Henry: Celebrating 2 weeks (a week late)

Henry had his 2 week check-up last Monday. Doc says he is healthy! Henry weighed in at 7 lb 11 oz (up from the 6 lb 8 oz he was when we left the hospital – and 11 ounces over his birth weight) and is now 20 ¼”.

Henry continues to be a great napper during the day and has 3-4 hour stretches at night . . and sleeps best in the bouncy seat for now. When he is awake he can have quite the facial expressions. He seems to have strong neck muscles, sure some of it is the rooting reflex but he seems to be able to hold his neck up longer than we’d expect at this age.

Ralph was our "first day of spring" baby - a time of new beginnings. Henry is our Christmas blessing.

Ralph: Celebrating 21 months (a week late)

The biggest change Ralph has had in the past month is adjusting to life with a sibling. While Ralph is doing pretty well with the newest addition (tries to help with burping, looks for Henry in the morning when he comes downstairs, makes sure he has a hat on, tries to give him hugs, etc), from time to time he does want a little more attention (pulls someone along by the finger to a toy or other area of the house). He has regressed a little in the area of potty training (not that we were trying yet but he’d usually let us know when he was dirty and he has stopped doing that). Along with the changes a sibling can bring, Ralph has gotten used to just one parent putting him to bed and daddy taking/picking him up from daycare so Henry and I don’t have to venture out in this weather!

Ralph participated in his first Christmas program at daycare the week before Christmas. I consider it a success - he stayed on the stage and did not cry. His class did not sing songs but “performed” actions to the words for three songs. During at least one of the songs his group sat on the risers so it was hard to see him but I did catch him clapping and shaking the bells, . . and pointing out his shoes.

He has not had any new teeth break though.

He has started to use three-word phrases at time. He has heard us say “one more time” a few too many times and will ask for “one more” and hold up a finger when he wants to do something one or two or three more times. He has started saying “love you” more often.

Ralph continues to be a 'helper'. After watching me wash a section of a wall the other day with a Mr. Eraser, Ralph 'cleaned' the same section with a wet rag for a good 10-15 minutes. He then proceeded to 'clean' sections of the kitchen floor and living room carpet.

In the photo, Ralph was visiting Grandma & Grandpa's house. They had brought some snow inside and Ralph was playing with it.

Announcing Henry John

Last Saturday was pretty uneventful, I performed my yearly volunteer duty of helping with the parade Saturday morning, Mike & I went to church while Ralph was at Grandma & Grandpa's then we enjoyed a little supper at Lone Star, picked up Ralph, watched a little of the game and went to bed . . . . then around 12:30-1 am I woke up with some back pain. No where on the sheet from the doctor's office did it indicate what to do with back pain, no contractions, water hadn't broke, and there wasn't any bleeding . . . .

Long story short, labor came on quick - called the hospital just before 2 am Sunday morning but still didn't know I was in labor (contractions still hadn't started just the low back pain), finally around 2:20-2:30 I thought I was having contractions, grandma & grandpa came over about 3 to watch Ralph, we checked in at 3:24 - and Henry John was born less than an hour later - no time for drugs even if I wanted them! Crazy!!

7 lbs, 19 inches.

Everyone is doing well.

A Visit to the Float Factory

Last week Updowntowners hosted an open house at the Float Factory. We had to go to visit their new facility and visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and all of the other folks I have not seen for awhile. Ralph wasn't too sure about Santa but did take interest in his boots, glasses, and gloves. He had fun exploring the push units and other floats and "colored" a letter to Santa.

First Fat Lip . . .

Tonight marked Ralph's first fat lip. The evening was going well, Ralph went off to find a snack. He discovered some graham crackers in the lazy susan he wanted to eat and brought the bag over to me. As he reached me, he also got caught up in a blanket and slightly tripped sending his lip into his teeth which met my knee. He voiced his discomfort for a few minutes then wanted the graham cracker.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ralph and baby want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. The turkey did not turn out as well as the pumpkin for Halloween but you get the idea.

Holiday Tradition Continued

We worked on our yearly holiday candy house last Monday night, a little early this year in case baby decides to come a little early. Ralph enjoyed helping to frost the house . . . .the candy proved too tempting and the project had to be put on hold to finish at a later time. Also learned fresh frosting doesn't work well and the candy just slid down the house. (Mental note for next year: allow time for frosting to set.)

Celebrating 20 months!

Ralph is trying to become more independent. He tries to pull up his pants but does not get there's a backside that also needs pulled up. He tried to put on his socks but isn't quite successful since he tries one-handed.

All four of Ralph's first-year molars are breaking through - two are new developments; two have been coming for a while now. The break through will almost double his teeth count.

Ralph has a little crush on one of the girls in his class at daycare. One day when we were getting ready to go and he said 'bye bye' to the class he walked over to give the girl a hug, he kind of took her by surprise and they both toppled over. Usually when I mention going to school he says her name and gets a little grin on his face.

Ralph has just started to sparingly use two-word phrases.

Ralph is getting familiar with his own potty chair. He mainly just enjoys sitting on it fully clothed but usually does need his diaper changed when he is done. He is all about privacy and will say 'bye bye' then shut the door to the bathroom while he does his thing.

In preparation of baby coming, Ralph's car seat was moved from rear facing to forward facing yesterday when we moved his seat to make room for the infant seat.

Happy Halloween

Baby and Puppy Ralph wish you a Happy Halloween!

Ralph has been practicing his "trick or treating" skills by attending a "trunk or treat" earlier this week. His daycare also had a fall festival yesterday. Tonight, it's a trip to Grandma & Grandpa's and a maybe a few stops around the neighborhood.

Celebrating 19 months!

Ralph does not always smile on command anymore.

A few updates from the past month -
- likes to 'give' the puppy in one of his books a drink from his sippy cup
- is excited to run across Abby Caddabby in books (I broke down over the weekend and got him an Abby doll - much easier to hug than a book at night)
- brings daddy his boots while saying "heavy"
- likes to point out 'ucks' on his truck pj's
- likes to point out balls (on Pepsi can, shirts, etc)
- has almost quit being a hippo (he used to open his mouth wide like a hippo when asked but hasn't done it much lately)
- now imitates a monkey
- wave has gone from being an inward wave to an outer wave - and sometimes to an open palm, whole hand wave
- now sleeps with 6 stuffed animals and 2 blankets of varying sizes. On various nights has also tried to sleep with a hat on, sunglasses on, and holding onto a 9" ball.
- wishes he had his own credit card to run through the machines at the store
- likes to 'mow' with either a talking vacuum cleaner, Mike the mower, or a real dust buster or vacuum (both of which are 'heavy')
- likes to 'color' - includes crayons and pens
- still says 'no' quite a bit
- does not care to get teeth brushed

Just last Friday he moved up to the next room at daycare (Toddler 1). The move, so far, went better than his move into the Infant II room. He still isn't quite willing to veer to the left in the mornings to the new room but I know he is fine within a few minutes.

What will baby be??

Is there a volleyball player or football player in our future??
We'll find out in a little over eight weeks!

It's been a busy week . .

. . and its only Wednesday.

Monday brought the 18-month well child check up. Everything was fine in the waiting room until Ralph heard his name called. One would think getting measured and weighed was the worst thing in the world. Everything checked out well. Found out that one more ear infection this season will earn us a trip to the ENT. We got the typical question about whether Ralph eats as he should since his weight is in the 10-25% . . .as he is eating a container of cheerios.
Height: 32 3/4" (50-75%) Weight: 23 lbs 4 oz

Tonight brought Ralph's first haircut. His hair wasn't terribly out of control yet but some areas were getting a little long and I wanted to get him cleaned up for his upcoming pictures. I didn't trust us to cut it evenly so we visited a salon. The stylist knew some of the tricks of the trade. Ralph wasn't brave enough to sit my himself and had to sit on my lap but he was cooperative after that. The stylist put a spiked in his hair towards the end just before she blew out the loose pieces. He thought the spike was funny.

Celebrating 18 months!

Ralph and Daddy have started a new habit of playing outside after supper until its time to get ready for bed. They have ventured to the mailboxes where Ralph was fascinated with one of the keys left in the bigger boxes, they have seen puppies, and they have played on the playground behind our house. Ralph has mastered two of the slides on the playground. I don’t think he’ll like be ‘trapped’ inside during the cold months.

Until this morning we thought the tooth count remained at six but we discovered two more top teeth have broke through. More should be on their way soon.

Some nights are easier to go to bed than others but luckily he is content to play by himself for awhile in the mornings. He still seems to wake up about 1.5-2 hours after going to bed more times than not and usually needs some attention before going to back to bed (maybe it has something to do with the recent breakthough).

Ralph recently gave up his lion and tiger imitation, we thought for good. Its was kind of sad – we kept trying to encourage him but he just shook his head no. Ironically tonight, we were reading a book and came across a tiger. He reached his arm out and growled.

Ralph is able to say more than 50 words and will try to repeat most words. Unfortunately, many of them sound similar to each other. He is able to identify most of the popular Sesame Street characters which is funny because I don’t think he’s ever seen Sesame Street but know he 'reads' plenty of books with the characters and some are on his diapers.

We've been cautious with feeding him, probably cutting up foods more than we should to try to prevent any choking. Unfortunately it doesn't matter how much we cut up some foods - he'll just stuff more pieces in his mouth. It's surprising how much he can put in his mouth at one time. I did give him a whole (uncut) jr cheeseburger today and he nearly ate the whole thing by himself - until he stuffed the last bit in his mouth at once (probably the equivalent of 3 bites), decided it was too much and spit it back out. Last week he enjoyed some of a whole pear himself.

Big Kid Swing

Ralph and Michael ventured out to the play area behind our townhouse on Sunday. After a trip down one of the slides they tested out a big kid swing (unfortunately they don't have any infant swings). This is a short video but Ralph did a great job of holding on and even kicked his legs a few times in an effort to make it go.

A boy and his best buddy

Ralph received Eeyore for a baby gift (Thanks, Davi Ann). He has taken a strong liking to him in the past couple of months as we finally allowed him to have things in the crib. Sometimes Ralph calls him "e"; sometimes "eeyoreeyoreeeyore". This morning Ralph and Eeyore had quite the conversation before breakfast. It was kind of entertaining.

He can also pick out which Winnie the Pooh books contain Eeyore.

Go Huskers!

Knowing Ralph won't make it inside Memorial Stadium for a few years, we decided to hit a few pre-game activities today. After a stop at a cousin's tailgate party, we visited Husker Nation then stopped for a few photos outside the Stadium.

Visting Abe

Last February Ralph visited (and sat by) a miniature bronze of Abe Lincoln, today we had a chance to see the life-size bronze in downtown Lincoln.

Rockin' Ralpher

Ralph got a "new" toy from craigslist last weekend. He was starting to get bored with his other toys. He was really rockin' on the Little Tykes rocking horse at daycare one day so I thought he'd like this one. He hasn't tried it out to much yet but will rock on it.

Sunday marked day two of a cold/fever and the start of a long week (notice the water eyes and runny nose). By the afternoon he had also developed pink eye and continued to have a fever off and on. Thinking it was clear he went to daycare Wednesday morning, only to be sent home in the afternoon. We made another trip to the doctor's office Thursday morning to be diagnosed with a double ear infection. He seems to be over the worst of it now but did get a little spoiled this week.

Hopefully all will be well by Tuesday morning for daycare!

Celebrating 17 months!

It's a bird, It's a plane . . . It's Super Ralph!

Ralph's fascination with shutting doors has returned - maybe its because he is more mobile. He can touch the knob but can't quite turn it. If we think he is going to shut himself in a room we just make sure the light is on so the room isn't dark when the door is shut. (luckily, he doesn't know the doors lock yet)

Going to bed has gotten easier. He had started to play a game of "uh-oh" a few nights in row where he'd send his blanket over the far edge of the crib and say "uh-oh" repeatedly. It seemed to be a game he only played with Mommy. For some reason though, he has started to wake up earlier than normal this week.

Tooth count remains at six: two on bottom/four on top. We are anxiously awaiting more teeth so he can start chewing food better. He has recovered from being switched to sippy cups and his milk consumption has increased.

Ralph has picked up quite a few words in the past month (some of the words include water, color, bib, swimming, Mater, Doc, cracker, cup, turtle, and many more). He can also name some of his classmates but most words are in the language of "Ralph." He is also starting talk gibberish as he explores multi-syllable sounds.

He is quite the helper. He likes to bring everyone shoes. He has enough sense to know which shoes belong to which person but they aren't always appropriate shoes. He continues to be the "trashman." If he sees trash in the hallway at daycare he'll pick it up and put it in the trash behind the front desk. He also likes to help put lotion on himself and others.

Ralph continues to be a lion, something he picked up in his first room at daycare. When asked if he is a lion, Ralph will roar and put his hand out like a lion's paw.

He has learned to count to one by holding up one finger when asked . .he knows the other fingers do something but hasn't quite mastered any others.

He has also started to use the sign for "thank you" once in awhile, when prodded.

An early Christmas delivery

Wichs World will be growing by another two feet. Anticipated due date is December 14, 2009. Everything looked good on the ultrasound . . . and baby's gender will remain a surprise until she/he is welcomed into the world.

Ralph is aware there is a baby in mommy's belly and will give kisses to the baby . . but according to Ralph, most everyone has a baby in their belly right now.

"Baby Bootcamp" Graduate

Ralph has finally decided to become a walker. We instituted "baby bootcamp" a few weeks ago. He will now initiate walking, stand-up unaided, and is more sure of his balance and steps. He still likes to walk holding onto one hand - sometimes to lead us somewhere; sometimes to be led somewhere. Most falls are accompanied by a "whoa." Wish we would have gotten more videos of the earlier steps but his legs seemed to turn to jelly everytime we brought out the video camera.

Ralph can not do things the simple way - instead of just pushing the mower or the popper; he had to push both - unfortunately they didn't always go the same direction.

Celebrating 16 months

Sometime in the last month we have weaned Ralph from all bottles. He was getting one in the morning and at night but we decided it was time. We were slow to wean him since he is on the lower end of the weight scale and needs all the calories he can get. Sure enough his milk consumption has gone down but we are hoping he picks a little back up as he adjusts to life without bottles.

New words this month include "grandma" (ma-ma), "hot", "buckle" (buc), "snack" (nac), "grapes" (mapes), and "puppy". Puppy is the most voiced word - he sees one on our cereal box, on signs at the grocery store, in the neighborhood, and at grandma and grandpa's. No, he won't be getting a puppy any time soon.

Ralph can identify parts of his face . . .if only we could get him to stop poking himself in his eye.

He walks a little more independently but does not initiate walking on his own much at home - rumor has it he is doing more at daycare. (He is practicing his moves in the photo.)

Ralph has discovered ketchup. It seems to make everything taste better right now.

He likes to imitate - especially blowing on hot food and yawning.

Ralph is starting to give "bumps" in addition to "high fives".

Just a picture

Ralph received both of these items as baby gifts. The shirt is hard to read but its from McNeilus Truck and the truck is from Nebraska Truck, both companies Mike works with. Ralph has fun turning the drum and moving the truck.

The 4th of July

We ventured to Waverly for their parade. Ralph had a good time - waving his flag, clapping to the music, and collecting trash (candy). We were a little surprised at the amount of candy thrown at him since he is still young. About half-way through the parade Ralph started to help us pick up his candy but called it "trash" and put it in his bag. Mike & I are enjoying Ralph's "trash".

Just being a Ralph

~ Ralph is all about the accessories. The more apparel he can put on, the more cool he is. Can you tell he put these on himself? We still have not figured out the appropriate times to wear hats and sunglasses - sunny, cloudy, rainy, inside, outside, no matter, it's all good.

~ The last couple of weeks Ralph has been helping me push the trash can out to the curb and back. For some reason this is a fun activity. He likes to point out others trash cans - and we had to walk over to the neighbors trash can one day when she hadn't put her away yet. Luckily, she got home before we had to move it for her. He likes to say "trash" (or "ash") and likes to put things in the trash can . . .so far it's just been trash.

~ Last week Ralph dumped out his small bowl of Cheerios we use to try to 'entertain' him before supper. He then crawled over to the lazy susan and pulled out the yellow box of Cheerios - as if he knew exactly what he wanted. Smart boy!

Let's Go Truckin'!

Ralph got his first taste of a semi truck today. He was a little cautious at first but it didn't take him long to find the horn, play with the gear shift, and make a "vroom vroom" noise as if he were truckin'.

Watch out world!

Celebrating 15 months!

Not quite an independent walker, he is maintaining his balance more and will walk 3-5 steps before falling into someone's arms. Once in a while we can get him to walk holding onto one hand but most of the time he prefers two. He likes crawling up the stairs and knows to go down feet first

No new teeth have appeared though rumor has it the back molars are fighting their way through. We went to the doctor last week to double-check his ears since he had not been himself for a few days. Ears looked fine, and, of course, it's teething.

New words include "keys", "grandpa" (sounds more like "papa"), and, "mom" - finally. He did repeat "highchair" once . He has his own set of keys (don't ask us what they go to) and he knows what keys are used for and likes to 'unlock' doors by putting the key next to the lock. Surprisingly he knows where car key should go to unlock the door even though we use the keyless entry remote.

A few weeks ago Ralph learned the sign for "more" and it seems to have stuck. He has altered it slightly but we all know what he means - we just aren't always sure what he wants more of. The first time he used the sign he also signed "please" right after even though I had not taught him. Found out last week he was shown that sign in his first room at daycare and apparently it stuck too. We are working on "all done" now - it would be a lot less messier than smearing food on his tray or throwing it on the floor.

It's not all fun and games!

Ralph spent some time with Grandma & Grandpa today. Ralph likes to visit their house and can hardly stay inside right now. They've got the fun outdoor "toys." - a swing set and a water table yet to be tried, until today. Little did I know they were going to put him to work too!

Celebrating 14 months!

I never did think we would not have a walker by 14 months but here we are. I've had a few people tell me their child didn't walk until 15 months so I guess time will tell . . . . Ralph still manages to get into "trouble" - pulling things off the fridge, unrolling toilet paper, pulling things off the end tables, and touching the tv and DVD/VCR player.

Ralph continues to have a strong attachment to his hat. Sometimes he puts it on the correctly, sometimes backwards, and sometimes off to the side - it really doesn't matter how it looks as long as it is on. Last Saturday he tried to go to bed with it on; he kept trying to readjust the bill to get it in a comfortable spot but it was not happening. I finally had to take it away.

Ralph now has four upper teeth coming in; the lower tooth count remains at two. He has added spoon and cheese to his repertoire of words - of course, there are a few sounds missing.

Ralph takes great pride in trying to use a fork and spoon at meal times. We've tried to limit the foods we have to feed him and expand the foods he can finger feed himself (or easily pierce with the fork or spoon up). If he is given applesauce or yogurt he'll make a good effort to use a fork or spoon but after awhile he sticks his hand in the bowl. Meal times are a little more messy on these nights.

A Trip to the Zoo

Last Sunday Ralph and I took advantage of the nice weather and visited the Children's Zoo. We went in the middle of the afternoon so some of the animals were resting but we did have a good time watching the smaller animals in the Animal Kingdom building, the goats, the seals, and the otters. I am not sure what he is thinking here but if you enlarge the photo he appears to be contemplating something.

You've got to be kidding me!

I couldn't post something without including a photo though the photo has nothing to do with the post. Ralph loves to have something on his head no matter what it is. (Apparently he has voiced his opinion a few times at daycare when he returns from a buggy ride outside and they try to remove his hat - and rather than fight it they leave it on. Some kids have loveys or blankies - Ralph has a hat.)

Four weeks ago Ralph received his first pink eye diagnosis and we've been fighting it ever since. Every time he finishes the prescribed treatment it returns within 3-4 days. He also has had ear infections with two of trips to the pediatrician. If this round of treatment does not clear it up it may be time for alternate options.

In other "You've got to be kidding me!" news, Ralph climbed onto the couch this morning with a tiny bit of help from a pillow I left near the couch. He was most helpful when he accomplished his goal and moved the remotes I left on the couch to the end table. He is also climbing the stairs on a daily basis.

The last bit of "You've got to be kidding me!" news is that Ralph is still not walking. He is getting a little more daring but is not in a hurry to gain this skill.

Celebrating 13 months!!

Ralph had a good Easter. The Easter Bunny hid some eggs at Grandma & Grandpa's and Ralph helped Grandma find them. He received a toy for the fridge so he can now safely play with things on the fridge and we don't have to worry about the magnets. He also got a few more books and some other fun things.

Ralph has turned a little more opinionated in the last month. He still doesn't shake his head no in defiance but voices his opinion - if you take him out of the bathtub before he is ready he'll let you know how unhappy he is about it. If you take away a food container that barely has enough food left for one more bit he'll let you know that was not a good idea.

He is also trying to find out how much he can get away with - if he is done eating a certain food he'll take a little handful of it, reach his arm out over the tray and drop it . . . or sometimes he'll just throw it so it lands somewhere else.

Ralph will try most any foods - he just likes some more than others. Using a fork is still fun. We are starting to let him use a spoon more but they also create a little more mess.

Ralph is not an independent walker yet but is starting to get into more trouble pulling himself up and standing on tip toes to reach for things on end tables and other places. He is getting more comfortable pulling himself up and getting back down by himself. He may learn how to crawl up on the couch before he can walk at the rate he is going.

Ralph loves to "read" books and seems to have his favorites when reading by himself.

One of his upper teeth has broke though and another is getting close.

His vocabulary is growing. . . .ha(t), boo(k), daddy, bye bye, baby, brown bear, grandpa - and I think we might have heard a purposeful mommy tonight.

With the weather getting warmer Ralph has become a fan of going for stroller rides wearing his hat and sunglasses. He has tried sitting on grass but isn't quite sure about it yet.

The transition at daycare was a little rough but is getting better. Ralph became so attached to his first provider I don't know how the transition could have been smooth. I think everyone in the center - especially those that substituted in his room - knew how attached Ralph was. I love that they had such a close bond; it made leaving him everyday that much easier though it has made the last couple of weeks a little rough.

Pink Eye and More!

Ralph woke up this morning with a little more eye matter in his eye than usual. Then, we get to daycare only to find a note on the door to Ralph's room indicating he had been exposed to pink eye yesterday. Sure enough, around 10 am I get the call that maybe he should be looked at. Went to the doctor's office a few hours later and came away with a diagnosis of pink eye AND a double ear infection The ear infection was a surprise but maybe that explains why his sleeping has been a little off lately. Maybe the infection last month did not completely clear. Hopefully this stronger prescription will take care of both and he'll be back to sleeping all night again soon.

More Fun with Friends

In early April, we had some friends over for supper. Mena may only be 6 months old but she impressed us with her patience while we ate. She stayed in the exosaucer much longer than Ralph ever did in one setting. Ralph kept Mena entertained for awhile after supper before he declared it was bedtime.

Just a little nap

Grandma & Grandpa may only live 2.5 miles from our house but that's just long enough to fall asleep after playing hard for a few hours. I took this photo the second week this happened - Ralph was making sounds nearly the whole way home until we turned into our street and then there was silence from the backseat. I didn't have the heart to wake him up right away but let him continue napping for bit.

1st Birthday Photos

Thanks, Kate, for helping us capture Ralph's 1st Birthday Party.

Doctor & Daycare . . .

Ralph had his 12 month check-up last Monday in the midst of the tornado warning. Initially we were in an exterior exam room and had to move to an interior on once the sirens went off. It doesn't take Ralph long to remember he doesn't quite care for the doctor's office. Even the easy tasks like getting weighed and measure make Ralph unhappy. He was interested watching the nurse prepare his finger for the finger prick (to measure his hemoglobin & lead level) but shared his unhappiness when the finger was pricked. He was so upset after the prick he would not keep a band-aid on and tore off three before we left the room. He became so upset during the shots that we were a little afraid he might throw-up. We took our time redressing him and he was back to his old self when we visited the receptionist area. He weighed in at 18 lbs, 8 oz (5%) and 30 1/4" (75%) so I guess we still have a long, skinny kid. His hemoglobin was good and lead level was low . . . .we are good for another three months.

Rumor has it Ralph will be "promoted" to the Infant II room next week. Typically kids are moved up when they are mobile . . . While Ralph isn't quite there he is ready in every other area. He has been visiting the room this week, seeing old friends, and meeting his new teachers. All reports are that he is doing well. He will have a few changes to get used to but I think he is ready to move to a new challenge.

Celebrating 12 months!

Can you believe Ralph is 1?!

Ralph has continued to make progress in a few areas over the past month. Our little vacuum cleaner has become a little more selective at what he puts in his mouth. He still picks up nearly every little piece of thread, lint, or food particle he finds but sometimes he'll automatically extend his arm to share his find. He doesn't always share but at least not everything goes in his mouth.

We have started giving him a fork when he eats. He needs help getting food on the fork but is pretty proud when he puts the fork in his mouth.

Ralph likes to imitate - sometimes its verbal; sometimes its an action. There are certain words Ralph will try to repeat - he may not get the word correct but he usually stresses the correct syllable. He also likes to imitate actions - if you put your hand over your mouth or on your head he will do the same.

Ralph is still "dragging his feet" when it come to walking. He'll push the hippo cart a few steps once in awhile but he is definitely not creating any wear on the carpet. He is moving along the furniture with a little more ease.

Ralph will have a very little birthday party tomorrow. Stay tuned for photos.

A Bummer of a Day

Three days shy of his first birthday, Ralph came down with his first ear infection. We were fortunate to make it this long without one from what I have heard from a few folks. It started yesterday with a call from daycare letting me know Ralph had a fever and finally peaked this morning when Ralph woke up inconsolable from his morning nap. Luckily, the doctor's office could fit us in about an hour later and we got the diagnosis of an infection in his left ear. Hopefully he'll be in much better spirits for his birthday!

Child Birth Class Reunion

We spent the afternoon at a child birth class reunion. We have not gotten together since last April but have kept in contact via email and blogs. It was fun to see everyone in person and watch their little personalities shine. There were a few cries (starting with Ralph when we arrived) but they were far outweighed by the smiles. Isaiah is one big smile as he walks around. Evelyn was a gracious hostess and shared her toys with everyone. Brody is a dancing man. Micah impressed us all with his big choppers. Chloe was a bit on the shy side as her nap schedule was a bit messed up today. The group picture was going well until Chloe was hit on by Micah and Ralph.

Thanks for letting us invade your house, Keith and Kristine!

Happy Upcoming 1st Birthday, everyone!

Fun with Friends

Last weekend Ralph came with me to a gathering of friends from high school. Everyone in attendance all have boys of their own. Ralph had a good time playing with new (to him) toys and sitting in a rocking chair that was just his size, along with watching the bigger boys.

Just being a Ralph

Ralph's most recent interests include playing with magnets on the refrigerator and "reading" books.

Anytime he is being held and is within arms reach of the fridge he will grab onto whatever he can and pull it off. We've put a few larger magnets near the bottom of the fridge to keep him entertained for a few minutes. He'll pull off a magnet and take it around the kitchen to see what else it might stick to.
Ralph's favorite books include a soft book that we've inserted photos into, any of the animal books that he can pet a part of the animal, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear . . .though he likes about any book he can flip through.

In other developmental news, he is starting to pull himself up more - at the couch, a dining room chair, learning table . . . .

Celebrating 11 months

Ralph has turned out to be the best vacuum cleaner we have ever had. He'll find the smallest of items on the floor or carpet and put it in his mouth - edible or not. It is incredible what he can find. Knowing that his dexterity is pretty good we decided to let him start finger feeding himself - we were a little slow at giving him this much freedom, mainly for fear of him choking on something. For the most part, he has proved capable and has transitioned to eating most of what the big kids eat at daycare. He seems willing to try about anything. The first time at daycare he was given the chance to feed himself he sat happily in the chair for 45 minutes eating away. I have caught him a few times at supper take a piece of food in his hands, innocently stretch out and release the food, letting it fall to the floor. He will also take a piece of food and try to make it stick in his hair (he still has a "thing" for putting things on his head). I think its his way of telling me he is done. He also will take some food from the center of the tray and separate it into the cup holders on each side of the tray. It's amazing how side tracked kids can get.

He likes to open and close anything he can get his hands on - the barn doors on his Little People farm, the little playhouse at daycare, cupboard doors, bedroom doors, dresser drawers . . . We haven't had any pinched fingers yet, though its only a matter of time. He really is "Mr. Grabby Hands". He'll try to reach for whatever is in his reach when being held and his hands are constantly opening and closing. He has developed a "thing" for hats, as there are many hanging in our house. He also likes to point out photos on the wall.

Ralph is still pretty content to combat crawl along. Lately he has been getting on his knees more but once he starts moving he is back down to his tummy. He is starting to get a little more adventurous in trying to move along things (couch, exosaucer to couch, etc). He doesn't pull himself all the way up yet but can once he is helped to his knees. He can pull himself to a standing position from his tummy when he is offered two hands - and likes to walk when he is holding on to our hands. He is turning into a little climber and is determined to make it over nearly any pillow or person laying in his way. One evening last week we played a little game . . . he'd lean forward against the couch, bend his knees, then end up on his bum - and it was funny so we kept doing it for awhile.

Now that he has hair, we finally have something to brush. The first couple of days we brushed his hair it kind of tickled and brought a big smile to his face. When he is offered the brush now he will hold it and take it to his head like he is trying to brush his hair. Sometimes he just hits his head, other times he does make the sweeping motion.

Ralph pretty much has bye-bye mastered. He'll wave to Mike when he leaves in the morning, he'll wave to the people at daycare when I pick him up to leave, (as soon as I pick him up, way before he even has he's coat on), he'll wave to Mike when he's on his way to bed.

Happy Birthday, President Lincoln!

(and Grandpa, too!)

Celebrating 10 months

Ralph had a fight with himself in bed last night. I'm not sure who won. I had thought about cutting a few fingernails before he went to bed. Guess I should have tried a little harder.

The little man enjoys going for walks when he has a grasp of someone else's hands. He is starting to get a little more aggressive in climbing over things but hasn't tried much to pull himself up. In his defense, there's not much around the living room for him to work on this skill - he tried once at the learning table and it fell back on him.

Ralph is pretty agreeable these days. His newest "trick" is to nod in agreement in response to most questions asked of him. Luckily, he hasn't figured out to shake his head yet.

Ralph now has a pair of bottom teeth. The arrival of the second tooth has been pretty noneventful.

Ralph is into opening and closing things whether its the little gates on the Little People Farm or the bedroom doors - luckily he hasn't shut himself in a room yet. He also likes to beat on things (dishwasher, fridge, oven, microwave, empty formula cans) with his hands to hear the different sounds.

Ralph is stuck on stage 3 baby food. One day last week I put some roast beef through the mini processor thinking Ralph would like to pick up the bits. He didn't get into it as much as I hoped and voiced his unhappiness with it after a few seconds in his mouth. He has pretty good finger dexterity but we haven't progressed further than the Gerber puffs.

Ralph is beginning to turn into a flirt. We went to a sporting event over the weekend and some college girls were sitting nearby. Ralph spied them; they smiled at him and he raised his eyebrows and smiled back.

Everyday I marvel at how this little guy came to be, the milestones he has achieved so far, the new discoveries he makes daily, and try to begin to comprehend his thought process. Life is incredible.