECH/COMMUNICATION & LEARNING
- very clearly said “Todd” (5/22)
- learning concepts of “hard” & “soft” using the wood part vs fabric part of my glider chair: Todd tests “hard” by gently tapping his head against the wood; he does this with other objects, too
- using hand sign for “more” (he does it with closed fists, tapping his knuckles together) (6/1)
- signs “more” food, “more” swinging
- practiced shaking head “yes” (6/12)
- learning 1 + 1 = 2 and says “two” while putting up index fingers of both hands
- he repeats lots of different words when asked to do so
- he shook head “no” when asked if he wanted socks on
GROSS MOTOR PLAY
- rolling on a soccer ball with his tummy & lifting his legs up
- jumping up & then landing on his knees
- playing with balls
- he brushed his hair (5/21)
- he kissed lots of things (5/21)
- stacks 6 blocks (5/22)
- walking up & down the ramps at the skate park (5/21)
- swinging at Washington Park, Wenatchee (6/11)
Todd at Jennings Park – June 5, 2016
Swinging at Washington Park (Wenatchee) – June 11, 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
- watching a show about bears on Netflix & laughing hysterically (5/23)
- he carefully took items out of a kitchen drawer one at a time & arranged them on the floor (and did the same with Jenga pieces) (6/16)
WATER PLAY
- he loves to sit on the edge of the kitchen sink & play with water (i.e. putting his hands & feet in the running water, filling up cups & pouring them over himself, getting sponges wet & squeezing them)
- he loves to play with ice water/ice cubes at restaurants
- hot tub swims: he can stand up by himself in the middle (i.e. deepest part) on tip-toes; he can climb up to the seat by himself; he practiced keeping his chin up when I told him to do so
- playing in the condo pool (6/12)
- there was a lot of water play in Kauai!
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Condo pool – June 12, 2016
Todd at the faucet – June 16, 2016
KAUAI VACATION (5/27 – 6/4)
- See the last post, “Kauai Vacation 2016 (With a Toddler),” for all the details!
- Todd loved roaming around, going in the pool, playing with other kids, waving to people from the lanai, touching surf boards, going after footballs, throwing food to the chickens, walking in flippers, and more!
- Here are other some pictures not featured in that post…
At the pool – May 28, 2016
Todd – May 29, 2016
Todd in Kauai – May 29, 2016
Eric & Todd – May 29, 2016
Elisa & Todd – May 31, 2016
Eric & Todd on the boogie board – June 1, 2016
Todd & his Grandma & Grandpa – June 2, 2016
Todd walking in flippers – June 3, 2016
FAMILY VISIT
- Eric’s parents came over to visit (5/26)
Todd’s Granddad & Grammie – May 26, 2016
BABYSITTER DAYS
- I worked 9 full or half days & Jeri babysat him on those days
Babysitter pic – May 25, 2016
Babysitter pic – June 8, 2016
Babysitter pic – June 20, 2016
MISC
- On 6/10, after driving to Wenatchee (we’d just rolled into town), Todd suddenly projectile-vomited his “formula milk” all over himself in his car seat. Fortunately, we had a packed car so we quickly changed his clothes and lined his car seat with a dry towel. After the incident Todd was back to himself and we proceeded with the evening and the rest of the weekend normally. Odd!
- he fell off his Little Tikes car and hurt himself; he was able to point to where it hurt
Pool without water? No problem! – May 23, 2016
June 9, 2016
TEETH
- he likes to lick his lips & position his jaw with an underbite & rub his lower front teeth on his upper lip
- left upper canine tooth poking through (6/8)
- that’s his 12th tooth
Demonstrating the underbite – May 27, 2016
Todd’s teeth – June 8, 2016
FOOD
- new food: onion rings (at the Honu Bar in Kauai)
- dining out: La Fuente (6/10), Lemolo (6/18)
Babysitter pic – Post smoothie face – May 26, 2016
June 7, 2016
Munching on a banana at Lemolo – June 18, 2016
DAY TIME NAPS
- crib naps were typically 2-3 hours
- longest nap = 3.75 hours (in Kauai, 6/1)
- shortest nap = 1.50 hours (6/7)
- he wanted to wear his boot liners to bed (6/10)
Day time nap – June 6, 2016
Napping in his boot liners – June 10, 2016
NIGHT TIME SLEEP
- he woke up crying in the night 6x this month
- it took 10-30 minutes to get him back to bed when he woke up (except 1 night it took 1 hr)
- when he slept through the night his sleep duration was between 8 and 11.50 hours (average ~9.5 hours)
- One night, I put my hand on his cheek while rocking him before bed. When I tried to take my hand off he placed it back on his cheek (5/25)
- the BIG change this month is –> after we got back from our Kauai vacation Todd started going to his crib awake instead of asleep, and he would communicate with me (in a non-verbal way) that he was actually ready to go to bed (motioning in that direction and leaning his head out) (starting 6/5)
- when I put Todd to bed awake, I leave his door partially open at first, then close it after he falls asleep
Crashed out in the travel bed – June 17, 2016
POO-POOS
- 28 poops were done in the toilet
- 27 poops were not done in the toilet (5x he pooped more in the toilet once I got him there)
- made motions to try & wipe his own butt (5/31)
- he pointed to his diaper after he did a poo in it (6/5)
- he did 4 poops in one day, possibly because we used romaine instead of kale/collard in the smoothie (6/7)
Todd puts on helmet & mitts – June 8, 2016
POTTY TALK
- this month Todd frequently refused to sit on the toilet, although he’d sit there for his babysitter
- he completely removed his underwear (6/5)
- 2 pees in small potty (Baby Bjorn) after I put him there (he touched his undies) (6/7)
- he refused to sit on the regular toilet but he peed in his small potty (6/9)
- he sat on his small potty & pointed to his undies so Jeri (babysitter) took his undies off & sat him on the potty. He peed (6/9)
- he sat on his small potty with undies on & peed (6/9)
- he pulled down his undies then peed on the kitchen floor (6/19)
I love this kid! – June 17, 2016
Poipu Beach at Marriot’s Waiohai – May 29, 2016
KAUAI VACATION 2016
FRIDAY, MAY 27 – SATURDAY, JUNE 4
Aloha! Did you know that in the Hawaiian language that word means affection, peace, compassion and mercy? (I didn’t know that until writing this post!) Sounds a lot like what we strive for by going vegan!
This was my 4th trip to Kauai. Eric and I vacationed there– with my parents at their timeshare condo– in 2005, 2008 and 2011. In those (pre-baby) years, we packed a lot of activity on top of spending time in the ocean and doing “general” sightseeing (i.e Spouting Horn, Kilauea Lighthouse, checking out various beaches on the island, etc).
For example–
In 2005, we hiked the Awa’Awapuhi Trail and the Sleeping Giant Trail. We toured the McBryde National Tropical Botanical Garden. We did the zip line tour, and we took surfing lessons.
In 2008, we hiked the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach/Falls and the Kukui Trail to the Waimea River. We toured the Allerton National Tropical Botanical Garden. We took a catamaran boat tour of the Na Pali Coast.
In 2011, we hiked the Pihea/Alaka’i Swamp Trail to Kilohana Lookout, the Canyon Trail, and along the Makewehi Lithified Cliffs (and we walked other places). We toured the Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden. We snorkeled at Tunnels.
In contrast–
Elisa & Todd – May 30, 2016
This year we didn’t even want to leave Poipu. This year we simply wanted to hang out at the beach and pool. This year the relaxed pace was really nice! And it’s exactly what we needed.
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, MAY 27
We scheduled a 5:00 AM pick-up with Affordable Car Services to make our 8:45 AM Alaska airlines flight (#879) from Seattle, WA to Lihue, HI. We woke up Todd just before the car arrived, and he was immediately wide awake and excited (we’d been prepping him for the trip for days!).
At the airport, we somehow managed to get all our carry-on bags to the gate, but unfortunately I was stopped for a pat-down search from the TSA due to an “anomaly” that showed up on my walk-through scan. (??)
Once settled, Eric and I took turns roaming the airport with Todd. He enjoyed looking out the window at the planes and waving to all the new people. He loved going up and down this one ramp repeatedly. He was excited!
At the airport – May 27, 2016
On board the plane, Todd initially appeared to “settle” into his car seat (he had his own seat). We were in row 22. He smiled during take-off…
He appeared a bit drowsy as we reached cruising altitude. I thought he’d fall right to sleep for sure, but THEN…
Eric hopped out of his seat after the seat belt sign was turned off. Then, Todd realized that we were allowed to get out of our seats! As a result, he wanted up, too.
For the next ~2 hours he walked up and down the aisle. Fortunately, the flight had many empty seats that we could duck in and out of to help other passengers navigate around us. Everyone was supportive and Todd was awfully cute wearing his Honu Hawaiian outfit. He was a happy boy, and he was actually really good about not trying to grab things off others’ tray tables.
Another passenger holding Todd – May 27, 2016
Eventually, Todd succumbed to fatigue and he let us strap him in his seat for a nap. That lasted 1.5 hours (a little short, but okay).
Nap time – May 27, 2016
Once he woke up, it was back to roaming the aisle. Todd spent quite a bit of time next to this one boy (whose family turned out to be from Bend, OR, where my family lives). The boy had an airplane wings pin that really interested Todd.
Complimentary Mai Tai drinks were served prior to landing 🙂 , and refills were offered since the flight wasn’t full –> score! Our arrival was at ~ noon (Kauai time, a 3-hour time difference). We were the very last ones off the plane!
My parents picked us up and drove us to our destination: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club.
We hit the pool that first afternoon and we ate dinner on the lanai. We dined outside for most of our meals. Todd enjoyed watching the little chickens and other birds that regularly came to snack on bits of food he dropped.
1st meal on the lanai – Todd, me, my dad & Eric – May 27, 2016
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, MAY 28
On this day we walked around before breakfast, we went swimming after breakfast, then Todd napped 2.5 hours.
1st morning in Kauai – Todd & I – May 28, 2016
Toys from Todd’s Grandma – May 28, 2016
View from our room at the Waiohai Beach Club – May 28, 2016
View from Waiohai Beach Club – May 28, 2016
Eric & Todd – May 28, 2016
Todd was drawn to all the boards – May 28, 2016
The main pool
During nap time, my parents stayed in the room while Eric and I each got a drink at the Honu Bar. I had a Mai Tai and Eric tried the Ultimate Dark & Stormy, which quickly became a favorite for both of us. It consists of: Cock ‘n Bull ginger beer, 92 proof Sailor Jerry spiced rum, Domain Canton ginger liqueur and a float of Bacardi Select.
View from the Honu Bar
In the afternoon I “Ergo’ed” Todd the short distance to the shallow, protected little area at Poipu Beach Park. On the way there we were treated to seeing a Honu (i.e. turtle) on the beach! In the following picture, the mellow beach is shown in the top left…
Turtle at Poipu – May 28, 2016
Todd didn’t want to approach the water at first (preferring to play with a beach ball), but eventually we convinced him that he’d be safe wading into the water with us.
(Background info– on the day we arrived, he walked right toward the ocean without hesitation but then quickly realized that there are waves that can rush toward him and push him off balance…which he didn’t like! After that he avoided the ocean and acted afraid of it.)
Todd’s first “swim” in the ocean – May 28, 2016
Eric & Todd – May 28, 2016
Surfboard! – May 28, 2016
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, MAY 29
On this day we strolled before breakfast and we checked out the Waiohai’s koi fish pond after breakfast. Then Eric went in the pool with Todd while I snorkeled in the ocean.
Strolling before breakfast – May 29, 2016
Todd & Eric – May 29, 2016
Family pic at the koi fish pond – May 29, 2016
Todd & Eric – May 29, 2016
After a long nap (over 3 hrs), we did some more strolling, followed by more pool time.
After nap stroll – May 29, 2016
Todd & Eric – May 29, 2016
DAY 4 – MONDAY, MAY 30
On this morning I Ergo’ed Todd as we all (including my parents) walked to the Starbucks located in the Poipu Shopping Village. Along the way, we enjoyed the beauty of the Kiahuna Plantation Resort.
Todd’s grandpa & grandma, Todd & Elisa – May 30, 2016
Kiahuna Plantation – May 30, 2016
As we walked along the beach where the Kiahuna Plantation and the Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort meet, we spotted a monk seal on the sand…
Monk seal – May 30, 2016
Monk seal – May 30, 2016
Monk seal – May 30, 2016
Before Todd’s nap (2.5 hours), we swam.
Todd & Elisa – May 30, 2016
Afterward, we shared onion rings at the Honu Bar. Here’s a picture of that Ultimate Dark & Stormy! Todd barely reacted when he dumped a full cup of ice water on himself moments later, haha!
The Ultimate Dark & Stormy at the Honu Bar – May 30, 2016
Mmm…lime! – May 30, 2016
DAY 5 – TUESDAY, MAY 31
This day we really hit the jackpot: four monk seals on the beach!
This morning, Todd had fun cruising around on the boogie board.
Todd & Elisa – May 31, 2016
The boys & the boards – May 31, 2016
While Todd napped (2.5 hours), Eric walked to the Poipu Shopping Village to get us each a (vegan) Puka Dog. Post-nap, I saw a turtle underwater while snorkeling. Eric did some boogie boarding. We took turns watching Todd.
During this trip, Todd generally went to bed between 9 and 9:30 PM. He slept well! And– he was generous with giving out kisses to his Grandpa and Grandma!
Before bed snuggles with my parents – May 31, 2016
DAY 6 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
On this day, Todd let Eric take him into the ocean for some real boogie boarding! Unfortunately, after a few successful runs up the beach, Todd got splashed in the face with a small wave, which meant–> pool time instead!
In the pool, I noticed that Todd was getting comfortable with having his nose and mouth go under the water. As a result, I worked with him for a while on this:
Every time he’d start to walk off steps toward sections of pool where he couldn’t touch the bottom, I let him briefly go underwater, then bring him back up. It was clear that he enjoyed the repeated practice, and he hardly ever choked. Yay!
Todd going underwater – June 1, 2016
Eric caught my parents kissing in the pool after Troy’s Aquafit class. Love birds!
My parents – June 1, 2016
After all that morning activity, Todd was clearly tuckered out, because he took a 3.75 hour nap. During that time, Eric and I split a (take-out) taro burger from the Honu Bar.
In the afternoon, I snorkeled. This trip I also particularly enjoyed just swimming in the ocean. Once Todd (finally) woke up, he enjoyed playing with the water faucets and hoses that you use to rinse sand off your feet. He also swam again, this time in the shallow pool.
Fun with a hose – June 1, 2016
Kauai sunset – June 1, 2016
DAY 7 – THURSDAY, JUNE 2
On this day we took a morning walk in the Kiahuna Plantation. Todd found a large puddle so his shoes quickly became wet! Before his nap, we did some more swimming.
Todd at the Kiahuna Plantation – June 2, 2016
While Todd slept for 3.25 hours, Eric walked once again to the Poipu Shopping Village to get us a take-out lunch. We split an order of Seasoned Tofu Chimichangas from Island Taco.
After Todd woke up, I Ergo’ed him over to the protected beach. Instead of going in the water, we followed Todd on his quest to get his own surfboard from Nukumoi Surf Co.
Todd at Nukumoi Surf Co – June 2, 2016
Then we watched the waves and saw turtles in the water at Brennecke’s Beach. Todd wanted to practice walking up and down a set of steps.
Brennecke’s Beach – June 2, 2016
Todd climbing the steps at Brennecke’s Beach – June 2, 2016
After dinner, we all headed over (by car this time) to the Poipu Shopping Village to get some dessert from Papalani Gelato. They have a whole case devoted to non-dairy gelato flavors.
DAY 8 – FRIDAY, JUNE 3
On our last full day of our trip, we soaked in the scenery as much as we could while swimming, snorkeling (me, twice), and walking around the Waiohai grounds.
During Todd’s 3 hour nap, I sipped sucked down a soy latte from Starbucks while picking up a few items from the Poipu Shopping Village. (Psst…I didn’t tell anyone that I had a Papalani Gelato while I was out, too!)
Since I was done with the rental snorkeling fins, Eric exchanged mine for the smallest pair they had. As expected, once Todd got ahold of them he was happy as could be. He immediately walked around in them just like he walks around our house in boots, skis and skates.
After dinner, we took one last trip to Papalani Gelato, and Todd had a blast playing on a set of steps with a bunch of other kids. Once we got back to the room, he entertained us before bed with his fins and and his small boogie board. Bedtime was late that night (10:30 PM).
OTHER NOTES
During our ~week long stay at the Waiohai, we met several other families with children around Todd’s age. Todd had a lot of fun playing with the other kids (and trying to steal their pool footballs). Here’s Todd with one such new friend. She’s just half a month older than him! And her older brother is the sweetest boy. The day before we left for home he said, “I’m really going to miss Todd.”
New friends
DAY 9 – SATURDAY, JUNE 4
All good things come to an end, as the saying goes. My parents drove us to the airport to catch our 1:00 PM Alaska airlines flight (#832) back to Seattle, WA.
My mom with Todd at the airport – June 4, 2016
Before going through TSA at Lihue – June 4, 2016
The process of getting all our stuff through the TSA and to the gate was a minor pain in the ass, but we managed thanks to a helpful fellow passenger, the Ergo carrier and Eric and I working together to move bags while keeping everything accounted for.
NOTE– that both to and from Kauai we opted to only check 1 bag, because they charge you $25 per bag. That meant that we had 3 large carry-on bags and 3 personal items for the 3 of us, plus Todd’s immense Diono car seat to haul through security, plus the fact that Todd himself was essentially an added piece of luggage throughout the process. Add to that— we were carrying 6 sippy cups of Todd’s “formula milk,” along with the ice packs to keep them cold. Infant beverages are allowed, but the TSA inspects the liquids…which further adds to the whole tedious process.
The reward for hauling way too much crap to the gate is that during pre-boarding they suddenly offer to check– for FREE– any bags that you don’t need during flight. Me: “YES, please check more bags!”
[For crying out loud, why can’t they just check them for free at the beginning?!]
Rant over. And so we made it onto the back of the plane (row 30). Todd was surprisingly content to stay in either his seat or in our 3-seat section for much of the flight. He did nap for 1.5 hours. He only got a little restless in the aisle toward the end of the ride. It wasn’t too bad. Our arrival was scheduled for 9:49 PM Seattle time, but we were still on Kauai time (6:49 PM).
Todd & Eric on the flight home – June 4, 2016
The Washington coastline at Ocean Shores was pretty so I snapped a picture for Todd’s other grandparents (since they have a home there.)
Washington State coastline at Ocean Shores from the plane – June 4, 2016
We got home late. We got to bed really late. The end!
