He just seems older and more toddler, less baby. The bottles are gone. He walks everywhere on his own. And while Im waiting for that "language explosion" Ive read about, he is effectively able to communicate with us in his own "words", and his receptive language is excellent! He can follow directions, ("Grady, go get mommy a ball!") and while his true English-language vocabulary is limited to Mama, Dada, Ball, and maayyyyybe one or two other real words, he is able to let us know what he wants and doesnt want very effectively :)
He is typically napping once a day for 3-4 hours. And he sleeps from 7pm-ish to 7am-ish every day. He goes to bed so nicely each night and loves his crib the same way Whitney did at this age. He rolls around, tossing and turning throughout the night, and cracks himself up when he wakes in the morning. If we could keep his ears free of infection, he would win the award for "Happiest, Most Laid Back Toddler Ever".
He is a really good eater when he's not sleeping the day away. He will eat just about anything we offer. I think shrimp was the only thing he's turned down recently. Bananas are a favorite and when he sees them on the counter he points and yells "Bah! Bah! Bah!" until you give it to him. And he could exist on animal crackers. He is learning to eat from a plate at the 'kiddie table" in the playroom, but definitely still likes to dump the food on the floor.
He is still in loooove with Thomas the Train and dances and spins around every time we turn it on TV. If he could actually speak, he would likely be able to recite Finding Nemo backwards and forwards, as he watches it daily. Thomas and Nemo both go by "Aaah!" according to Grady's language....but there is a distinct difference between the "AAAH!" for Thomas and the "Aaaah!" for Nemo. Weird. I know.
 |
| He would NOT leave some frogs alone. We had to go inside just to get him away from two frogs I had barricaded behind the chair and couch on the porch. He is ALL BOY! |
The dude is into EVERYTHING. I know the whole "he's all boy" theory, but Grady takes it to extremes. He climbs, maneuvers, and tackles his way through the house. He opens doors and heads outside if left unattended for even a split second, and he has been lost in the house on one very scary occasion that had me calling Eric crying, "I cant find Grady!!!!" I knew he was in the house, as all the doors were locked, but after searching every room, bathtub, washing machine, etc, I could not find him ANYwhere. Suddenly, he just reappeared, walking out of our bedroom with a smirk, as if to say, "Oh. I heard you calling my name. I was just busy." Not my proudest mommy moment.
Grady is the life of the party at his gym classes each week! His personality is fun but obedient and he likes to explore and run free. He lights up when I ask him "Want to go to gym class?" and starts clapping his hands and bouncing his arms. He actually participates in the beginning circle time each class, and is completely fearless when they have him "flying" across the gym or riding a truck down a ramp. He is friendly with all the kids, especially if they happen to be wearing a "Thomas the Train" t-shirt :)
He loves Bailey and excitedly runs to get him a bone whenever the dog goes outside. So sweet.
His favorite toys are a MagnaDoodle he likes to draw on and erase repeatedly. He also likes to color with crayons and paper or on the dry erase board in the kitchen. He really loves books about Mickey, Thomas, Nemo, or Toy Story (another favorite movie). He really likes to play with my wallet, ripping out all the cards and receipts and strewing them everywhere. And he is really into anything with buttons. Our phones and the ipad have plenty of apps to keep him busy, but that ONE little button on there just calls his name and he cant resist pressing it over and over.
He really likes to be outside, but its getting SO hot that its really not enjoyable. He likes the splash pad and Disney World and just being outside chasing bubbles or riding in his blue car. He LOVES bath time and splashing and kicking.
He's never met a stranger and never cries or "misses" me when I walk away from him or during "separation time" at gym class. He's pretty well-adjusted....for now :)
He is a REALLY happy, smiley kid, waving at strangers and saying, "Haaa!" (hi) to anyone we pass. When he doesnt feel well, he just wants to sit in my lap and watch a movie, and while I hate that he gets sick, I definitely eat up those extra cuddles since I know it wont be long before he's off and running again.
He thinks Whitney is the best thing ever, and asks for "Buh?" whenever she is not around. I love their love for each other. So sweet and amazing to watch their bond form and strengthen.
And of course, she thinks she's awesome, too...so it works out nicely for everyone.
I said I wasnt going to do chair pictures anymore, but Grady cooperated right away, and Whitney actually said, "I miss doing chair pictures wiff Grady! Take my picture, too!" so we attempted. They are just so sweet together, Im glad she asked to hop in the chair :)
I also had no intention of continuing the monthly updates, but he has changed and grown so much recently, I wanted to make sure I keep track here since this has become our "unofficial family album and history" :)
No comments:
Post a Comment