Ok, I hope I am not jinxing myself, but Xander has slept quite well the past couple of days, from8pm all the way to 6:30-7:00am. Please, stay this way!!!!! It is so wonderful.
I also received two very poignant fortune cookies from Pei Wei today at lunch. Both had the same message:
"You are refreshed. Things will get done."
I guess I have no more excuses about not getting things done around the house.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Silly pictures
Hmmm...somehow, Peanut ended up with a pare of Xander's shorts on his head. Maybe he wants to try out for "Fiddler on the Roof"?
Persistent
About a month ago, when Xander moved up to the toddler class, the teachers did a transition meeting with us. During that meeting, they asked some questions about Xander. At one point, they asked us to describe Xander's personality in 3 words. I remember that one of the words that I used was "persistent".
Today, I received this little note about Xander from one of his teachers, Ms. Izzy:
"I think Xander is the most determined toddler that I have every met. He is not deterred and will just to find another way to what wants."
Yes, that's my boy. I don't know if "determination" is what all toddlers go through, but it is certainly a trait he is exhibiting now. It is very challenging to distract him away from things he shouldn't get into. Even if we take him out of the room, he will go right back to the thing we take him away from.
Another story from one of Xander's teacher's today comes from Ms. Becky. She told me that during nap-time, she was watching to make sure all the kids went to sleep. Xander's eyes were just nearly closed and everyone else was snoozing. So, she turned around to work on somethings. The next she hears is Xander in the bathroom playing with the water in the sink. He's smart enough to know not to get up until Ms. Becky's not looking. Sneaky, sneaky.
As a side note, I have to admit to how I answered the same personality question when Xander first started day care at 3 months. It's SO bad, but one of the words I used was "boring." It was kind of a joke, but back then Xander didn't DO much of anything. I think was tired of being a maternity leave, you think? I know, it's a terrible thing for a mother to say. Anyhow, he's not boring now!
Today, I received this little note about Xander from one of his teachers, Ms. Izzy:
"I think Xander is the most determined toddler that I have every met. He is not deterred and will just to find another way to what wants."
Yes, that's my boy. I don't know if "determination" is what all toddlers go through, but it is certainly a trait he is exhibiting now. It is very challenging to distract him away from things he shouldn't get into. Even if we take him out of the room, he will go right back to the thing we take him away from.
Another story from one of Xander's teacher's today comes from Ms. Becky. She told me that during nap-time, she was watching to make sure all the kids went to sleep. Xander's eyes were just nearly closed and everyone else was snoozing. So, she turned around to work on somethings. The next she hears is Xander in the bathroom playing with the water in the sink. He's smart enough to know not to get up until Ms. Becky's not looking. Sneaky, sneaky.
As a side note, I have to admit to how I answered the same personality question when Xander first started day care at 3 months. It's SO bad, but one of the words I used was "boring." It was kind of a joke, but back then Xander didn't DO much of anything. I think was tired of being a maternity leave, you think? I know, it's a terrible thing for a mother to say. Anyhow, he's not boring now!
Buttons on the Bissell
I remember when my nephew Trevor was little that he was really in to vacuum cleaners. He loved to push around toy vacuums. It seems Xander also seems to be interested in the vacuum. He got really excited when I was using it yesterday (a rare occasion) and then when he found it in the closet today.
Too bad that an interest in vacuums does not necessarily translate into an interesting in cleaning.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Enjoying the yard
Yesterday, Xander and I went out exploring the yard. Since Xander has been walking, it has either been too hot, too wet, or too messy for us to spend much time out there.
First, we checked out the bushes in the front yard. He pulled off a leaf and then tried put the leaf back on to the push. Here's a mathematical lesson here...not everything has an inverse. Although, I think in astrophysics, the debate is still open. Then, we trouped around to the back. On our way, we found some mushrooms, which were kind of boring. We went through the gate, which was kind of cool to swing.
In the back, we touched the big rough trees and found a whole bunch of acorns. I was worried Xander would try to put an acorn in his mouth so I told him "acorns are for throwing". He spent some time saying "dough" as he picked them up and threw them. I think this is the first verb that he can say. He's also "doughs" balls at home and school.
We also found some big rocks in the backyard. Xander is working on that "k" sound and tends to crack up when he hears it or tries to use it. I wasn't sure what to tell him to do with rocks. They definitely aren't for throwing or eating. Fortunately, he didn't try to do either.
At the end of our tour, when went inside and had some water. This is one of the habits that he learned from school. When everyone comes inside, they all wash up and have a drink of water. What a good habit! Xander is so good about it that he asks us for the water, no offering required.
First, we checked out the bushes in the front yard. He pulled off a leaf and then tried put the leaf back on to the push. Here's a mathematical lesson here...not everything has an inverse. Although, I think in astrophysics, the debate is still open. Then, we trouped around to the back. On our way, we found some mushrooms, which were kind of boring. We went through the gate, which was kind of cool to swing.
In the back, we touched the big rough trees and found a whole bunch of acorns. I was worried Xander would try to put an acorn in his mouth so I told him "acorns are for throwing". He spent some time saying "dough" as he picked them up and threw them. I think this is the first verb that he can say. He's also "doughs" balls at home and school.
We also found some big rocks in the backyard. Xander is working on that "k" sound and tends to crack up when he hears it or tries to use it. I wasn't sure what to tell him to do with rocks. They definitely aren't for throwing or eating. Fortunately, he didn't try to do either.
At the end of our tour, when went inside and had some water. This is one of the habits that he learned from school. When everyone comes inside, they all wash up and have a drink of water. What a good habit! Xander is so good about it that he asks us for the water, no offering required.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Should you intentionally let your child beat you in a video game?
Dolphin was playing "World of Warcraft" today on his day off. This was Xander's first time seeing the game. He kept pointing at Dolphin's character and saying "dog, dog, dog." Dolphin's character has a lionish (with bull horns?) form. OK, dog or lion, close enough for a 1 year old. Anyhow, he thought the whole big screen was pretty cool looking.
Dolphin and I have different opinions about playing games with kids though. Should you ever intentionally let your child beat you? I say "yes", and Dolphin says "no". What do you think?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Game of chase?
Our little boy likes to run! Usually, when I have a diaper, clothes, or tissue in my hand; he is quick to take off. This is good exercise! There's no need for a gym membership here.
So, what do you think? Is he training for the Olympics or an episode of "Cops"?
Fresh Cranberries?
Fresh cranberries? Really? I saw on Xander's school menu for lunch today, they planned to serve fresh cranberries. I was thinking this should be entertaining, but really? Oooo, so sour! I checked when I picked him up. They served grapes instead and crossed out grapes. I bet cranberries would have been funny to watch though.
Monday, September 21, 2009
New sleeping arrangements
This weekend we finally moved Xander's crib to his own room. Yes, it's been a long journey. We had no problems moving it from one room to the other. He still wakes up at night, but he was doing that in our room. The frequency hasn't increased and he goes to bed rather easily in his room.
Someday, he is going to sleep from 8pm-6:30am, but we're not quite there. He still wakes up a night. Although, I did get a taste of what a full sleep of night could be. Dolphin was on Xander duty one night this weekend. I slept from 10:30 to 7:30 straight. It was awesome. I could have even slept longer except Peanut was nudging me with his cold nose to wake up.
Someday, he is going to sleep from 8pm-6:30am, but we're not quite there. He still wakes up a night. Although, I did get a taste of what a full sleep of night could be. Dolphin was on Xander duty one night this weekend. I slept from 10:30 to 7:30 straight. It was awesome. I could have even slept longer except Peanut was nudging me with his cold nose to wake up.
Toddlers make us sleepy
Poor Copper...warn out from Xander. Our little boy is fully of energy these days. He's running and climbing. If only we could reset time, and have puppy-Copper around. That might be a fair match.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Goodbye summer
So, summer is ending, but that only means great outdoor weather for Austin. So, today, we enjoyed a bit of the outdoors. In the morning, Xander and I went swimming. The pool was deserted early in the morning. We were able to enjoy the pool our to ourselves.
Later in the afternoon, we played with sidewalk chalk. That was REALLY messy. We had to change clothes after that.
Xander also road his dump truck around outside. He is getting better at figuring out how to propel himself around with his feet.
We also went shopping for some pants for Xander. We don't want Xander to freeze when it does get cooler. I got a couple of one-size up jeans. We'll have to roll them up for a while, I think.
Later in the afternoon, we played with sidewalk chalk. That was REALLY messy. We had to change clothes after that.
Xander also road his dump truck around outside. He is getting better at figuring out how to propel himself around with his feet.
We also went shopping for some pants for Xander. We don't want Xander to freeze when it does get cooler. I got a couple of one-size up jeans. We'll have to roll them up for a while, I think.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Quoth the little boy
Xander is a much better communicator these days, which is some parts of parenthood easier. He's got a couple more words since I last posted about his language.
He now says "bye bye" sometimes when we wave good bye. He even waves "bye bye" to mama without crying most of the time when daddy takes him to school. Of course, it is tears galore while daddy is dropping him off.
He points at doors as says "doh". He really loves to play with doors these days, too, and seems fascinated with how door knobs work. He can reach the knobs, but not get his hand around them. It's so crazy he is that big.
He uses "ball" for both balls and balloons. He's getting much better at throwing balls. They have been working on throwing and catching at school. I think the dogs are going to love it when he can through balls more than a foot or two.
Xander helps us direct Copper. During dinner, we make her leave the kitchen because Xander likes to feed her people food. So, Xander yells "out, out, out, out". Not that Copper would actually listen to Xander, but he likes yelling it loud.
Xander is also a much better imitator, which is obvious from his attempts at animal sounds. He tries very hard to make "woof woof", "quack quack", and "moo" sounds. They are pretty cute attempts. He imitates much more of what we say now, including somethings that he should not say. I guess it is time to be careful.
In addition to words he can say, Xander demonstrates that he understand so much of what we say now. This comes in handy because we can give him instructions and he can help out. "Put that bowl away" actually works on occasion--you know as long as it is something he is interesting in doing. Every once in a while, he actually listens to "no", but that is rare. The things that are no-nos are just so darn irresistible.
He now says "bye bye" sometimes when we wave good bye. He even waves "bye bye" to mama without crying most of the time when daddy takes him to school. Of course, it is tears galore while daddy is dropping him off.
He points at doors as says "doh". He really loves to play with doors these days, too, and seems fascinated with how door knobs work. He can reach the knobs, but not get his hand around them. It's so crazy he is that big.
He uses "ball" for both balls and balloons. He's getting much better at throwing balls. They have been working on throwing and catching at school. I think the dogs are going to love it when he can through balls more than a foot or two.
Xander helps us direct Copper. During dinner, we make her leave the kitchen because Xander likes to feed her people food. So, Xander yells "out, out, out, out". Not that Copper would actually listen to Xander, but he likes yelling it loud.
Xander is also a much better imitator, which is obvious from his attempts at animal sounds. He tries very hard to make "woof woof", "quack quack", and "moo" sounds. They are pretty cute attempts. He imitates much more of what we say now, including somethings that he should not say. I guess it is time to be careful.
In addition to words he can say, Xander demonstrates that he understand so much of what we say now. This comes in handy because we can give him instructions and he can help out. "Put that bowl away" actually works on occasion--you know as long as it is something he is interesting in doing. Every once in a while, he actually listens to "no", but that is rare. The things that are no-nos are just so darn irresistible.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Say the alphabet backwards
I've been practicing pointing out parts of the body and naming them for Xander. He definitely knows "ears" and "belly button", or at least he points to the right part of the body if you say the words. When I say "nose", he points at my nose. I keep trying to get him to point at his own nose, but no joy. How's he ever going to be able to take the field sobriety test if he can't do this...I kid.
Bubble boy
Great grandma and Great Grandpa Therrien sent Xander some awesome bubbles. The want makes a whole bunch of different sizes of bubbles. So, Xander was just obsessed with me blowing bubbles this evening. He kept saying "bu-bu" or pointing and making nose at the bubble bottle. I would put it up really high somewhere when he looked away, but he kept finding it. He would make me get the bottle, and I would give it to him. Then, he would give it to me to blow bubbles.
He didn't even stick around to play with the bubbles though. He would run off as soon as I started and then run back as soon as I stopped. What the heck! Maybe he just wanted to observe them without getting trampled by copper. She feels the need to jump at eat as many bubbles as possible.
He didn't even stick around to play with the bubbles though. He would run off as soon as I started and then run back as soon as I stopped. What the heck! Maybe he just wanted to observe them without getting trampled by copper. She feels the need to jump at eat as many bubbles as possible.
Bouncing gym
Dolphin's boss had a birthday party for his daughter at this place with all sorts of bouncy blow up toys. We took Xander and had a pretty good time. When we got there, the attendant asked if we wanted to try it first before paying. That was nice, but I know my boy. There was no need to try. I knew he would love it.
He started out by playing in the 18th month or younger area, which was just a bunch of toys and a small slide. That was fun. Then, we got him to climb up into the 3 and under bounce house. I went in with him to keep an eye on him. I am not sure if that is really allowed, but oh well. Here are a couple of videos from the 3 and under bounce house.
Xander also wanted to play with the big kids. He tried to a hug a little boy, who didn't want to be hugged. He got a long much better with a little girl who didn't mind his no-concept-of-personal space form of play. Already, Xander is a lady's man!
He also tried to get in the big kids bounce house. What is scary is that the attendant was going to help him get it if I weren't there to prevent her. Putting a 13 month old in with a bunch of bouncing 5 year olds is a recipe for someone getting hurt. I suspect that's why they have the different age areas.
He started out by playing in the 18th month or younger area, which was just a bunch of toys and a small slide. That was fun. Then, we got him to climb up into the 3 and under bounce house. I went in with him to keep an eye on him. I am not sure if that is really allowed, but oh well. Here are a couple of videos from the 3 and under bounce house.
Xander also wanted to play with the big kids. He tried to a hug a little boy, who didn't want to be hugged. He got a long much better with a little girl who didn't mind his no-concept-of-personal space form of play. Already, Xander is a lady's man!
He also tried to get in the big kids bounce house. What is scary is that the attendant was going to help him get it if I weren't there to prevent her. Putting a 13 month old in with a bunch of bouncing 5 year olds is a recipe for someone getting hurt. I suspect that's why they have the different age areas.
Getting ready for Halloween
We picked out Xander's Halloween costume today. He looks so cute in it! I won't ruin the surprise by posting any videos quite yet.
As we expected, he did not much care for the part that went on his head. He just doesn't do hats no matter how hard we try. It will be a battle on Halloween for sure.
There were SO many cute costumes that we saw while shopping online and in stores. Some of the costumes at Target really scared me though. They were for older kids I guess, but I still don't think 8 year old girls should be trying to dress "sexy". Some of the costumes were too suggestive for my tastes. Uh-oh, now I really am officially ranting like only a parent can.
I'm not sure if we will go trick-or-treating. We have a great neighborhood for doing it as there are tons of kids. There might be a party at his school, I expect, so we might do that.
As we expected, he did not much care for the part that went on his head. He just doesn't do hats no matter how hard we try. It will be a battle on Halloween for sure.
There were SO many cute costumes that we saw while shopping online and in stores. Some of the costumes at Target really scared me though. They were for older kids I guess, but I still don't think 8 year old girls should be trying to dress "sexy". Some of the costumes were too suggestive for my tastes. Uh-oh, now I really am officially ranting like only a parent can.
I'm not sure if we will go trick-or-treating. We have a great neighborhood for doing it as there are tons of kids. There might be a party at his school, I expect, so we might do that.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Antithesis of daddy's name
Unlike Daddy, Xander's name is far from unique. According to the Social Security Administration, Alexander is the 6th most popular name in 2008. Xander is also on the list at 267th most popular.
I guess there are a lot of Buffy fans out there having babies these days. Some other Buffy names in the top 1000 are Angel (36), Willow (408), Riley (106), William (8), Liam (75), and Tara (632). Not in the top 1000 are Anyanka, Drusilla, Spike, Buffy, and Cordelia. Though, I kind of like Cordy (Cordelia) for a girl.
Some other names that I noticed from the top 25 list and from Xander's playmates at school: Ava, Jayden, Aiden, Alexis, and Madison. Auggie, or Augustus, one of Xander's pals at school, was a surprising 795th.
I guess there are a lot of Buffy fans out there having babies these days. Some other Buffy names in the top 1000 are Angel (36), Willow (408), Riley (106), William (8), Liam (75), and Tara (632). Not in the top 1000 are Anyanka, Drusilla, Spike, Buffy, and Cordelia. Though, I kind of like Cordy (Cordelia) for a girl.
Some other names that I noticed from the top 25 list and from Xander's playmates at school: Ava, Jayden, Aiden, Alexis, and Madison. Auggie, or Augustus, one of Xander's pals at school, was a surprising 795th.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Jungle Xander
Our little boy is getting to be a good climber even though we don't have stairs in our house. One problem though is now he is starting to take more risks...scary for mama!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Free entertainment
Dolphin came up with a great free, air-conditioned entertainment idea this afternoon, the pet store! We looked at the fish, cats, birds, rodents, and crabs. We also saw the dogs in doggy day care. What fun! It was like the zoo with out the heat of summer.
Sticker Art
Xander put all of these stickers on the sticker page. I showed him how to put them on and then he was so excited to be able to do it himself. I don't really like the art styles of this particular artist. It's kind of hard to figure out what some of the objects are supposed to be. Maybe I just lack a good sense of wonder and imagination.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Xander Manners
Today, we had our neighbor's over for a nice visit. They have a sweet little girl named Angela, who is just a few weeks older than Xander. It is interesting to watch Xander interact with other kids. Xander and Angela are definitely two different personalities. Angela seemed very loving as she gave kisses and hugs to Elmo and instantly picked out a big stuffed bear. Xander on the other hand only shows an interest in stuffed animals if the dogs are wrestling with one. Angela is also more cautious and careful when it comes to getting around. Whereas Xander is impulsively trying to go every direction at once and will worry about the pain of falling after it happens (he probably gets that from snowboarding/motorcycle riding daddy and not me).
In as much as they are different, they still have a lot in common, too. They both seemed to like Elmo's mouth when he talks. I have to admit the talking Elmo is kind of interesting. Who can resist listening to his high pitched voice talking in the 3rd person? "Uh-oh, Elmo fell down. Can you help Elmo up, please?" They also both liked exploring all of the toys. Xander's manners leave much to be desired though. Every time Angela tried to play with a toy, Xander had to play with that exact toy and would sometimes take the toy away. (A little bit like uncle Max!!). I wonder when he'll be old enough to understand the concept of "sharing."
In as much as they are different, they still have a lot in common, too. They both seemed to like Elmo's mouth when he talks. I have to admit the talking Elmo is kind of interesting. Who can resist listening to his high pitched voice talking in the 3rd person? "Uh-oh, Elmo fell down. Can you help Elmo up, please?" They also both liked exploring all of the toys. Xander's manners leave much to be desired though. Every time Angela tried to play with a toy, Xander had to play with that exact toy and would sometimes take the toy away. (A little bit like uncle Max!!). I wonder when he'll be old enough to understand the concept of "sharing."
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Champion Park
Today, we spent some of the afternoon at Champion Park, just down the road from our house. The park has a huge sand pit area full of faux, buried dinosaur bones and sandbox toys. Unfortunately, it was really hot and the shade covering was missing. It was pretty fun though and we all got our hands dirty.
After all of the sand play, we headed over to a water playscape that is shaped like a whale skeleton. We enjoyed cooling off and rinsing away the sand in the water. There was a little girl there who really wanted to play with Xander, but he was a bit afraid of her. He had no fear of the water though and really did not want to leave.
We did get home just in time though. This evening, we FINALLY got some rain.
After all of the sand play, we headed over to a water playscape that is shaped like a whale skeleton. We enjoyed cooling off and rinsing away the sand in the water. There was a little girl there who really wanted to play with Xander, but he was a bit afraid of her. He had no fear of the water though and really did not want to leave.
We did get home just in time though. This evening, we FINALLY got some rain.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Sideways video: Trying out my new b-day present
Sorry for the sideways video. This was my first attempt using my new birthday present. Dolphin got me a really cool, compact video camera. So, you can expect some more videos.
Xander really gets a kick out of feeding Copper. We have started to have to kick her out of the kitchen during mealtimes, or he would feed Copper all of his own food.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Organized
I had some time off this week. I used it to catch up on things that I normally cannot accomplish with Xander running all around. Today, I assembled this shelving unit and organized his toys in the living room. I somewhat impressed with myself. Usually, Dolphin does the assembly on this kind of stuff.
Xander definitely noticed a difference when I brought him home. He immediately went over to check out the new toy location just in case there were some new toys in there. I've got to train him to put things back. I have no excuse though. His classroom at school is need and tidy every day. That is Xander x 10 worth of mess potential.
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