Dear Callan: month 20 and end 2012

Dear Callan-
Per usual, this newsletter is late... but I actually have a good excuse this time. We've been busy -we moved, had visitors, celebrated Christmas and had more visitors! It has been a busy and fun time with you. Even though I've gotten a monthly newsletter out later than this (we're only 9 days late right now), I couldn't let 2012 end without writing.


You are 20 months old... that's awfully close to being 2. How the heck did that happen? You are this silly, fun toddler with so much personality. You are a complete ham and are so entertaining.

Hamming it up in front of the Christmas tree.

We moved into the new house and you just love all the space. There's a den for all your toys and a long hallway for you to zip around on your radio flyer car. You've got your own room (with door!) and space for more books and a big comfy recliner to read them in. Now that you're removed from the living space, you sleep in and stay asleep once you've been put down (although getting you down needs some improvement. You only allow mama to do it if she's home and you are turning into a night owl. Your bedtime on average is between 9 and 9:30, which is fantastic on the weekends when we want to go out to dinner or visit friends, but is pretty late during the week!).

It's amazing to discover how much you know and understand and you'll completely take us by surprise. The other day we were putting diapers in your basket and suddenly you started counting. I've NEVER heard you count before and you won't do it when prompted, but suddenly as we were counting diapers placed in your basket, you chimed in and continued the count. I wouldn't say you're really talking yet, but you've got a good number of words down, you understand almost everything that is said and you've started mimicking/repeating more of what's being said to you (so note to all, clean up your language!).

You also are great at recognizing letters and numbers and animals (although you still insist on making the noises of some of the animals rather than saying their names) and I know that is all Adelia's doing. You guys have so much fun together and we are really lucky to have her be such a big part of your life.

Having fun with Adelia.

You love puzzles, your radio flyer car, your play kitchen, the ipad and watching Sesame Street. You've also taken to the stuffed animals and like to sit with them on the couch as you watch tv, read to them, hug them and feed them. As an toddler you are definitely trying to figure things out and constantly want to do things for yourself and make choices -whether it's where you sit at dinner, what to wear or when you're going to do things. 

Cutting your nails.

 

Trying on Mr. Potato Head's glasses and hat.

But being this close to 2, you may have started your "terrible 2s" early and you're not always so fun... You have a stubborn/independent streak and haven't quite figure out how to express it (other than by having a meltdown)

Having a tantrum about something -being inside, taking off your shoes, who knows.

And another... didn't like what was offered for dinner? Someone looked at you funny? Who knows -crazy toddlers!

But, usually you're pretty amazing and thankfully your meltdowns are pretty short and few. Your dada and I are so lucky to have you and we are having so much fun watching you grow up. I know the next few months are going to fly by and then you'll be a big brother, but I'm going to cherish these last few months of having you all to myself. I'm so excited to add to our family, but also sad since our dynamic is going to change so much. I know you're going to be an amazing brother. You're such a caring, affectionate and compassionate little boy who is so great with other kids and babies. I can't wait to see you interact with your new baby sister and teach her all sorts of great things.

2013 is going to bring lots of changes and 2012 went by way too quickly, but I wouldn't change a thing. We are going to have lots more fun and many more adventures together and I can't wait.

I love you munchkin. Happy 20 months.

Love,

Mama

Cartoons in bed

Wish this was how I was spending my day...

Merry Christmas!

Hope your day was merry and bright.

Definitely starting to show

So I hit 25 weeks... Huh, that's weird. I feel like I just found out I was pregnant.. . Guess not. Definitely going by much faster than my last... guess I'm just busier! I'm almost done with my second trimester, which is insane to me.

I had a doctor's appointment this week and passed my glucose screening (yea), but I also gained a whole bunch of weight... oops. I had barely gained anything in my first trimester (I think I actually lost a few), but I've MORE than made up for it now. Shockingly, I've actually gained the same amount of weight (roughly) as I had the last time.... so I'm probably on track to gaining 50+ lbs again. Ugh. I was hoping to have a nice normal 25-35 lbs pregnancy, but I guess not. My doctor said, some people just gain a lot... guess I'm one of those "lucky" ones!

Here's the roundup
Weight: I'm up about 20 lbs since the beginning.
Maternity clothes: Definitely pants and some shirts. It's weird b/c I started this pregnancy a bit smaller than my last, so some of my non-pregnancy shirts still fit and my old mat pants are a little big, but I don't really want to buy more since this will (probably) be my last pregnancy.
Baby movements: Yes, this girl is a squirmy kicker. It's probably just retaliation since Callan inadvertently pokes her a lot (while trying to climb onto my lap), but she's got lots of movement.
Cravings/Aversions: Nope, pretty much everything is good... guess that's why I've gained 20 lbs. haha.
What do you miss: Nothing really. Beer and wine a bit (especially now that it's the season for revelry) and my clothes. I know part of it is because I'm being stubborn and not buying new stuff, but my clothes are *yawn* b-o-r-i-n-g!
Other: Nothing else really happening. Still trying to wrap my head around the fact that they'll be 2 little munchkins soon-ish. We moved into our new place last month and then we got all crazy with the holidays so there hasn't been a lot of time to think about this pregnancy.... but I'm definitely starting to feel (and look pregnant).

Here are some pics:

Yup, defiitely pregnant.

Reunited

On Friday, Luke and Shelby came down to visit with Callan and Adelia. Unfortunately I wasn't able to skip work, but Huge snapped a few pictures before he left for work.

Callan is happy to see Luke.

Luke isn't so sure about the crazy hugging kid...

I think Callan misses his little buddy.

But when did they get so big?

They used to look like this:

Turkey day and 19 months

Dear Callan-

Happy 19 months munchkin. You are a crazy, crazy toddler, but (usually) so much fun! There's so much going on this month, not just in your development, but also in your life.

We went to the Martin's house for Thanksgiving (as is tradition) and it was so fun to watch you play with the kids. Haruki's cousins were there and it's funny to think of all of you running around next year. We ate tons of great food and had fun catching up with everyone, but the best part of Thanksgiving (or the second best thing) is the leftovers and you enjoyed them fully!

That smile says it all.

You are going to be a big brother in April and we found out this month that it will be a little sister for you. You will give the baby a kiss and pat my belly when we ask you where baby is, which is so cute. Hopefully you'll want to give them to her when she's born too. You are really affection and are really good at giving out hugs and kisses. Sometimes you'll make your "kissy" face from across the room and hold it until you reach your target. I love your snuggles, your hugs and your kisses and although I would love some personal space, it's very cute to have you snuggle up to me on the couch or on the floor so you can have as much of your body touching mine as possible (and it usually ends up with you on my lap although I'm not sure how much longer you'll have room to do that.). You definitely like your dada more and more every day, but I'm still number one in your books. I know I won't keep that spot forever, but I love it for now.

Your talking has increased a bunch and your recognition of things is astounding. Adelia is definitely teaching you a ton of things. The problem is that many of your words sound the same so it takes a little bit of guessing to figure out what you're trying to tell us. You LOVE the word "no", but you haven't started to say "yes" yet -instead you nod your head, which is both adorable and effective. Also the way you say bye, in your little toddler voice just melts my heart.

You still love your cars ("vrooms"), trucks, buses, boats and trains. You've also recently started to point out airplanes and at night we'll watch them fly by while you scream "plane". But as much of a boy you are with the love of motorized vehicles, you also love playing with mama's earrings and necklaces including these mardi gras beads you love to wear around.

Oh munchkin, time is flying by way too fast. All too soon, you're not going to be the only child, but you'll always be my number one. We are moving into our new house this week, which means you have to leave your buddy Ellis (and mama and dada have to leave their buddies too), but I'm so excited to settle in and make lots of amazing memories with you and dada.

Happy 19 months munchkin.

Love,

Mama

Olympics here we come

Should I be worried that Adelia is Béla Károlyi in disguise?

Sleep over

While we want out to dinner Friday night, someone had a sleepover -and I must say, quite successful!

18 month well baby and other updates

Callan had his 18 month doctor appointment last week and the doctor validated everything we already knew. He's growing bigger and stronger every day. Although he didn't grow too much (only about an inch), he continues to be off the charts for height at 35.5 inches. He also gained another few pounds and is 27 pounds, 2 ounces, but that still keeps him in the 70th percentile. And his head at 19 inches, continues strong in the 60-70th percentile.

In other updates, my second pregnancy is chugging along at kind of an alarmingly fast rate. Obviously I've got Callan, Huge and the pending move keeping me busy, but I remember the last pregnancy going so.much.slower. This time, not so much... I'm already 20 weeks in (which means, um, hello, I'm halfway done!). This kid has already fallen victim to second kid syndrome and not nearly as many pictures have been taken to document their (short) existence. Anyway, for those of you asking, here's my 20 week picture (for reference, here's my picture from the last time). I'm feeling like I've popped, but now that I look at this picture, maybe not so much. Although, this is what you get for squeezing your 20 week pregnant self into your pre-pregnancy clothes. I'm starting off smaller than I did at my last pregnancy so my maternity clothes don't really fit me yet, but I should probably give this baby some room to breathe. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and buy a couple pairs of pants. I'm sure I can make do with the shirts I have until I fit into my maternity ones, but the pants are starting to be a struggle.

Anyway, I planned on doing lots more updates -like about the first trimester (cliffs notes edition: the first trimester was terrible... lots of nausea, puking and general feeling of blah but the second has been much better) -but at this point it seems moot. My energy (and appetite) are back, so I'm hoping the rest of this is smooth sailing. And for those of you keeping track, yes, the 20 week mark is when you get your big ultrasound. We will be finding out again so stay tuned. Our ultrasound is next week so we'll know by then (hopefully) whether this little nugget is a boy or girl!

Spaghetti

Every kid loves spaghetti -including this one.

Happy Halloween!

Yoda says, have a safe and happy Halloween!

Now give me some candy -preferably a lollipop.

(p.s. do you see young Luke Skywalker in the background?)



This past weekend our condo building had their annual trick or treating -which is great for kids Callan's age -no need to climb stairs and bundle up in the cold, just hop in the elevator to get treats. Here's a picture of the kiddos before the madness (i.e. candy eating) started. Callan is the youngest in the group, but I think he fared pretty well. He didn't quite get the trick-or-treating part (he'd take candy and then put it back), which was fine with me since that meant less treats lying around the house for me to eat.

A little blast from the past, here's munchkin's first Halloween...



Little piggy

Adelia sent these pictures of you from last week. You got to have an afternoon treat and you were a big fan!

"Maar" aka more

Happy kid!

Dear Callan: 18 months (i.e. 1.5 years)

Dear Callan-

Guess what time it is? It's your month-birthday! We're only a few days late this time, but it's here! You are One and a HALF! That's crazy... and since I'm a few days late, that actually means that you're closer to T-W-O then you are to one... Argh! How is that possible?

Showing off your muscles at the playground -you love to do what the big kids do!

You've had such an amazing month (like always). Every day I'm amazed at this little person you're becoming. You're starting to talk more and it's so fun -although it's not always easy to tell what you're trying to tell us, so you still resort a lot to pointing, grunting (hmms) and my personal favorite, leading us by the hand to whatever you want. Your words are starting to pile up and it's so fun to hear you identify new things, but we should work on your pronunciation because you say some words like you have a Boston accent, like bear is be-ya and some words sound the same -somehow this, sit, teeth, keys and cheese all sound the same. You L-O-V-E pointing out boats, trains, buses and trucks and it melts my heart every time when I come into the living room and you and dada are sitting in the chair looking for boats, trains and trucks out the window.

On the lookout for boats

Speaking of your dada, you guys are having so much fun together on Mondays. You get to go on special field trips and hang out together. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, you or your dada. He also gets to go in to get you up in the mornings and it's very cute to watch you interact.

In addition to your expanding vocabulary, you've got an expanding array of facial expressions. You've got your scrunchy cheese face:


Your silly cheese face:

Your kissy face:

And your surprised/roar face:

You're also so affectionate. You love to give out hugs:


And kisses:

And will hold hands:


It melts my heart to see you like this. I hope you're always like this (at least to me), but I know that these days are probably numbered. You already like to assert your independence and will tell you no when you don't want to do something (like giving mama kisses when she leaves for work). We try to give you lots of freedom and choices while setting boundaries for you, but you do have a stubborn streak and often times if the boundaries interfere with what you want to do, then it usually results in tears and a mini tantrum. I guess it's hard being 18 months old!

Callan bubs, you're such an amazing little person. There are lots of changes coming your way, but we are going to have lots of exciting and fun time ahead.

Love,

Mama

Now please excuse me, I've got an important phone call to make:

Cheese!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I have lots to tell you, but it'll have to wait for now. Instead here's a picture of Callan's "cheese" face.

Dear Callan:Month 17

Dear Callan-

Wow, is your mama behind! At this point these newsletters can barely be veiled as birthday letters because I have not hit your actual birthday yet! Maybe this month...yes... I'll set that as my goal.

You look sad here -is it because your newsletter is late?

Anyway, month 17 has come and gone and things around here are a-changing. Your dad stays home with you on Mondays now and that has been so much fun for both of you. I think you like him more now -which isn't to say you didn't before, but he definitely wasn't your favorite. Also, we've gotten into a new routine where your dad will come in and get you up in the morning. It's so fun to watch the two of you interact on the video monitor and it sometimes distracts mama from getting ready for work!

I don't know exactly when this started happening, but you make this scrunch face (usually when you're about to do something naughty) and when you're asked to smile for the camera. It's funny because I think every kid goes through it, but it's still adorable.

This past month you've also gotten much more affectionate. You're pretty good with giving out the hugs and you're kissing now with a pucker (before it was an open mouth one and it was like getting kissed by a basset hound). Now you go around kissing things, like your stuffed animals, pictures in your books, magazine pictures and of course, yourself.

You also have such a great sense of humor and sense of fun. You can turn ordinary things into a game/adventure and it's so fun to watch you discover things around you. You love being chased (although sometimes you get confused as to who's doing the chasing and you'll stop and wait for the person to catch you and then you'll run after them!) and of course peek-a-boo. You love doors and knocking and you definitely aren't afraid of the dark as you'll often times close yourself into the bathroom, waiting for someone to knock on the other side.

Every month I say how you're turning into such a little boy, but you really are! You're learning words every day and exerting your independence as often as you can. You try to keep up with the big kids at the park and you're desperate to communicate. I love how you'll take my hand (or your dad's) to lead us to whatever you want and to show us things (although sometimes all mama wants to do is lie on the couch and watch you play!). We've also started to let you watch tv. We let you watch one show and you lose your mind at Sesame Street and Thomas the train. You're such a boy and love pointing out the trucks and trains and every time we see one you have to catch our attention and point to it. It's funny too because once they go away you always ask for more, but sadly mama can't control the train/truck schedule for you.

Happy 17 months munchkin. You're almost a year and a half old! Where has the time gone?

Love,

Mama