Children's Museum- Cousin Trip

Gavin, my mom and I met my sister and her girls today at The Children's Museum. It has a lot of potential to be a great place for the kids, but Gavin was bouncing off the walls and sprinted from exhibit to exhibit. When we left I was sweating and he was passed out. Mission accomplished?

Safety first!

Boat races!

Oh, your not supposed to eat the bubbles?

Ellie goes grocery shopping!

Beep beep!

Gavin driving the metro transit bus

Ellie bug

smushy Leona

"Riding" the bus

Grandma was on toddler duty x 2!

Zoo keeper Gavin, checking on his animals

Driving the Dora spaceship 

Here comes Leona!

Leave it to Gavin to do something he shouldn't

Weee! Another slide

Gavin goes ice fishing

Checking out the traffic down below

Pretty Leona!

Checking out the turtle

We always love hanging out with the cousins!!

Pounds

19

We're at a point where the months are starting to blend together. The milestones, doctors visits and life-changing events are spreading out, and we are enjoying the moments together.

He lifts his hands up to you, points to the ceiling and wants to be lifted up. He loves to touch the ceiling (we'll thank dad for teaching him that).

Tickles!

Gavin is still a crazy, lovable little guy. He's extremely happy most of the time, whiny when he wants to test us (often, lately), and can tell us what he wants/needs. He has the imagination and energy of a little boy, that is for sure. We love watching him play by himself, talk to himself and read to himself. 

Peeking at mom from under the door.

As "boy-like" as Gavin is, he's also cautious. He has always seemed to know when to be aware of something, or when he's doing something he shouldn't. Many times, he hands  us the tiniest shred of something that he found on the floor. He's always so proud of himself for finding it, too. He will also not down steps, unless we're in his sight (although i'm not going to test him, so we're always nearby).

Playing with Ellie and Leona

"Singing" into the microphone

Lunch with the ladies

We're still working on table manners....

Gavin has spent this month in test mode. He constantly tests us to (a) see if we're watching (b) see if we react  (c) just for fun  (d) find the fastest way to give mom a heart attack.

A few examples of this...not watching Gavin for 15 seconds (not exaggerating!) and to find him in the backyard with the dog, standing in several inches of snow, in his socks! He has mastered using the dog door by wiggling his way out. He also will scale furniture and stools (gah!) and grab things off the counter and stove (when it's not on, thankfully!).  Having a dog and a little boy has got to be as bad as having two children. The two of them "fight" a ridiculous amount and come to me to complain about the other. Trooper is constantly hiding Gavin's toys and Gavin will come over to me, whine and point at Trooper and then walk around and collect his bones to hide. It's constant.

Gavin has also mastered the stink-eye (see above) this month and gives it to anyone who will look in his general direction. While it's funny, it's also embarrassing because it's so not him! He definitely know's how to get attention! 

This months check-up resulted in a few more shots that he didn't get at his 15 month appt, delaying a few more and rounding the scales off at 27lbs and 33in. He is in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Growing perfectly!

Until next month...

Pounds

1.5

We have a one and a half year old! Gavin seems like a completely different person from last month. He now talks on his own as well as repeating us what we ask him to. Common words we've heard this month are, car, cheese truck, ball, grandma, bus, monkey, elephant (seriously, and still not MOM!?).

He loves reading and will read and point at everything car/truck and animal. He points at his book and exclaims, "uh!!" and expects you to tell him what it is he is pointing at. This can last for half an hour. He's a little sponge, soaking it all in.

Having puffy pancakes for breakfast. He insists on doing things that we do all the time. He eats with adult forks and spoons most of the time, eats off of glass dishes at times, sits on his potty when we're in the bathroom, lays on our pillows when we lay down, etc. 

Trooper hiding upstairs, away from the vacuum...for once, not terrorizing Gavin.

"Do I have something on my face?" We're desperately trying to find new things that Gavin will eat so that he won't be only eating peanut butter, eggs, cheese and bread until he's 10. He sure does love his carbs though! He's a whopping 26.5 lbs (with clothes). He is now weighed on a scale standing up like an adult. 

Front row seat for Baby Einstein. We've been limiting the time that the TV is on in the background with Gavin around. We don't want him growing up with the TV on all of time, especially since we've noticed that he's been watching it a lot more. Instead we have dance parties, and listen to music all night long.

Um, Gavin, there is a little something on your eye lash. 

First experience with Quinoa and ate it up! We also had success with red peppers and water chestnuts. 

His favorite activities are playing, climbing, dancing (the wheels on the bus, row row row your boat, anything Zumba and "If your happy and you know it") and playing with friends. I love seeing his expression when he gets to be with other kids. I can't wait for him to move to a new daycare this September and be with older kids. 

Easter egg coloring this weekend

Next year should be more successful, once we understand patience a little better.

Finished product!

This last month included several doctor visits and one hospital visit. I'm hoping spring brings a healthier time of year! We've already been to the hospital twice in his short life and am on a first name basis with many doctors. 

Happy year and a half little man!