8th Birthday Update!

Busy day today for Dexter's 8th birthday.   We had school, swim lesson and a football game.   Will update stats and his likes/dislikes after our cruise!

Skills - This year Dexter has grown alot!   He is now 50.5 inches tall and weighs 53 lbs.  In school he remains in Speech therapy classes twice a week and can speak clearly when he slows down and tries. He also tested into Gifted Reading class midway through the year and now attends that once a week.  In sports he has done Taekwondo all year and has progressed from white to gold to green belt (soon to be purple) and he just recently started flag football which he really enjoys.

Favorite Friends at school - Moses, Chrisopher, Jacob, Jaden & Justin
Favorite Foods - Chicken Nuggets, Grilled Cheese (from Gram), Ham & Cheese (from Subway)
Favorite TV - Rescue Bots, Octonauts
Favorite Movies - All Star Wars
Favorite Toys - Stuffed animals
Favorite place to go - Disney/Legoland
Favorite animal - Pig
Favorite color - Yellow
Favorite desert - Ice Cream
Favorite superhero - Batman
Favorite Sport - Footaball

He also really likes video games - Star Wars battlefront, War Thunder, Roblox.

His stated dislikes are bullies and cheating.

Happy 7th Birthday!

Vital Stats:
Weight: 49 pounds  Height: 48 inches
 I wear size 5T-Youth XS shirts and pants, size 10 shoes
I lost my first 2 teeth this year!

Skills:
I am a great reader (books are some of my favorite toys!) and can finally ride a bike!  I am just starting to learn how to play baseball and I just started Karate lessons - both are fun but I have a lot of work to do in these new sports. I am still working with a Speech Therapist at school to improve my articulation with a main focus on "S" and "Th" and "R" sounds.

Likes: Mommy asked me a series of questions about my favorite things so here you go - 

Favorite friends at school - Miles, Edward and Dean

Favorite food - Waffles for breakfast, chicken nuggets or grilled cheese for dinner

Favorite show - Sid the Science kid or Octonauts

Favorite Movie - All 7 Star Wars movies

Favorite toy - LEGO or stuffed animals

Favorite place to go - Disney world or Legoland

Favorite animal - Housefly?!! or Peguins

Favorite color - Yellow

Favorite dessert - Yogurt Raisins, Ice Cream

Favorite superhero - Superman, Batman & Mr. Fantastic

Favorite supervillian - Mystique

Favorite sport - swimming

 

 

Dislikes: I am still a pretty calm kiddo who likes most things.  I dislike haircuts or being asked to try new foods.

What is to come: I have 7 more weeks of school at Glenkirk Elementary & Montessori for after school.  Then my summer of fun begins - I have weeks with my Gram, Nana, cousins, summer camps, and more all lined up before starting back to school in August in my new school - Victory Elementary.

Thank you to everyone who wished me happy birthday and for any presents you sent!

6 year old update

Vital Stats:
Weight: 44 pounds  Height: 46 inches
 I still wear size 4T shirts and pants, size 10 shoes

Skills:
I can read!  I am really good at sounding out words phonetically and am becoming a better speller every day.
I have good balance on my glider bike and might be willing to try a real bike again.

Likes: Mommy asked me a series of questions about my favorite things so here you go - 

Favorite friends at school - Miles, Brett and Lily

Favorite friends at home - McKenzie

Favorite teachers - Ms. Amanda & Ms. Joanne B

Favorite food - Waffles for breakfast, Spaghetti and meatballs for dinner

Favorite show - Stampy a YouTube channel about Minecraft

Favorite Movie - Lego Movie

Favorite toy - Rescue Bots

Favorite place to go - Epcot

Favorite animal - Kimono Dragon

Favorite color - Pink

Favorite dessert - Cookies

Favorite superhero - Superman

Favorite sport - swimming

 

 

Dislikes: Not much I dislike.  Main thing would be losing my iPad because we have to do something else.  I don't mind if you set a timer for me and when it rings I have to stop playing but if you just come and take my iPad from me I will get cranky!

 

What is to come: There are lots of big events happening at school over the next month.  We have International Day where I will present fun facts about South Korea.  We have Kindergarten graduation and presentation of all our special classes (art, music, etc)

I have lots of trips planned with my family as well and I will be spending several weeks away from my parents this summer!

 

 

5th Birthday!

 On my birthday we had a celebration at school.  Mommy and Daddy came to my class and we did our special birthday tradition.  The birthday kid sits in the middle with the earth globe, we sing "The earth goes around the sun and then Dexter was 1 (2,3,4,5)" and after each time I walk around the sun Ms. Kyou-Bin tells the class what I did that year and shows them a picture of me.  I was very excited to show my friends pictures of me when I was a baby.  I also showed mommy and daddy around my classroom and showed them how I am learning to spell small words by sounding out each letter, like cat, rat, etc.

Vital Stats:
Weight: 38.2 pounds  Height: 42.75 inches
 Clothes I wear size 4T shirts and pants, size 10 shoes

Skills:
Physically: I am very physically active, I like to run and jump and play - perhaps this lead to me breaking 2 bones this year. 

Verbally: My speech continues to improve and I am much more talkative than I was a year ago.  "S" still tends to be the hardest letter for me to pronounce but I am working on it at my speech class twice a week.

Likes: Mommy asked me a series of questions about my favorite things so here you go - 

Favorite friends at school - Edward & Miles

Favorite friends at home - Josh & Kyle

Favorite teachers - Ms. Kyou-Bin & Ms. Amanda

Favorite food - Peanut butter mini-bagel

Favorite TV show - I dont really watch TV - but I will watch any "Evan tube" video on youtube

Favorite Movie - Transformers 1

Favorite toy - Legos

Favorite place to go - Disneyworld

Favorite dog - Ophelia

Favorite animal - Giraffe

Favorite color - All colors

Favorite dessert - Chocolate

Favorite superhero - Batman

Favorite sport - swimming

 

 

Dislikes: Not a whole lot, I am a pretty mellow kid.  As long as I have some warning that change is coming (like bed in 10minutes or we are leaving soon) I tolerate change.  Sometimes I don't want to go to sleep because I would rather keep playing, but I go to bed without a fight.  

What is to come: I have about 6 more weeks of school and then our family will go to Florida to celebrate my great-nana's 90th birthday!  Later that summer I get to go back to Florida for nana's 70th birthday party! September 2nd I officially become a kindergartener.

4th Birthday!

Vital Stats:
Weight: 36.6 pounds  Height: 41 inches
 Clothes I wear size 3-4T shirts and pants, size 9 shoes

Skills:
Physically: Running, jumping, climbing is fun.  I have my first sport this summer playing in a T-ball league with my cousin Luke in Ohio.  I also have a 1 mile race in July in Virginia - I am hoping to dominate the 4 year old group. 

Verbally: My speech is much improved in the past six months.  Strangers can understand most of what I am saying now.  The letter "S" is still very hard for me to say correctly - but I am working on it and if you slow down and pronounce a word for me I can usually repeat it correctly.

Likes: Mommy asked me a series of questions about my favorite things so here you go - 

Favorite friend at school - Cadence 

Favorite friend at home - Audrey

Favorite teacher - Miss Isabel

Favorite food - spagehetti and meatballs

Favorite TV show - Caillou

Favorite Movie - Kung Fu Panda

Favorite toy - Captain America

Favorite place to go - school

Favorite dog - Bosley

Favorite animal - Penguins

Favorite color - Pink

Favorite dessert - Gummies

Favorite superhero - Batman

Favorite inside game - Putt putt saves the zoo (on PC or iPad)

Favorite outside activity - swings at playground

Dislikes:I dislike lots of things for a minute.  I will dislike the idea of stopping play to take a shower, but then I love it once I am in there.  Like most kids I throw a mini-fit if I don't get what I want, but I quickly get over it. 

What is to come: We have the big move in just two more weeks.  I am excited to spend 6 weeks with my cousins Cole and Luke in Ohio until we drive to Virginia and Daddy meets up with us.  Once I get to Virginia I will start at a Montessori preschool near my new house. 

3 1/2 years old!

Dexter's spider hat and his 1/2 birthday cupcake!

Vital Stats:
Weight: 35.6 pounds  Height: 39 inches
Clothes I wear size 3-4T shirts and pants, size 9 shoes

Skills:
Physically:  I am potty trained and have not had an accident in a while now.  I can run, jump and ride a bike with training wheels

Verbally:  I completed the first eight weeks of speech class and in January will have eight more weeks of class.  My speech has improved a lot since I turned three, I talk much more now to friends and strangers alike.

Likes: My favorite thing to do is either play "putt-putt" on the iPad or build a structure with magna-tiles.  I like to play at the playground and swinging is still my favorite there - I have learned how to pump my legs so I can swing myself.

 

Favorite Foods: I have branched out here and finally starting eating some meat (perhaps it is because mommy isnt cooking it and the chef is....) fish is a favorite, along with pork.  I still love grapes, yogurt, bagels, mac & cheese, PB&J sandwiches.  My new favorite treat is ice cream- which was my reward for popping in the potty. 

Dislikes:  I want mommy or daddy close by so I can see them or touch them, but I don't want them helping me do anything. 

What is to come: For Thanksgiving we are going to Colorado Springs to play with the McCalls.  At Christmas time it is off to Florida to see Disneyworld and all my mommies family.  Then not much until we move to Virgina next summer. 

3 year update!

Vital Stats:
Weight: 32.6 pounds  Height: 38 inches
Clothes I wear size 3T shirts and pants, size 8 shoes

Skills:
Physically, Gross motor:  I am potty trained well.  I still sleep with a diaper on but during the day or during an elusive nap I keep my underwear on.  I am not very interested in learning to ride my bike, but perhaps I will later this summer.  I am a master Frisbee thrower - I will take out your head if your within 10 feet of me - watch out!  I am still pretty clumsy - I think each knee and elbow has cuts on them. 
Physically, Fine motor: I can write several letters (A, C, D, E, F, H. I, L, M, O, R, T, X) and love to draw on my dry erase board

Verbally: I have made some improvement here lately as well.  I am adding 1-3 new words a day.  This week I added park, yellow, white, apple, two, three, bad, dog, duck, hat, bagel, Bosley and Audrey (next door neighbor) to my "words other people besides mommy could understand" list.  I also learned the signs for bear, cat and school this week and I like to use those as well.  I am also finally beginning to occasionally mimic what people say.  I meet with my speech pathologist every week for an hour but in August it moves up to two times per week for two hours a session for eight weeks, then eight weeks off, then eight weeks back on.  That will complete my early intervention speech program and hopefully by then my speech is much improved.  I feel like it has made some real progress lately. 

Likes: My favorite thing is to play in mommy's car - I like to play with car keys, garage door openers, lights, wipers, stick shifts, emergency brakes - you name it, if it is a car I love it.   I like my new room at school.  The kids are so big (3-5 years old) and the playground is huge!  I like going to the park or playground or really anything outside.  I like to play with the hose or sprinkler.  I like to read books, do jigsaw puzzles and watch Super Why on TV.

Favorite Foods: Only new foods to add here are grilled cheese and cheeseburgers.  I also like apple slices and all my old favorites : bagels, waffles, beans, fruit (all but pineapple), peas. 

Dislikes: Bedtime.  I used to be so easy to put asleep but now I fight it - I just know something exciting is going on and I dont want to miss it.  (Also I am a bit scared of the dark and being alone)

What is to come: In 3 weeks Nana and Grandfather are coming to stay with me for 12 days while mommy and daddy go on a cruise to Alaska.  Then in July mommy and I are going to Ohio for 10 days on Cole's 5th birthday and in December we are all going to Florida for Christmas Dec 14-20.  It seems like I am always flying on an airplane somewhere!  I am going to keep working hard on all my skills these next several months and I will keep you all updated!  Thanks for following along with me, these three years have been awesome!

Two and a Half!

Here is my big update on my many skills and likes over the past 6 months

Vital Stats:
Weight: 31 pounds Height: 36 inches
I am up to 18 teeth out of 20 
For clothes I wear size 2-3T shirts and pants, size 5 shoes

Skills:
Physically: I am great at pulling all my clothes and diaper off.  I can pull my pants back up, put on socks and zip my coat.  I can run well and can jump with both feet off the ground if I am holding onto something.  I can brush my teeth and wash my hands pretty well.  Potty training has improved recently.  Although I am not using the potty much I really like to take off my diaper right after I peed or pooped and then sit on the potty.  I prefer to pee in the bathtub than the potty. 

Verbally: My speaking has improved lately as well.  I am speaking more multiple word sentences like "what's that momma" or "no go home" (I say this after school when I want to go to the playground)  I call things by the noise they make instead of their real name, like meow is cat, roar is lion or tiger, etc.  I also babble and talk way more than I used to, so hopefully more words will be coming soon. 

Mentally: I know most of the colors and shapes.  I can point out several letters, my favorite is O.  I understand a lot of what is said to me.

Likes: I like to pick out my own clothes.  I often will not like your first few choices for me so I will end up in shorts, a coat, a winter hat and sunglasses when you take me to the supermarket.   I like to watch SuperWhy and play on my iPad.  I like to go for walks with my dogs and have been walking either dog on my own for a while now.  If I dont want to walk my dog, I like to pull an empty wagon during the walk.  I like to ask nicely for things by signing "please" - it works great for getting whatever I want!

Favorite Foods: Beans, Waffles, Grapes, Blueberry, Banana Bread, Bagels, Mac & Cheese, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Chicken Nuggets, Fruit smoothies.  Favorite Drink is Chocolate Milk.

Dislikes:Being put in time out.  Nap time.  I don't like someone doing something for me - I have  a plan in my mind for what I want to do or wear so dont mess with it!

What is to come: Holiday season is coming soon so I get to go on lots more trips in the next 6 months.  Next week Grandfather is coming to visit.  For Thanksgiving I am going to Colorado to have turkey with Duncan and Aine McCall.  For Christmas I am going to Gram's house in Maryland to visit Gram, my cousins Ben & NIkki and my aunt Deb and uncle Joe.  Then next March I am going to Gainesville to visit my nana and grandfather while mom and dad buy another rental house in Florida.   I am going to be so busy!

At school I have 6 more months to master potty training.  You can't move into the 3-4 year old room until you are fully potty trained!

2 years!

Yesterday was my big birthday, but today I went to the doctor for all my official measurements so my blog post is a day late. 

Here is my big update on my many skills and likes over the past 6 months

Vital Stats: 
Weight: 27.8 pounds (49% percentile) Height: 36.2 inches (91% percentile) Head size 51.4cm (98% percentile) 
I am up to 12 teeth with #13 just starting to come out now.  
For clothes I wear size 2T shirts and pants, size 5 shoes
I had to get 1 booster shot today, but no more shots until I am 4!

Skills:
Physically: Gross motor:  I can run and climb really well.  I can pull 50 pound dogs in wagons.  I can throw a ball or kick a ball hard but not in any particular direction.
Fine Motor: I can use a spoon, fork and knife.  I can brush my teeth.  I can open any unlocked door.  I also paint well with my fingers, still working on using markers and crayons on the paper and not on the tables.

Verbally: I have a few 2 word sentances down - my favorites are "bye-bye dadda", "thank-you momma", "no momma" and "more wawa (water)".  My single word vocab is still fairly limited to around 20 words that non-mothers could understand (mama, dada, nana (which can mean nana or banana), dog, gaga (garbage truck), juice, water, cheese, cracker, ball, quack-quack(duck), more, hand, door, night-night etc)

Likes: Brooms. Water. Playgrounds. Balloons. Playing in the car.  I really like to drag people around the house showing them things.  I will ask for your hand and then bring you to my super awesome discovery or just bring you to a door I want you to unlock.  I like to sleep.  You say its bedtime and I will jump up, start running to my room while yelling bye-bye dada and climb into my big boy bed before you even turned around.  I like my new 2-3 year old room at school.  So much to see and new toys to play with - I have only been there 3 days, but I know I like it.    

Favorite Foods:  Smoothies, yogurt, blueberry, grapes, waffles, corn, cereal, baked beans, chicken nuggets, granola bars, goldfish, animal crackers. Favorite Drinks: I just recently switched from whole milk to 1% milk. I drink one capri-sun juice a day after school. I also enjoy water from water fountains or sports bottles. 

Dislikes: My only dislike is not getting what I want at the moment I want it.  That is all really..

What is to come: Now that I am in the 2 year old room at school I get to start potty training.  I already have a potty at home and like to sit on it on occasion.  At school all the kids sit on the potty at the same time (peer pressure!) and try to go. I am already trying to be like the bigger kids but first I need to get better at pulling my shorts or pants down - that is pretty tricky. 

 

In 2 weeks I fly to Florida to visit nana and grandfather.  I can't wait!   The rest of the summer should be filled with sunshine and play!

Here is a bonus video of me playing with the toy Cole & Luke picked out for me:

I am one and a half years old!

Here is a breakdown of my many accomplishments over the last 3 months:

Weight: About 26 pounds. I still wear size 18month pants, 2T shirts and size 4 shoes.  I have my next doctor visit on Monday so I will give you official height and weights then.

Skills:
Physically: Gross motor:  I can run!  This usually leads to me falling down after tripping on my own feet, but I just get up and try again.   I can get on and off my horse and then rock back and forth.  I love to climb on playgrounds and can go down slides by myself. 
Fine Motor: I love to play with pens and markers to try and draw.

Verbally:  Mama, Dadda, Ball, More are the only words mommy can understand, although I will clearly point to things and say a sentence they just look at me confused.  My favorite new signs are bath and airplane.

Likes:  I like to help put away things or clean my table after a meal (usually a very messy table after I have eaten).  I love being outside and walking the dogs.  I like to ask for more food every chance I get.  I like to dance.  I like putting things where they belong and yet I like to destroy things also.   I love baths.  I love watching “super why” with breakfast.  I like to say night-night to my dogs and daddy every night.

Dislikes:  I dislike being carried when mommy and daddy don’t think I am walking good enough.   I don’t like going to baby school in the morning unless they have already started breakfast then its fine for you to leave me there.  

What is to come:  The big excitement for the next three months is Christmas with my cousins!  I get to fly on an airplane and play with Cole and Luke for 2 weeks in Ohio.  We have all sorts of fun things planned while I am there like the zoo and science centers.  Also mommy is going to try and make me a brother or sister while I am there, not sure what that means but I guess it is ok.

Here is a slideshow of my last six months put to a song mommy blatantly stole from Finn and Mirabelle's momma's video a few days ago.  

15 month mirthday!

First off, my Aunt Heather wanted to see a picture of me eating at my new table so here I am from this morning eating my blueberries, waffle and milk. Also here is a video from this morning showing people what I like to do in the morning between 6:30 and 7:30 when I leave for baby school. Its a pretty action packed hour!


Here is a breakdown of my many accomplishments over the last 3 months:

Weight: About 23 pounds. I wear size 18month pants, 2T shirts and size 4 shoes

Skills:
Physically: I can walk well. I can throw balls and kick balls. I can use a spoon and a fork but still prefer using my hands. I can get in and out of a little chair.

Verbally: My best words are mama and ball. I still mostly grunt and try to mimic words people say but you wouldn't be able to recognize them as words yet.

Comprehension: Although I cant talk well I understand a lot. If you say we are going for a walk I will bring everyone their shoes, bring the dogs their collars and get into my stroller. If you say bring me a ball or book I will. If you tell me to drink I will. If you say time to brush your teeth I will go to the bathroom. If you say night-night I will wave bye to mommy or daddy and go to my room and sleep without any problem. I am also starting to learn my body parts. I know head, ears, mouth, tongue and tummy so far.

Likes: Outdoor play, looking at books and being read to, playing with Bosley, sleeping, opening and closing doors, playgrounds

Dislikes: I hate when someone takes away a toy I am playing with. I hate baths in a bathtub (however I love baths in the sink)

What is to come: Next week I am flying in another airplane! I am going to visit my nana and grandfather in Florida for 6 days with mommy. I can't wait to see them and play in the ocean. I still use a pacifier at night but mommy said after that trip she is going to start taking them away at night - we will see how that goes!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday! Here is a picture of me and my nana!

Weight: About 21 pounds 5oz. I have my 1 year checkup in 2 weeks so I will give you full stats then. I also get a whole bunch of shots that day!

Skills:
Physically: My left leg issues seem to be getting better. I can walk on it again while holding on to people or objects. Still not willing to let go and walk by myself.
Verbally: I can say momma and daddy well. Hopefully more words are coming because I have a lot to say! I might not be able to talk back to you but I understand what your saying - If you ask me to drink my juice I will, if you ask me to give you an object I will.

Likes: My new room at daycare is fun. I like going through the recycle bin and pulling things out I don't want in there. Then the same old - going for walks and reading books. I also like the show "SuperWhy" on PBS

Dislikes: I dont like mommy or daddy leaving the room. I don't care about walking since I can crawl somewhere so much quicker.

New Foods since my last update: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich is the greatest invention ever.

Highlights of the month and what is to come: This month I stopped using bottles completely. I started wearing shoes during the day and I moved into a new classroom full of new kids and new teachers. My nana also flew to New Mexico just to visit me! Can't wait for next month.

11 month update!

Here is my final month update! March pictures are also updated. This time next month I will be turning one! I can't wait

Weight: somewhere over 21 pounds

Skills:
Physically: This month I have gotten a lot better at walking. I walk behind my toy car all the time and also walk around the coffee table a lot. I still will not try walking unless I am holding on to something however. I am also getting better at using a spoon. I like to put my spoon into the bowl of food and then put it in my mouth, but I don't always get any food on the spoon. So I am still working on that
Verbally: Still not talking with any words you would know but I do enjoy making random sounds.

Likes:I like playing - my walk behind car and my new fort are probably my favorite right now. I love going on walks still and to let mommy or daddy know I am ready for a walk I go over to my stroller and try to crawl into the seat or just bang on it to get their attention. I love to give the sign for "all done" once I am done eating. If I wave both hands in the air and smile at mommy or daddy they will take me out of my high chair and let me play on the ground with the dogs. Here is a picture of all the boys in the fort - no girls allowed.

Dislikes: I don't getting albuteral breathing treatments and try to look as sad as possible when mommy gives it to me.
New Foods since my last update: I will pretty much eat anything now, just cut it small enough and I will try it. In fact I had a piece of grilled cheese with tomato soup the other day at baby school and loved it. I also really like black beans and baked beans.

Highlights of the month and what is to come: This month I visited people in Ohio and took my first airplane rides. I was completely asleep for 3 of the 4 flights, but I do remember playing peek-a-boo with the lady sitting behind me for the one flight I stayed awake for. This coming month is a big one for transitions. At school they are going to switch one bottle of milk for a cup of milk over the next 4 weeks until all my milk is in a cup! If there is space in the 1 year old rooms I will move up to that class at the end of the month which should be exciting to meet new friends and teachers.

10 month update!

This mirthday post is a day early because mommy works every Monday and Friday and so she is doing it early. Silly mommy!



Weight: somewhere over 20 pounds

Skills:
Physically: I have better fine motor skills now - I can clap, take hats off, do the sign for milk, turn pages in a book. My large motor skill improvement this month is getting up and down from standing smoothly
Verbally: I have the letters A and B down pat, not so much any other letters.

Likes: I like to eat. I like to crawl. I like to pull up on anything I can. I like to pull my mommy's scrub pants down while she is working in the kitchen and I am trying to pull myself up using her pants. I like everything that is on the video mommy made about me.

Dislikes: When I am really tired don't even try to put me on the ground - I need to be held until you understand that I am really tired not hungry or teething and you should put me in my crib.

New Foods since my last update: Grains - nothing new. Fruits - Strawberry. Vegetables - Broccoli, Spinach. Protein -nothing new Dairy - american cheese. I really like smoothies that daddy makes sometimes with dinner - I get a few ounces in my sippy cup and I just gobble that down! Not sure what category this goes in but I started on Tuesday getting one bottle of formula a day in addition to my three-four bottles of breastmilk. Mommy cant keep up with me anymore and had to finally give in.

Highlights of the month and what is to come: This was a short month it seemed. I got sick with pink eye and another double ear infection. My ears are getting rechecked the day before I fly to Ohio to see if the infection went away completely after the antibiotics. Hopefully it did, doc said if I get 4 ear infections in a 6 month period I get tubes stuck in my ears! In two weeks I have a big trip planned to Ohio to see just about every important person in my life! All four of my cousins, all my grandparents, all my aunts and uncles - even some second cousins and a great-uncle! I can not wait to see them and fly in an airplane!

9 months update

Wow! I am 9 months old today - can it be I have been outside of my mommy longer than I was inside yet?




Weight: somewhere over 19 pounds

Skills:
Physically: I can crawl, pull up on anything, stand up, cruise along the coffee table/sofa, I can sit down from standing position somewhat gracefully. I can feed myself cheerios, crackers, teething biscuits well.
Verbally: Still no words but I love to say "Ba" all the time and something that sounds like "Up"

Likes: I like to wrap things around my head/neck - this doesnt sound very safe does it. I started doing this with mommy's wii nun-chuck cable so mommy gave me a scarf to play with instead - much softer and less dangerous.
I like to go to the grocery store - every Saturday mommy and me go there and my job is to make old people and the deli girl happy by flashing smiles at them.
I like to play with the dog bowls - Bosley is still not amused by this. I make up for it however by handing them lots of food while I am eating in my high chair.

Dislikes: Not being around people, I will crawl after you at mock pace if you leave me.

New Foods since my last update: Grains - Crackers. Fruits - Melon. Vegetables -nothing new. Protein - Beef. Dairy - Yogurt, cheddar cheese. I really enjoy the yogurt!

Highlights of the month and what is to come:
This month was all about growing & moving. There is no place I dont want to crawl to and climb over. I am getting bigger and stronger and needing to eat more also. I have added in an afternoon snack to my eating pattern and eat more solid foods at each meal than one month ago. I am still on only breastmilk (hooray to mommy for making it 9 months so far) but a few times now had apple juice which is fun to drink also! Next month should be more of the same - working on walking & talking & growing. Mommy said once it gets a bit warmer out she will take me to a place called the Zoo! I look forward to that.

That is all for now - have a great February!

8 month update!

I didnt think my 8 month birthday would be spent going to doctors and wearing Oxygen - good thing I am so laid back and willing to wear the oxygen for mommy and daddy.



Weight: 18 pounds 8.5oz

Skills:
Physically: I can crawl all over the house now. I can pull myself from crawling to resting on my knees with my hands on something like a table or lap. I have twice so far gone from the resting on my knees to pulling myself up to a standing position. I am getting better at feeding myself - I can gnaw on a teething biscuit for a long time and can get alot more cheerios actually in my mouth now.
Verbally: No words yet. I am great at grunts and spitting - does that count?

Likes: I like watching TV (shush..dont tell anyone). I like when my stuffed animals give me kisses. I still love reading books and going for walks - not much has changed there in 8 months. I like crawling to the doggies water and food bowl and splashing the water or trying to eat their food. Bosley is not a fan of this.

Dislikes: Albuterol breathing treatments & coughing

New Foods since my last update: Grains - Pasta, Fruits - Mango, Peaches, Plums, Blueberries. Vegetables - Carrots, Peas, Zucchini . Protein - Turkey, Chicken & Tofu. My next new foods are yogurt, eggplant and melons - can't wait!

Highlights of the month and what is to come:
This month had the excitement of Christmas and New Years which was great. Ended badly with me being sick since January 2nd and now having to get breathing medicines and Oxygen. Next month I dont have anything planned yet - just lots of growing and loving is in store.

7 months!

Weight: 18 pounds 1.5oz Height: 28.8 inches

Skills:
Physically: I can stand up leaning against a toy or box or coffee table for around 10 minutes without any assistance. Moving forward is still a challenge for me, somehow I can do it in my crib at night but not so much during the day when people are watching. I can feed myself cheerios and I can drink from a sippy cup.
Verbally: I am a chatterbox of vowels and consonants but no actual words still. I love to laugh and smile.

Likes: I like reading books. I like to play patty-cake and I like to give High-5's. Walks with the dogs. Going places like grocery stores, libraries, malls & restaurants - anyplace I can look at people and smile at them.

Dislikes: I dislike 7pm. I try so hard to stay up later than 7 but for some reason I just cant do it!

Highlights of the month and what is to come:
This month I moved to New Mexico. There was a lot of new people to meet and things to do. This upcoming month my mom will start a new job so I will have to go to daycare more often (fine by me! I love it) Christmas will be the highlight of this month. Our tree is up and I love looking at the lights. I have read several books about Christmas, and I am excited for Santa to come.

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Dexter James Karrels ~ 6 months old

Weight: 18.2 pounds (according to a bathroom scale, I wont see my new doctor until late November)

Skills:
Physically: I can sit really well, I can reach for things and bend in all sorts of directions rarely tipping over. I can roll over and get onto my hands and knees but still not crawling forward. I can grab things really well and I am really good at grabbing my pacifier and placing it back into my mouth. I couple times while on my hands and knees and I have twisted and almost landed into a sitting position but toppled over instead.
Verbally: I make all sorts of noises now and love to make razz noises lately where I stick my tongue out and close my lips around my tongue and blow, it can get messy with spit but that makes it even more fun!

Likes:
Going for walks is still my favorite. I try to get at least 2 long walks in everyday. Now that I am on vacation its been nice walking with my grandparents around Gainesville. Its so green here! I like going around town also. I have been in a lot of restaurants and stores and I just love soaking in new environments.

I like eating solid foods. I am still drinking breastmilk 6 times a day but now get food for breakfast and dinner. My favorite meal is oats & banana mixed together for breakfast. I have had a lot of new foods since I started eating. I have had: grains - rice & oats, fruits - avocado, banana, pears & apples. Vegetables - sweet potato, squash, green beans & pumpkin. Next up for food: grains - barley; fruits - peaches and plums; vegetables - peas and carrots. My mom worries about me being allergic to foods like she was as a baby, but so far no allergies!

I can entertain myself well now. I like to sit up and just play with toys around me. I look around every once and a while to make sure mom or dad is still watching me but then I go back to playing. My mommy really likes my independence. A new game I started playing with my grandfather today is rolling a baseball back and forth with him. My rolls are a bit more spastic than his but I enjoy it.

Dislikes:
Hum...I don't dislike anything this month! Perhaps hour 7 of a 8 hour car trip, but I just show my dislike by falling back asleep. That car motion is hard to fight!


Highlights of the month and what is to come: This month was all about change. I said goodbye to Dayton, Ohio and all my friends and teachers at daycare. I got to see some new relatives and meet my great grandma. I have now met 34 relatives of my mommy and I have driven in 9 states (Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virgina, Maryland, Virgina, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia & Florida) and will drive through 6 more on my way to New Mexico (Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico)
Sadly I had to say goodbye to daddy and our dogs for 3 weeks but I get to talk to him everyday on the computer and I still get to play smile games with him, but I miss him putting me to bed every night like he has since I was born.

5 month update

Here is a video/photo slideshow mommy made about me. It is on youtube, but they have silly copyright rules about certain songs - so I uploaded it to blogger also. Hope you enjoy it and the song.

Weight = 17.6 pounds!

Stuff I am working on:
Crawling - I get up onto my hands and knees and rock back and forth but can't seem to move forward. I can crawl backwards just fine :)
Standing - I can stand up with minimal assistance really well, in fact I have stood up holding on to a table for a good 15 seconds a couple times now.
Fine Motor Skills - I am getting good at grabbing small objects and placing them in my mouth. I am really good at using all the toys on my exercauser.

Likes:
Going for walks is still my favorite. I got a new carrier for my daily walks which has taken a bit of getting used to but I enjoy it once the motion of walking starts.
I like eating solid foods - Sweet Potato, Avocado & Bananna are all great to eat. I get one new food each week. Next up are squash, apples, green beans & in honor of the upcoming holiday - pumpkin!

Dislikes:
I get fussy if I am in one place for too long. I like to alternate between crawling, being held, sleeping, standing up and going outside.
I love flipping onto my belly and doing pushups, but then I get tired and upset because I seem to forgot how to roll back onto my back.

Highlights of the month and what is to come: This month I took my first long car trip and it went really well. I got to meet my gram, my aunt Debbie, uncle Joe and their kids & dogs. These next few weeks my house will be packed up, I will spend my last few days at daycare with my teachers and friends and I will head out for an even longer car trip to visit all sorts of relatives on the way to my new home in New Mexico. This is going to be quite an exciting month for me (and mommy and daddy too!)

4 month update!

Weight = 15 lbs 11 oz. Length = 25 in

Skills I have mastered:
Rolling over back to front or front to back is easy for me now. Although I still prefer mainly to roll on my side and stay there. If I roll onto my belly I can pull my arm out that was trapped under my body now.
I can babble lots of different baby noises but don't think I will be saying any words for a while yet.

Stuff I am working on:
Holding onto items. I can grab things like my pacifier or toys but its hard for me to hold on to them. So I drop them and then cry because I lost my item!
Sleeping through the night - I still sleep from about 8:30-9pm until 4-5am. Not to bad I think but for some reason mommy and daddy want me to sleep a bit longer.

Likes:
Going for walks is still my favorite. I get to meet lots of other kids & dogs on my daily walks.
I like to be read to, I currently LOVE "Where the wild things are" I crack up laughing every time mom reads it. Perhaps she will record me laughing at it soon.
I like to stand up, in fact I have an exersaucer toy now that lets me stand up and play which is a lot of fun.
I like to talk on Skype, I now get to talk to both my grandparents once a week which is fun! And a couple days ago I talked with Aunt Debbie and her twin babies on Skype!

Dislikes:
I don't like it if there is no one in the room to look at. If mommy or daddy get out of my line of sight I cry.
I don't like waiting too long for food (what baby would!) and I can get fussy for a few minutes while I am fighting the urge to nap.

Its been a great month, the next month should be just as exciting including a trip to Maryland to meet my Gram and Aunt Debbie's family, seeing my Uncle Joe play rugby, watching lots of Gator Football and helping my Aunt Heather move into a new house. I am going to be busy!