Sleeping supplies:
Tent
Air mattress
Sleeping bags
pillows
Tarp thing
pack-n-play
Teddy bears
AJ's crib music thing
flashlight
Blower thing
mallet
sheet
Swimming supplies
Swimsuits
Flotation devices
sunscreen
beach towels
sandbox toys
life jackets
Meal supplies
Plates
Paper towels
silverware
cups
knife
cutting board
dish towels & cloth
Dish soap
dishpan
Cooking utensils (wooden spoon, spatula)
Aluminum foil
hot pad
Spray stuff
Pan(s)
Propane grill
Can opener
Koozies
Charcoal
lighter fluid
lighter
Food
Drinks
Coolers (one for drinks, one for food)
garbage bags
salt & pepper
baggies
condiments
tablecloth
serving spoons
Personal
pain reliever
toiletries (shampoo, soap, razor, prescriptions, hair & makeup supplies, face soap, tooth care)
bath towels
toilet paper
First aid kit
hand sanitizer
clothes (shorts, tshirts, underwear, pants, sweatshirts, shoes)
Misc
Bug spray
Rain gear
bikes
chairs
camera
music
games
reading materials
fishing suppliees
movies/dvd player
diapers & wipes
chargers (phone & camera)
stroller
duct tape
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 18th month birthday, AJ!
My little guy is 18 months today. I still think of him as my baby, and I suppose I always will. He is a blast. I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but he's still the sweetest, most laid back kid in the world. Sweet, as in... he picks dandelions and kisses them before he gives them to me. When asked to give high 5, he kisses your hand afterward (assuming his way of apologizing if he hurt you). He's the kid making friends with strangers wherever we go. He just walks around flashing his big blue eyes, smiling and waving at people. He's completely lovable, period.
A friend who hasn't seen him for awhile called him a 'tank' the other day. It's true. His belly is quite the sight. He still has dimples on his bottom, roles on his legs, and cankles above his squatty little feet. At bath time, it's an effort to wash between his chin and neck. It's ironic because he's become a little picky at mealtime, but he can spot junk food a mile away. Does anyone know what age is no longer cute to be fat? Hopefully no time soon, because I still find it rather endearing. We're trying to get his eating habits in better shape, but I wouldn't say we're to the point of being worried yet. I just want him to be healthy. Life will be a lot easier if he isn't battling weight issues.
He's talking a little. Momma, Daddy, No (na na na na), Down, (dow?) kitty (didda), all gone (dah duh), duck (duh), dog (dawh). See the trend? Most everything starts with d. My favorite word is "yah," or in his case "AHHH!" He says it with total confidence and certainty and raises the decibles a few notches. AJ, want some milk? AHHH! Cracks me up every time. Despite his limited vocabulary, he understand EVERYTHING. Go get your shoes, AJ. Want to go on a stroller ride? Time to go bye bye. Where's Cohen? All these things and more elicit the correct response. I actually kind of like that he's not more verbal. It's like an extended babyhood.
He continues to battle ear infections on a regular basis. It's been 7 or 8 since January, and we have the green light to see an ENT about getting tubes. I'm ready. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if his frequent ear infections are affecting his hearing and speech.
He loves jumping on the bed, especially if someone else is there too. He'll fall down dramatically and laugh and carry on. His favorite summer activity is the new sand/water table. Hours have already been spent hanging out on our deck playing in the sand. He's really into removing lids and putting them back on. Bonus if it's a squirty lid like the top of dishwashing liquid. It snaps open and closed AND unscrews. Party on!
Big brother Cohen is just that. Big. He's taller than most of his daycare friends. He just acts older too and, responsible and mature. If I could summarize him in one word it would be imaginative. He comes up with the most clever stuff. He'll give things new names. We were almost home from a long trip and I started the "10 more minutes" countdown. At 3 minutes, he said, "Next is 2 minutes, then 1 minute, then Dramble." I asked what dramble was and he said it's when we're driving into the garage. These types of words are invented many times a day. He's quick. And amazingly, he remembers many of them and uses them in the same meaning later. He's also imaginative during play. He'll make up games and contests and obstacle courses and characters and rules and scenarios, you name it. I think a real board game with real rules would be terribly boring. He'd much rather make stuff up.
He's doing well in school. He switched to Room 16 a month ago and they're doing full fledge preschool work. Like patterns, matches, etc. We've had a slew of birthday parties for his little classmates, and we're becoming friends with some of the parents. A great group of people.
We've noticed a bit of cross-eye in his right eye. We have an appt with an ophlalmologist in a few weeks. Hopefully nothing serious.
He's incredibly stubborn about pooping on the toilet. Meaning, he refuses. We've tried every trick, incentive, bribe, and rationalizing we could muster, but it always turns into to meltdown drama. In recent weeks, I'm backing down. It was too frustrating and worthless to go through the same unsuccessful routine every day. Everyone says one day he'll be ready, and I'm keeping the faith. Knowing him, it will happen when he's like 9.
The boys' ages are perfect. They're fun and they get along well. It's awesome that they can play side by side for a long time. I'd even go so far as to say things are easy this summer. Can I freeze time? Honestly, I'm not sure it can get much better. One sweet, silly gentle giant who makes me laugh a hundred times a day. One energetic, passionate, strong-willed thinker who I can interact with as an almost adult. Life is good.
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A friend who hasn't seen him for awhile called him a 'tank' the other day. It's true. His belly is quite the sight. He still has dimples on his bottom, roles on his legs, and cankles above his squatty little feet. At bath time, it's an effort to wash between his chin and neck. It's ironic because he's become a little picky at mealtime, but he can spot junk food a mile away. Does anyone know what age is no longer cute to be fat? Hopefully no time soon, because I still find it rather endearing. We're trying to get his eating habits in better shape, but I wouldn't say we're to the point of being worried yet. I just want him to be healthy. Life will be a lot easier if he isn't battling weight issues.
He's talking a little. Momma, Daddy, No (na na na na), Down, (dow?) kitty (didda), all gone (dah duh), duck (duh), dog (dawh). See the trend? Most everything starts with d. My favorite word is "yah," or in his case "AHHH!" He says it with total confidence and certainty and raises the decibles a few notches. AJ, want some milk? AHHH! Cracks me up every time. Despite his limited vocabulary, he understand EVERYTHING. Go get your shoes, AJ. Want to go on a stroller ride? Time to go bye bye. Where's Cohen? All these things and more elicit the correct response. I actually kind of like that he's not more verbal. It's like an extended babyhood.
He continues to battle ear infections on a regular basis. It's been 7 or 8 since January, and we have the green light to see an ENT about getting tubes. I'm ready. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if his frequent ear infections are affecting his hearing and speech.
He loves jumping on the bed, especially if someone else is there too. He'll fall down dramatically and laugh and carry on. His favorite summer activity is the new sand/water table. Hours have already been spent hanging out on our deck playing in the sand. He's really into removing lids and putting them back on. Bonus if it's a squirty lid like the top of dishwashing liquid. It snaps open and closed AND unscrews. Party on!
Big brother Cohen is just that. Big. He's taller than most of his daycare friends. He just acts older too and, responsible and mature. If I could summarize him in one word it would be imaginative. He comes up with the most clever stuff. He'll give things new names. We were almost home from a long trip and I started the "10 more minutes" countdown. At 3 minutes, he said, "Next is 2 minutes, then 1 minute, then Dramble." I asked what dramble was and he said it's when we're driving into the garage. These types of words are invented many times a day. He's quick. And amazingly, he remembers many of them and uses them in the same meaning later. He's also imaginative during play. He'll make up games and contests and obstacle courses and characters and rules and scenarios, you name it. I think a real board game with real rules would be terribly boring. He'd much rather make stuff up.
He's doing well in school. He switched to Room 16 a month ago and they're doing full fledge preschool work. Like patterns, matches, etc. We've had a slew of birthday parties for his little classmates, and we're becoming friends with some of the parents. A great group of people.
We've noticed a bit of cross-eye in his right eye. We have an appt with an ophlalmologist in a few weeks. Hopefully nothing serious.
He's incredibly stubborn about pooping on the toilet. Meaning, he refuses. We've tried every trick, incentive, bribe, and rationalizing we could muster, but it always turns into to meltdown drama. In recent weeks, I'm backing down. It was too frustrating and worthless to go through the same unsuccessful routine every day. Everyone says one day he'll be ready, and I'm keeping the faith. Knowing him, it will happen when he's like 9.
The boys' ages are perfect. They're fun and they get along well. It's awesome that they can play side by side for a long time. I'd even go so far as to say things are easy this summer. Can I freeze time? Honestly, I'm not sure it can get much better. One sweet, silly gentle giant who makes me laugh a hundred times a day. One energetic, passionate, strong-willed thinker who I can interact with as an almost adult. Life is good.
Finally, a couple videos. This one is entitled "I laugh in the face of authority!"
And here's AJ getting into the groove with Selena Gomez. It's pretty much one minute, 39 seconds of AJ doing the same moves... just in case you're waiting for some grand plot twist at the end! :)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spring Update
Has it really been 4 months since I last posted an update? Lots has happened since then, including a certain someone turning a whopping one year of age. AJ's birthday passed without a lot of fuss, but we were fortunate enough to spend the prior weekend with Dominic's family at the farm for their traditional New Year's gathering. Suffice it to say AJ made a few fans that weekend. His cousins and aunts were so nice to him, spending quality time and getting to know his funny little personality. Grandma Moll made a scrumptious chocolate cake and no surprise, AJ ate every last crumb of his piece, surrounded by a dozen family members cheering him on.
AJ started walking about a month ago. It went pretty fast. One day he decided he was ready to take a few steps, and within a week he was walking almost entirely. He was SO proud of himself... laughing and throwing his arms in the air before collapsing in a hug. It's amazing how this new found independence has changed AJ. He toddles around keeping himself entertained for long periods of time. He's pretty good at knowing right from wrong (ie staying away from steps). And to our knowledge, he's never eaten one single marble, despite having many opportunities.
His sunny personality hasn't changed. His smiles and giggles come easy, and unsolicited kisses are frequent. Getting him up in the morning is one of my favorite things ever. How someone can go from soundly sleeping to grinning ear to ear in a matter of seconds is a mystery to me, but I hope it never changes.
He's also discovered his temper. Take something away from him, like a cell phone, and he'll flail and scream and fuss, with a devastated pouty lip, scrunchy face and streaming tears. It's hard getting him out of those little funks. The trick is finding something more interesting to distract him. Often these little displays are related to food. Like if he's finished eating and others still have food on their plate, look out.
Yes, the kid loves to eat. His appetite knows no limit. If we allowed him, I think he could eat the same amount of food that Dominic and I eat. I'm not super worried about his size (he's been plump his whole life), but his absence of the "full switch" is definitely something I hope he outgrows. I'm sure his newfound mobility can only help. His pediatrician says he's in the honeymoon phase of eating, and most babies become picky eaters around now. Obviously she hasn't spent much time with our little AJ! We shall see.
Developmentally, he's changing daily. I've always been amazed by his fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination. Give him a new toy with buttons or moving parts, and he'll have it figured out pronto. Lately he's been impressing me having success with simple puzzles and shape sorters. I think he's a smart little guy.
He follows commands like "give the duck a kiss and put it in the water," but he's not saying many words of his own yet. Just tonight he imitated me making dog noises, that's the first intentional "talking" he's done. Well, I guess he's be saying didda (kitty) for awhile too. Mamma and dadda are sporadic. He's also starting the point and "uh" thing that all babies do before the verbal explosion.
AJ and Dominic have a special relationship. Sometimes AJ gives D an expression that seems to be an inside joke. Like there's something funny unsaid and only the two of them get it. I've said from day 1 that AJ has Dominic's personality, so it doesn't bother me that I'm sometime the odd one out here. AJ and I have plenty of special bonding moments too!
Cohen is 3 1/2 and almost waist-high to me. Sometimes I forget he's so young, because he can hold quite detailed conversations. Granted, they often default to trucks, water fountains or the time he threw up. Even so, it's fun talking to him.
At daycare they're making their way through writing the alphabet. They've also started Friend of the Week, in which the kids take turn being "special" for the week... choosing which songs to sing, getting to walk in front of the line, etc. They're continuing cool field trips, most recently to the movie theater to see Gnomeo and Juliet (Cohen liked the movie "theodore" experience, but thought the movie was too long) and Science Center of Iowa in a few weeks. Last week one of the moms organized a night out at Playground for Kids. The kids had a blast and I enjoyed getting to know the moms better. Interestingly enough, the nicest moms in the bunch happened to be moms to Cohen's closest friends!
Lately Cohen's world is one giant episode of Minute to Win It. Today's challenges including walking across the kitchen with a frisbee balanced on his head, trying to bounce a ball into the catfood bowl, and tossing an assortment of toys into a laundry basket. Each game is preceded by "You got a minute, to win it. good luck." and "The game begins in 3, 2, 1..." Each time he wins (which is every time), he celebrates like he's the big winner of a million bucks.
It's interesting to see the dynamics of Cohen and AJ. AJ puts up with whatever. If Cohen wants that toy, fine. If Cohen wants to go first, no biggie. I have a feeling it won't always be that way. When AJ feels strongly about something, nothing will get in his way. Softie Cohen will be no match when punches start being thrown! Most of the time though, Cohen is loving and gentle with AJ, trying to teach him new words, skills, etc. When they're playing well together, AJ is amazed by Cohen.
They're so different from eachother. For example, we went to the mall playground last weekend. Cohen stood by our side for several minutes while acclimating himself to the heavy crowd dynamics. AJ was fearless, never once checking to see if Mom and Dad were still around. Another example. Every night after bath, Cohen snuggles with me wrapped up in a towel. AJ is off to the races the moment he gets out of the tub. The heck with snuggling, or even drying off for that matter. And the eating and sleeping... just completely different.
AJ started walking about a month ago. It went pretty fast. One day he decided he was ready to take a few steps, and within a week he was walking almost entirely. He was SO proud of himself... laughing and throwing his arms in the air before collapsing in a hug. It's amazing how this new found independence has changed AJ. He toddles around keeping himself entertained for long periods of time. He's pretty good at knowing right from wrong (ie staying away from steps). And to our knowledge, he's never eaten one single marble, despite having many opportunities.
His sunny personality hasn't changed. His smiles and giggles come easy, and unsolicited kisses are frequent. Getting him up in the morning is one of my favorite things ever. How someone can go from soundly sleeping to grinning ear to ear in a matter of seconds is a mystery to me, but I hope it never changes.
He's also discovered his temper. Take something away from him, like a cell phone, and he'll flail and scream and fuss, with a devastated pouty lip, scrunchy face and streaming tears. It's hard getting him out of those little funks. The trick is finding something more interesting to distract him. Often these little displays are related to food. Like if he's finished eating and others still have food on their plate, look out.
Yes, the kid loves to eat. His appetite knows no limit. If we allowed him, I think he could eat the same amount of food that Dominic and I eat. I'm not super worried about his size (he's been plump his whole life), but his absence of the "full switch" is definitely something I hope he outgrows. I'm sure his newfound mobility can only help. His pediatrician says he's in the honeymoon phase of eating, and most babies become picky eaters around now. Obviously she hasn't spent much time with our little AJ! We shall see.
Developmentally, he's changing daily. I've always been amazed by his fine motor skills and hand/eye coordination. Give him a new toy with buttons or moving parts, and he'll have it figured out pronto. Lately he's been impressing me having success with simple puzzles and shape sorters. I think he's a smart little guy.
He follows commands like "give the duck a kiss and put it in the water," but he's not saying many words of his own yet. Just tonight he imitated me making dog noises, that's the first intentional "talking" he's done. Well, I guess he's be saying didda (kitty) for awhile too. Mamma and dadda are sporadic. He's also starting the point and "uh" thing that all babies do before the verbal explosion.
AJ and Dominic have a special relationship. Sometimes AJ gives D an expression that seems to be an inside joke. Like there's something funny unsaid and only the two of them get it. I've said from day 1 that AJ has Dominic's personality, so it doesn't bother me that I'm sometime the odd one out here. AJ and I have plenty of special bonding moments too!
Cohen is 3 1/2 and almost waist-high to me. Sometimes I forget he's so young, because he can hold quite detailed conversations. Granted, they often default to trucks, water fountains or the time he threw up. Even so, it's fun talking to him.
At daycare they're making their way through writing the alphabet. They've also started Friend of the Week, in which the kids take turn being "special" for the week... choosing which songs to sing, getting to walk in front of the line, etc. They're continuing cool field trips, most recently to the movie theater to see Gnomeo and Juliet (Cohen liked the movie "theodore" experience, but thought the movie was too long) and Science Center of Iowa in a few weeks. Last week one of the moms organized a night out at Playground for Kids. The kids had a blast and I enjoyed getting to know the moms better. Interestingly enough, the nicest moms in the bunch happened to be moms to Cohen's closest friends!
Lately Cohen's world is one giant episode of Minute to Win It. Today's challenges including walking across the kitchen with a frisbee balanced on his head, trying to bounce a ball into the catfood bowl, and tossing an assortment of toys into a laundry basket. Each game is preceded by "You got a minute, to win it. good luck." and "The game begins in 3, 2, 1..." Each time he wins (which is every time), he celebrates like he's the big winner of a million bucks.
It's interesting to see the dynamics of Cohen and AJ. AJ puts up with whatever. If Cohen wants that toy, fine. If Cohen wants to go first, no biggie. I have a feeling it won't always be that way. When AJ feels strongly about something, nothing will get in his way. Softie Cohen will be no match when punches start being thrown! Most of the time though, Cohen is loving and gentle with AJ, trying to teach him new words, skills, etc. When they're playing well together, AJ is amazed by Cohen.
They're so different from eachother. For example, we went to the mall playground last weekend. Cohen stood by our side for several minutes while acclimating himself to the heavy crowd dynamics. AJ was fearless, never once checking to see if Mom and Dad were still around. Another example. Every night after bath, Cohen snuggles with me wrapped up in a towel. AJ is off to the races the moment he gets out of the tub. The heck with snuggling, or even drying off for that matter. And the eating and sleeping... just completely different.
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