Was that a sting...ouchy!

Ok, not to say that I have been waiting for this moment...but I kept thinking to myself that something would happen of course when I am not prepared!

Sure enough that moment had to happen when we went to visit Grandpa. D thought he wanted to follow his brothers (aka the dogs) behind the gate that had a bunch of ivy on it. Once he got into the ivy he started pushing it away and trying to back out sure enough as he started doing this it apparently upset a nasty, mean red wasp! D immediately started wining and crying and itching at his chin/neck area.

Of course I start to get scared. This was his first sting. How would he react? Is he allergic? We have to go...we don't have any Benadryl. Thinking to myself "I knew I should have grabbed his first aid kit" which is a handy bag full of travel sized Benadryl, Tylenol and all the necessities!!!

I was amazed though, once we got inside he stopped crying. He would keep rubbing it like it irritated him but nothing like it was the end of the world. Luckily the house was equipped with children's Benadryl and he sipped that out of a cup like a big kid! So proud!

Anyway, later that night when it was bath time, low and behold the sting wasn't on his chin or neck it was on top of his right shoulder! Go figure. I guess that really does go to show that babies can't localize pain. (It might be hard to see the red area in these photos but a week later it is still there!)

Needless to say, the first sting went better than I thought...you just never know how one will react. Even though my first sting occurred when I was 8 years old, I was bound and determined this guy would have a sting sooner than later!

My new ride...

So we have been dying to get D this toy. I mean every kid on the block has one he's gotta keep up!

What's more fun to a 15 mos old than a ride on toy that is also motorized? Well, in our case apparently walking!

The first few tries he was excited and frustrated all at the same time. He didn't quite understand you had to hold down the button to keep the ride moving. He would rock back and forth and then hop off. But lets not forget that then at that moment is the time he would hold the button down and of course while he is trying to slide off, the ride keeps moving in the opposite direction. Made for some pretty hysterical laughs.

Gunnar also thinks that motorized vehicle's are fun as well, so that equals more laughter and giggles from the little guy.

Ultimately I think he will get the hang of it, but for now it is more fun to go a few lengths and then get off and walk the rest of the way.

yet another photo session...

So as you all know I just love taking pictures of my lil' dude! But I have gotten this passion and education from my friend Jenny.

She wanted to take pictures of D to get a few photo sessions under her belt. Any chance I can get some professional photographs of our kiddo, I am game! Plus, I really just love her work...she is just starting out her business but a natural at that...so over time it can only get better!

Here are a few of our favorite photos from our outing...I just love my boys and she captured some great moments! Thanks Jenny!

Oh and in case you want more info check her out, Jenny.

A boy and his hose...

I don't know what the lil' dude's obsession is with the water hose but he sure is content playing with and in it for what seems like hours!

We started out filling up his pool but he would rather wiggle the hose around and get everyone wet.

Then we attempted to wash the dogs and he decided he would help...but of course as master of the hose and water them down himself.

Watering the yard was also a fun thing to do...even though we are on a water restriction right now, but how would anyone know in the backyard? And who would say NO to a 15 mos old?! Take a look it's like he is grown man just watering the yard!

And finally for some reason he felt as though the back door needed to be cleaned...shh...I agree!

A babblin toddler...

So...I couldn't believe it the other day and could not stop laughing. While we were driving out came a blurp from the back seat...as always. But this time it was different...it was actually gibberish in the form of a sentence and not just words! The look on his face when he was talking and then finished was priceless. It was like..."you got that?"


Needless to say over the past few days they have continued. And its the best. We don't quite yet understand it...but its the cutest ever!

This morning in the matter of 30 minutes we heard "Thank you!", "Here" and "Gunnar".


Scenario: Daddy is making breakfast and one of Dylan's favorite things to do is to go find a pair of shoes (flip flops, tennis shoes, boots...) that match and bring them to you and insists you put them on. Well, he brought daddy his pair of flip flops and held them up and said "here"...daddy said "thank you" and Dylan walked off and said "Dank you"!


He later was walking out of his room and into the front bedroom (where the dogs stay when we leave the house) and proceeded to say "Gunnar". I was amazed and in shock. If you really listen you can here him say things...but you have to pay attention very closely because otherwise he says it so fast you miss it!


Tonight was what I thought all this time of him saying "dat" but he is saying "done".


We probably won't hear it for another month or so...but we heard them and you could understand it!


These first words and communication is pretty amazing stuff...so he really has been listening all this time!

Kickin THE bottle!

So...we knew when we went to the 15mos checkup the doc wasn't going to be happy Dylan was still on the bottle. Well, he wasn't as disappointed as we thought. Being Dylan was only getting one bottle a day and it was the only thing that included the oh so special "mama's milk" (as daddy calls it) he had a simple solution.


A) what was he getting in the bottle and B) how much do you have left. We coincidentally just finished the frozen stuff from the night before. His answer, now all he gets is a sippy cup. Sure...piece of cake, right? We asked Dr. E if he wanted to babysit that night! Ha!



I do have to say we got off kind of easy the first night. We had plans to go to the Wright's to have dinner then head to Market Street. Our luck, he was so tired he fell asleep on the way home. That was easy.



The second night wasn't so bad either. We were at the Wright's house to watch the fight, and the boys played so much he just ran around until he couldn't go any longer. Only a few sips from the sippy cup and he didn't want it anymore.



Then comes the normal routine night at our house. I really was expecting worse, but it really wasn't that bad. He was fussy and its almost like he knew what he wanted but...again he was so tired (past his bed time) he just wanted to sleep. A little bit longer putting him down and it was done.



Hopefully the next few nights go just as well and he will forget entirely about that little (but oh so meaningful) comfort item to our baby boy!



Status update: We've made it a week and a half and there is no turning back. It's like a switch went off and all of the sudden he doesn't need it. He drinks ample amount of milk at dinner and he doesn't even want to have a sip when it is time for bed. What a big boy! I don't know what I was dreading this whole time...piece of cake! Proud of you D!!!



(But wait, that means he is more and more attached to that thing in his mouth...ok by 18 mos we are done with that)!



Coming soon...kickin the pacifier!

15 Months...where does the time go?

Dylan was a trooper at his 15month checkup with Dr. E. We got to see his student Doctor most of the time so it was a very lengthy and thorough appointment. We discussed everything with the student Dr. and then again with Dr. E.

He did end up getting 3 shots and cried a lot longer this time. I felt so bad for him and you can add 3 new bruises to his legs (thanks to the shots) along with the one on his forehead (from daycare).

All is well, Dylan is in the 75th percentile overall!

Weight: 23.1 lbs (31st percentile...which is great up from the 5th percentile at his 12mos checkup)

Height: 31.75" (I say that is 32"...which also means he is in the 71th percentile)

Head Circumference: 48 cm (75th percentile)

The best news...Dr. E. said he would be at minimum 5'11"!!! At least he will be tall like Daddy and not short like Mommy. Daddy's response of course "So...he won't be a Jockey?" He said he is still climbing on his growth curve so he doesn't know yet, he could keep going up ont he curve. Craziness! I guess that 8lb 12oz at birth will show for something!

He's doing so many things these days here are a few brief notes:

Walks with hands on hips

Walking very briskly - almost running

Learned how to climb stairs and the correct way to get down them

Loves chairs made specifically for his size

Loves to pick up things off of the floor and throw in the trash

Climbs on rocker himself and rocks

Loves to brush his teeth, thinks its funny

Knows how to fill cups full of water and pour them out or into other containers

Claps

Points to nose, head, mouth and of course belly button

Loves to be affectionate

Loves cars (real ones and toys)

Loves shoes (tennis shoes or flip flops) If you have flip flops on, he will bring you the tennis shoe, take the flip flop off and sort of demand you put on the tennis shoe.

Very friendly and loves to smile and laugh at other kids

Loves to wave, more proactively to and at people

Is growing out of his 12 month clothes

Sneezes then laughs

Gets off of the bed on his own (sliding down)

Loves the sound of a fart, especially daddy's

Loves to dance and twirl in a circle

And favorite new food...Kiwi

Most everything is "Ah-dah" but he does know Dog, Cat and shakes his head "No".

And of course most often always protests coming inside...here's the scenario

-playing out on the patio and it is so hot that the dogs and mom and dad come inside

-I stand in the doorway saying "Come on, time to go inside"

-And he almost always proceeds in whining and crying because he knows what it means and doesn't want to come inside but slowly walks towards the door...then followed by a temper tantrum.

-Lovely!

Oh and thinks he is big enough to climb on the couch...some he can master and others are too tall.

Dylan's 1 year photo session

Ok, so I am a little late on posting some pictures from Dylan's 1 year photo session. After a 3rd attempt, due to rain (sure would wish for that now), we finally got to do our last session of the year with Rita. And then of course Rita graciously just sent me these photos so I could post on our blog and on facebook.

It's funny, my favorites were her favorites as well. Must have good taste! I sure do love these photos!

Happy 4th of July!

What better way to celebrate our Independence than participating in all the traditional activities...especially now that Dylan can start to enjoy them with us!

The day began waking up, not early because it is normal around our house to get up at 6:30 am, to head to the parade to make sure we had a good spot. And of course what better way for us to cart our boys around than to deck out their ride?! So I am sure the dad's were a little embarrassed...was it girlie? No way! Just PATRIOTIC!

We managed to find a spot right by the DJ booth, to hear all the good tunes...but we didn't make sure we were there earlier enough to find a spot in the shade...man was it HOT! That's ok...there is always next year. I think the best part...seeing and hearing (I think I can hear) all the fire trucks, ambulances and of course military personal and vehicles! Definitely gives you goose bumps on your arms when you see them and here the song "God Bless the USA". Gotta love our country and our freedom.

After we were all soaked from sweat, yes sweat...ewwww! We headed to the pool for some nice relaxing, not so refreshing water. With the temperature almost reaching 105 degrees the pool felt like bath water. But whose complaining, not me...or the kids or whomever. Oh and here is our child...he for the life of us yesterday wanted nothing to do with ice cubes (when he busted his lip) but today, they were the newest, greatest thing! He knew just where to find them too...in the cooler with all the beer! Let's just say that kept him very entertained for about 30 mins. Now that is some funny stuff.

Of course, after we just settled in and ate it felt like we were back at it again to go see the fireworks. In years past we always sat at the mall and you had to get there early to find a parking spot. This year, it was "let's go early to get a good spot". Well, we found one alright. But this time on a nice green hill, where we could lay out blankets and sit and enjoy the nice evening (I think by 9:30 it had cooled down to 85 degrees). However, that is not what Dylan had in mind. These days this kiddo can't sit still. Always on the go. He wanted to walk in circles, walk up to every furry child he could find and wave at any and every stranger that he passed by. What's with this kid? I was certain he was going to fall asleep before the fireworks...but come 9:30 he was fighting it and sat and watched them. I still think he is a little too young to enjoy them, but you could tell he was watching them.

We had a fun filled 4th...it was a blast!

Face plant = Blood...oh boy!

After a fun filled day, we just walked in the door and were settling down. However, Dylan and Daddy thought it would be funny to play a little bit more! Dylan was trying to squeeze thru Daddy's legs, and was persistent about doing so until he got thru. He would laugh, giggle, and do it all over again once Daddy let him thru his legs.

I wasn't even sure what happened, it all happened so fast, and I didn't see it happen so that made it worse. Daddy immediately said...he fell on his face, like he knew it was bad! The moment I was able to see Dylan his mouth was full, I mean full of blood! I stuck a paper towel in, with his disagreement of course, and it was covered in blood (obviously).

My first reaction, maybe slightly over reacting, was his two front teeth were missing! But his lip was just so swollen that you couldn't see them. The poor dude didn't know what happened. After about 5-10 mins of nurturing and trying (I mean trying ) to put an ice pack on...he stopped, and was back at it again! SURPRISE!

I couldn't believe it, and especially the things he was trying to stick in his mouth. It had to hurt. He looked like he just got in some UFC fight! hahaha! He's got a blood blister on the outside of his lip and I am sure a cut somewhere in his mouth. I would know though because of course he will not let us come near his mouth now.

So here are the mug shots...curious to see what this Boo Boo looks like tomorrow. (Nothing like a little red, white and blue bruise to sport on 4th of July!) oh and here is the next morning photo...

Gotta love the Children's Museum

We decided on a holiday weekend that we would go to the Children's Museum...um, but one problem...so did everyone else in the city!

We got there just after they opened and had to stand in line in the heat...but once we got inside, I think the boys were taken over by all the excitement, that we forgot about how hot we were. Kids, toys, moving objects, bright lights...everything! We found our way to the "Tot Spot". Which was THE place to be!

Boy oh boy, I think we were all just as exhausted as the boys when we were done with that adventure! Dylan and Braden loved it, at least I think they did. It started out with us attempting to paint their faces...not so much for Dylan but Braden on the other hand thought it was the next best thing to cake (or wait he hasn't had cake yet)!

There is so much to do in the "Tot Spot" room, I still am trying to think of all we did and all that we didn't get a chance to do. Some of the fun included a little play house, a ball ramp (one of Dylan's favorites), ramps and circles to play in, a ball drop, mirrors, slides, outdoor fun, led bright light display, tunnels, books and the favorite of all a car and a truck. Through a few push and shoves, some tears and tantrums...I think Dylan was learning the art of sharing (but unfortunately the hard way and not his way).

We had fun, the boys had fun...everyone had fun. We should do this more often...oh wait, that means I would need to sit in a car seat on the way home and fall asleep with a kink in my neck! :)

A good visit...and SHAMU!

While in California we were able to visit Uncle Dave's house for the first time. Dylan met Boogie and Mika, in which they became his little rascals for the next 4 days...Mika was fond of him but Boogie not so much! But we also found that Dylan had an interest in stairs. Being Dave's house is a two story we had to be extra cautious. Especially by the last day, Dylan would disappear in a heart beat and before you knew it he was up the first flight of stairs and attempting the second. Of course he is much better at going up than down...but I do think he gets the hint that...stairs are "dangerous". Only time will tell! Oh and he loved their patio too...loved the tall flowers, leaves, dirt (yes dirt all of which after his hands got dirty he would come running to me for me to wipe them off) oh and a few snails here and there along with a drain. Forget toys...who needs them?

We also got to see Uncle Paul, who recently got back from serving our country for a year and was visiting with family. Wouldn't you know it the free day that we were told to go do something "fun" in light of everything...when Daddy called Uncle Paul...guess what? They were headed to Sea World! I was all aboard that idea...couldn't pass it up.

So we spent the day at Sea World and got to hang out with Cody's cousins and Uncle. It was a blast. Dylan was really intrigued by a lot of the shows and exhibits! Especially the "Pet Zone"...well simply because he has an obsession with dogs and cats (I think just because that is what is familiar too him). Needless to say he was so focused on that entire show!

We headed over to visit with Uncle Don (the first DPG) and Aunt Pat. They had only seen Dylan thru pictures and were so thrilled to be able to actually meet him...and soon find out he is a very busy little rascal. That night he was up until 10 pm which was midnight back home. (He found cousin Seth to be very funny and couldn't stop laughing!)

Oh and I have to mention (Aunt) Katie's wig that she wanted Dylan to try on. It was her Grandmother's. We couldn't ever get a straight shot...but some good ones to say the least.

It was a great visit all in all. Of course included some sad moments, times, hours, days...but they were spent with family and that is all that matters at a time like this!

In memory and celebration...

It was so hard to hear the news last Friday when my brother called to tell me my Bumpa had passed away. I was in shock, disbelief and couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was making plans to go out that weekend with my Dad to see him. He had been battling chest pains but every day was up and down.

He lived a long, healthy, happy life! He was a great man and even a better Grandfather...and Great Grandfather to Dylan. I would have loved to have had him see Dylan now, now that he is so active and has his own personality. Bumpa would have just loved it, he was always such a kid at heart!

We will miss him dearly but will not forget him and for the Man, Friend, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather that he was! And in loving memory and for the celebration of his life everyone from the direct family was there for him and Nana along with many friends! Here are a few wonderful pictures that I wanted to share. I think they are priceless and know that Bumpa is looking down smiling at us all.

In light of it all, Dylan had a fabulous time at the condo with Nana. He played on her floor, ran down the hallways and impressed everyone at the Village. Of course, who could not fall in love with our little dude?!

He was very much infatuated with the walker. So...Great Grandma (Nana) and Daddy pushed him around in it. I haven't ever seen him smile so big! The best part was when Nana and he were playing "cat and mouse"...if the video was small enough I would load it. It is the most, wonderful sound ever...his non-stop giggle! And seeing Nana smile and enjoy his company was priceless!