Toddler Boy: 20 Months

Our little guy is 20 months old. He is talking up a storm, picking up new words everyday. He loves his books more than ever. His first words after waking up are usually, "book, book." So each morning we read for 15-20 minutes while he drinks his morning milk.

This month we have been experimenting with taking one nap instead of two. Sometimes it works well, sometimes he still needs two. We've been trying new things at the local recreational centers: Tot Play --where they have toy cars, push carts, balls, blocks and more to play with. Kind of like an "open gym" for babies. (I have been trying Zumba there on Saturdays.)

He loves the cars. He is coordinated enough now to get in and out mostly on his own and can move around some too!

William also loves to be a part of all things happening in the kitchen. He helps us prep eggs or pancakes for breakfast, he helps me make Chris's lunch for the next day and sometimes dinner. He also loves water play while we try to get the dishes done. If we are in the kitchen, William is usually on the chair right there with us.

Toddler Boy loves basketball. He has for quite sometime. We got him a full-size ball of his own at the Salvation Army a while ago and although it's bulky to take along to the park, it is his favorite thing. He watches basketball practices at a nearby gym with Chris almost every weekend and sometimes I will show him the skills I picked up in the 7th grade, too.

This past month he has been sick twice. Otherwise he a really happy little boy. He loves playing outside. We've had the blessing of having a few play-dates at a nearby park this last month too! The boys don't necessarily play together but they often want to be near each other and watch what the other is doing.

Trucks, trucks and more trucks. Dump trucks, firetrucks, ambulances, delivery trucks, mail vans, and cars. All are worthy of attention and excitement. We walked by three huge electric-company trucks the other day and William was having the best time admiring all of the equipment and all of the wheels or "wheols."

He is so much fun. And so sweet. He has mastered saying "Thank You" for nearly everything, he also loves "tray" trading toys. He loves joining someone on the see-saw and swings and is starting to notice when other babies aren't happy, often mimicking their cries. 

Our days are full, but so are our hearts.

Our little guy is 20 months old. He is talking up a storm, picking up new words everyday. He loves his books more than ever. His first words after waking up are usually, "book, book." So each morning we read for 15-20 minutes while he drinks his morning milk.

This month we have been experimenting with taking one nap instead of two. Sometimes it works well, sometimes he still needs two. We've been trying new things at the local recreational centers: Tot Play --where they have toy cars, push carts, balls, blocks and more to play with. Kind of like an "open gym" for babies. (I have been trying Zumba there on Saturdays.)

He loves the cars. He is coordinated enough now to get in and out mostly on his own and can move around some too!

William also loves to be a part of all things happening in the kitchen. He helps us prep eggs or pancakes for breakfast, he helps me make Chris's lunch for the next day and sometimes dinner. He also loves water play while we try to get the dishes done. If we are in the kitchen, William is usually on the chair right there with us.

Toddler Boy loves basketball. He has for quite sometime. We got him a full-size ball of his own at the Salvation Army a while ago and although it's bulky to take along to the park, it is his favorite thing. He watches basketball practices at a nearby gym with Chris almost every weekend and sometimes I will show him the skills I picked up in the 7th grade, too.

This past month he has been sick twice. Otherwise he a really happy little boy. He loves playing outside. We've had the blessing of having a few play-dates at a nearby park this last month too! The boys don't necessarily play together but they often want to be near each other and watch what the other is doing.

Trucks, trucks and more trucks. Dump trucks, firetrucks, ambulances, delivery trucks, mail vans, and cars. All are worthy of attention and excitement. We walked by three huge electric-company trucks the other day and William was having the best time admiring all of the equipment and all of the wheels or "wheols."

He is so much fun. And so sweet. He has mastered saying "Thank You" for nearly everything, he also loves "tray" trading toys. He loves joining someone on the see-saw and swings and is starting to notice when other babies aren't happy, often mimicking their cries. 

Our days are full, but so are our hearts.

Mother's Day II

Mother's Day was quite uneventful this year, which when reflecting on last year, is probably a good thing.  The day was low key -- Chris made us breakfast and gave me a great card and I went to church alone because William's nap ran late. Chris and William met me after church and we joined some friends for burritos.

That afternoon we drove to Oakland to visit some friends for dinner. They always make such amazing dinners and it was pure coincidence that it happened to be Mother's Day -- but I took it as a gift not to have to cook! We had grilled fish and asparagus. Yum!

And that is about it.

Oh, and William gave me his first real squeeze-my-middle-hug the day before. That hug completely melted my heart.

This year, I have seen my little boy grow and grow-- now walking, and learning words. He's understanding how things work and how to express himself a little better. I love seeing him make these connections. I've caught myself just watching him play, in awe that he is mine. I often search his face, trying to figure out who he is or who he will grow to be, that is my treasure to unwrap as the years go by.

I've also seen my own limitations and weaknesses . . . fleshy, sin make appearances. How quickly I lose my temper or take my work-stress out on him (and vice versa). I've seen how my attitude affects his (and vice versa). I've learned that if I don't get a break from this sweet face once in awhile, I'm not the mother I want to be. And that saddens me--makes me feel like I'm not good enough or cut out for this motherhood role. 

I have realized that on my own strength, I have very little to offer my son. I need to be connected to the well-spring of life. To my Creator God, Savior Jesus, and Holy Spirit. I was reminded this past weekend of the dedication service where they prayed over me specifically. I need to keep being in prayer. It's not a one time thing. Just like motherhood -- it's a lifetime thing.

Mother's Day was quite uneventful this year, which when reflecting on last year, is probably a good thing.  The day was low key -- Chris made us breakfast and gave me a great card and I went to church alone because William's nap ran late. Chris and William met me after church and we joined some friends for burritos.

That afternoon we drove to Oakland to visit some friends for dinner. They always make such amazing dinners and it was pure coincidence that it happened to be Mother's Day -- but I took it as a gift not to have to cook! We had grilled fish and asparagus. Yum!

And that is about it.

Oh, and William gave me his first real squeeze-my-middle-hug the day before. That hug completely melted my heart.

This year, I have seen my little boy grow and grow-- now walking, and learning words. He's understanding how things work and how to express himself a little better. I love seeing him make these connections. I've caught myself just watching him play, in awe that he is mine. I often search his face, trying to figure out who he is or who he will grow to be, that is my treasure to unwrap as the years go by.

I've also seen my own limitations and weaknesses . . . fleshy, sin make appearances. How quickly I lose my temper or take my work-stress out on him (and vice versa). I've seen how my attitude affects his (and vice versa). I've learned that if I don't get a break from this sweet face once in awhile, I'm not the mother I want to be. And that saddens me--makes me feel like I'm not good enough or cut out for this motherhood role. 

I have realized that on my own strength, I have very little to offer my son. I need to be connected to the well-spring of life. To my Creator God, Savior Jesus, and Holy Spirit. I was reminded this past weekend of the dedication service where they prayed over me specifically. I need to keep being in prayer. It's not a one time thing. Just like motherhood -- it's a lifetime thing.

Discovery Bay Museum

The Bay Area is full of great activities for kids, including little toddlers! I've been a bit shy about venturing out and checking them out, not for lack of interest or desire, but because very few things are free and convenient. (William still naps twice a day and I'm still working.)

But two weeks ago, Chris and I took William to the Discovery Bay Museum north of the Golden Gate Bridge. We were planning to go and I mentioned it to a friend and she says, "Did you get the Groupon for that?" Um, no . . . but I will now! I love my deal-savvy friends!

I really didn't know what to expect or how to best plan our time there, but I think William had a blast anyway. Everything is very hands on. They even have a room just for toddlers 42" and under (which is nice since everyone over 42" seems to trample my son).

The highlights for William were:

a stream/water table with plastic fish and frogs

bouncy-pond with stuffed animal ducks

trains,

xylophones,

and bubbles. Bubbles are always a highlight.

We really didn't get to stay long before he was getting tired (and probably over stimulated). I have another coupon ready for next time and I'm excited to try it again!

The Bay Area is full of great activities for kids, including little toddlers! I've been a bit shy about venturing out and checking them out, not for lack of interest or desire, but because very few things are free and convenient. (William still naps twice a day and I'm still working.)

But two weeks ago, Chris and I took William to the Discovery Bay Museum north of the Golden Gate Bridge. We were planning to go and I mentioned it to a friend and she says, "Did you get the Groupon for that?" Um, no . . . but I will now! I love my deal-savvy friends!

I really didn't know what to expect or how to best plan our time there, but I think William had a blast anyway. Everything is very hands on. They even have a room just for toddlers 42" and under (which is nice since everyone over 42" seems to trample my son).

The highlights for William were:

a stream/water table with plastic fish and frogs

bouncy-pond with stuffed animal ducks

trains,

xylophones,

and bubbles. Bubbles are always a highlight.

We really didn't get to stay long before he was getting tired (and probably over stimulated). I have another coupon ready for next time and I'm excited to try it again!