Ralph: Swimming Lessons!

Ralph took swimming lessons at Mulgrue Swim Academy the past four days.  Ralph needed a little push to conquer his fear of the water and we had heard good things about Mulgrue.  This would be the first time Ralph would be left alone with strangers . . .in an atmosphere (ie. pool) that was not his favorite.  Parents are not allowed to stay and watch until the very last 30 minutes on the very last day.  I had second thoughts a few times leading up to the first day of lessons but still knew it would be the best thing for him.

With the exception of a cat (something else that is not his favorite) that hung around the house, he did okay being left at the pool; the teacher said he did better than some because he did not come in kicking and screaming.  I got a report each day at pick up about how he did.  The quick summary goes something like this:  Day 1: he went underwater; Day 2: he jumped off the diving board; and Day 3:  he got his shark rock underwater (with a little help).  Shark rocks are shiny rocks that kids can find at the bottom of the pool or get in the basket by the door at the end of each session.  Each report are tiny steps towards getting comfortable in the water but pretty big moves for Ralph.  He did enjoy what he did each day.  I asked him on the way home what he liked the best and he said I don't like it; I love it.  He wants to go back when he is 5 (based on another boy in the class being 5).  He said his favorite part was jumping off the diving board.  There were just four boys in the class which we also appreciated the small class.  We have plenty to work on but all in all a great experience.  It does look like I need to get him some goggles that don't get so foggy - I thought Speedos would have been good; what do I know?

Henry: Celebrating 31 months!

Henry's 31-month birthday went off without a hitch yesterday.

Leaving the doctor's office after Henry's 2 1/2 year check up I was determine to focus more on getting him to gain weight.  Unfortunately 2 days after the appointment Henry was "kicked out" of daycare for a fever followed by a trip to the doctor's office the following day and leaving with a diagnosis of strep (read: Henry lost a little weight because his throat hurt and he decreased his eating).  THEN a couple of weeks later Henry had an isolated incident of getting sick at daycare (read: more weight lost).  I can only guess it was either heat related, related to a smell from the renovation of the gym floor, or something related to lunch.  Luckily he was back to his old self by morning.

I have been trying to get him to eat more but Henry will only tolerate eating in his chair for so long before he is bored and wants down.  There were a few days we would chase after him to give him  more food or he'd come back to the table for a bite but the last few days he seems to be not eating so well again.  I'm hoping its nothing other than maybe his 2nd year molars, which would also explain why he is on another bad streak of waking up in the middle of the night.    He is consistently eating a fruit cereal bar at least once a day, usually at night - the first night I did this was because we ate a little earlier for supper and I thought he might be hungry.  That night he ate two just before bed but usually its just one.  Last night he spent the night at Grandma & Grandpa's and the first thing he asked for upon returning home this morning was a fruit bar, and then another, and then a 3rd at which time I told him he'd have to wait for lunch.

The photo really is Henry these days with his fruit bar in hand and Mobigo within arms reach.  Most of the games might be a little above him but he still enjoys touching the screen and it can hold his concentration for quite awhile.  I had been trying to get him to smile while saying "cheese" but he just closes his eyes so this is eyes open but no smile.

Henry is very slowly starting to get into undressing/dressing himself.  He would rather not take time away from playing to do either so it has to be when he is in the mood.  Henry likes to put his arms in the arm holes before pulling it over his head (with help) rather than pull it over his head first then find the arm holes.  He does like to take his shoes off in the car and has to take the velcro straps all the way out of the shoe.  He then sometimes will take his socks off or want help taking his socks off.

His vocabulary is coming along.  He definitely knows more than he shares.  Most of the time his sentences are complete . . if he is not just saying "no".  He has an answer for about everything though it is not usually the correct answer.  I like that he is very sure of his answers and is usually appropriate (ie. says a number, color, or letter at the appropriate time).  If he is asked about a certain color he will reply with a color but it is not usually the correct color.  He still identifies himself as Henry John Wichman and now has figured out Ralph's middle name is not John but Joseph.  He still calls Mike daddy John Wichman.  He is doing pretty good with his abc's and 123's though he may miss a few here and there once in awhile.  He is still a pretty good little parrot and likes to mimic.  He will say "see you later" or "have a good night" when leaving daycare or grandma & grandpa's.  His newest phrase which just started in the last day or so is "That would be naughty and dangerous."  I'm not totally sure where "naughty" came from though I have said it a few times.  "Dangerous" is from one of The Cars games he plays on the Mobigo.

He still does not like puppies though he is okay pretending to be one.  He does not being close to large vehicles (ie. garbage trucks).  He has also shied away from walking up front at church to give Father money the last couple of months.  I love the moments I can get him to brush my hair, though its not usually for long.

He is doing great at using the potty when needed.  As of today I've cut the diaper out his naps at home and will just go with at bedtime for awhile.  He has not been wet in the morning for a long time so he could switch to briefs without much issue but we'll keep using up some diapers around the house.

The 4th of July!

July 4th had its ups and downs.  It started on a downer as Ralph got sick right after he woke up; 2nd day in a row this happened so we weren't quite sure what to expect of the day or if we should alter our plans but we kept them as scheduled knowing things could change.

We headed over to Grandpa & Grandma's to take family photos since Uncle Nick was in town then onto the Waverly parade, unfortunately we didn't get there earlier enough to get a shady spot in our area.  The boys had fun blowing bubbles while waiting for the parade to start.  Henry did not appreciate the string of rescue vehicles who felt the need to sounds their sirens - we had to retreat from the route for awhile.  Henry was a little overwhelmed by the whole thing but did get into it when some bands/music came by and tractors.  Ralph enjoyed the parade with the exception of all the people that decided he needed to get squirted with water.  We netted quite a bit of candy and other goods.

After lunch and nap, Uncle Nick lit some fireworks and the boys did some snaps - Henry prefers to stomp on the them; Ralph likes to throw them.  The noise got to Henry and he opted to go inside after a bit.  Once again this year we did not stay up to watch any fireworks but heard plenty.

All in all, a good but hot and long day after a questionable start.