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 . . . .