fourteen months

(Written in November 2009, but never posted.  I backdated it to make it fit chronologically, for posterity.)

Aaron at 14 months:

Moving:

He is constantly in motion.

As I write this, he is just days away from walking. He's been cruising furniture and people for months now. He crawls like a speed racer. He takes tentative steps alone but still lacks the confidence to keep going.

He likes climbing too. The other day, I caught him climbing up on his music table and attempting an escape from his play area. Sweet.

Talking:

Aaron has been saying some words pretty consistently now for the past month. It's still so cool to hear him try to repeat the sounds that we are making. He still communicates mostly by grunting, but we are getting a few words here and there.

Here are some of his current favorites:
-uh oh
-hi
-meemo (remote)
-mama
-dada
-dadoo (thank you)
-moh (more)
-puh-hin (pumpkin)
-up
-down
-bubba (bubber - his blanky)
-ehmo (elmo)
-tee (tree)
-wow

plus a plethora of animal sounds - lion, cat, dog, rooster, duck, cow, turtle (ref: halloween post)

He is doing a LOT of pointing these days, accompanied by grunts. We are making more an effort to teach him some baby signs (more, please, thank you) to try to combat his demands.

He also has been wandering around a lot lately just saying "hi" over and over again. He says it to kids in the grocery store, toys at Target, us, leaves, anything. He's friendly.

Loves:

-independence
-music
-books
-throwing things
-lions (and all animals)
-Little People
-Mickey Mouse
-playing our piano
-eating

Dislikes:

-diaper changes
-being penned in
-sleeping past 5am
-if you don't share your food with him

jokester

I don't have time today to write up a big birthday party post...sorry about that. Coming soon to a screen near you. Promise.

But, I needed to quickly document this date and event in Aaron's development. Just in case I ever finish that baby book. (Don't worry Mom, I'm just kidding. Of course I'll finish it. Before he graduates high school, okay?)

Drum Roll Please!

Today, Aaron told his first joke.

First of many, I'm sure, given his love of laughter.

Background:
The smoke alarm goes off a lot when I cook. (I like to think that it's not a reflection on my cooking, just a poorly placed, overly sensitive monitor. Seriously, why would you ever put the smoke alarm directly over the stove? Clearly, there is going to be smoke there. But I digress.)

It's one of those newer models, with a blaringly loud beep, plus a woman yelling in the background, FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! Most times when it goes off and Aaron is in his highchair, he starts crying. For one, it's REALLY loud, but also because I have to jump in the air, knock it off the wall and onto the floor in order to stop the incessant beeping. Sometimes I catch it on the way down (mad skills) and sometimes I don't, so it crashes onto the floor. Either way it goes down, it's kind of a big commotion. He's not a fan.

Today:
I'm making lunch for us (frying eggs, stove was on for two minutes and NOTHING WAS BURNING!) and the smoke alarm starts going off. I quickly jump up, knock the smoke alarm to the floor and run to the other room with it to make it stop yelling FIRE! and beeping loudly. I come back into the dining room, expecting to comfort Aaron, but instead he's laughing. Hysterically. So I started laughing with him.

He starts saying "buh, buh" and then laughing really hard again.

So I said, "BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, FIRE! FIRE!" and he started belly laughing (see fork dropping video for a visual).

He stopped laughing and then started saying "BUH, BUH, BUH" and then hysterically laughing again.

So that's it. I think that was Aaron's first joke. Either that or his first time making fun of me for making a fool out of myself. I'm okay because any way you slice it, the kid's got a sense of humor.



PS - True story : I tried to get a video of him telling his joke, but I accidentally dropped a fork on the floor during the taping. I said "D'oh" when I dropped it, which made him laugh even more hysterically. So now the only thing he'll say is "d'oh...uh oh" instead of "buh, buh, buh". But the laughing is the same. Sigh.

cake

So, I said I wouldn't be back until next week...but then Aaron had a fantastic time with his birthday cake last night and it was just too cute not to share.

Here's how it went down, as told by Aaron. Or what I imagine Aaron was thinking.

This was when I first put the cake in front of him.

What's that?? Is it for me??

Mom, seriously, this is no time for photos. Is THAT for me?

It is for me, it IS for me.

It's getting closer!! I think they are going to let me eat that!

Side note: We've practiced singing Happy Birthday with Aaron for about three weeks now. He's a big fan. But I think it's gone to a whole new level after last night.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!


Now, I'll take over narration from Aaron, since he became quite preoccupied.

Proceeding with caution.

Tentative first mouthful.

This is his awe face - complete with icing. He makes this face when he is either surprised, like when something falls on the floor out of his sight, or when he is trying to figure out how something works. I think this is a little bit of both here.

Once he registered the deliciousness, he moved to using two hands. He was just licking the icing off the surface though.

There was some mad finger licking going on.

But you don't have to take my word for it. Watch for yourself.

Part One of the video is the first couple of bites that he took, when he still wasn't sure if he was allowed to be doing this. You can see him giving us some furtive glances and then really picking up speed.




Part Two is when he really started getting into it. I'm guessing he enjoyed it from the amount that he ate, but he really was taking it very seriously. I think he was afraid we were going to snatch it away at any minute.

My favorite picture from the night.
He had really warmed up to the cake eating and was having a grand ole time.

But then, Isaac moved the cake plate away.

Have you ever seen a more forlorn baby?

Don't worry, we put some cake on the tray for him.

The following conversation (which was pretty one sided in all reality) was very funny.

Aaron: Hey, Tutu, are you seeing this? It's cake and I LOVE it.

Tutu: That does look yummy. Can I have a bite?

Aaron: Wellllllll ... Nope.
Tutu: Waaaaaaaa.
Aaron: (continues eating, with no remorse)

The aftermath.

Aaron resorted to chewing on the wax candle when there was no more cake left.
He probably should have checked his bib for some leftovers.

Additional side note: Yes, he is always wearing that bib. And the reason is because it is the best bib ever. It's vinyl, so I can just wash it in the sink after meals and it's clean and dry by the next meal. It also has a pocket to catch all of the pieces that don't make it into Aaron's mouth on the first go round. Basically, it's the best bib ever.

And finally, some attempts at a family photo.

But Aaron was a little too hopped up on sugar for it to really work out.

So we got some funny outtakes of us all laughing and trying to avoid the icing covered fingers that were manically flying through the air.

All in all, it was a huge success. HUGE success. I can't wait to see Saturday's cake fest, now that's he's gotten a trial run under his belt.

Oh, and did I mention...

Aaron's ONE!

one year

Happy Birthday Aaron!

I absolutely cannot believe that this sweet, sweet baby is one year old today.

We have been so blessed this past year. Aaron is truly the sweetest, happiest little man. He laughs (as you've seen) with such abandon that it's impossible not to laugh with him. His sense of humor is delightful. He is growing in independence on a daily basis. The amount of joy that he has brought to our lives is immeasurable. I love our happy little family!


Now some business items:

1. The birthday boy had his one year well visit today (sorry about the shots, baby!) He weighed in at 23 lbs and 30.5 inches. That's 54% for his weight, 62% for height and 70% for his head. The doctor said he was very proportional and very healthy. Go Aaron!

2. We are moving! Well, we are pretty sure we are moving...My mom got an offer on her house, which she accepted. The inspection was done last week and we are just waiting on the final proposal from that to finish things up. From the sound of things, it went pretty well, so we are hopeful about our tentative move date - October 9th. I'm not looking forward to packing but I am certainly looking forward to unpacking, especially all of our belongings that have been in storage since May. It will be so nice to be settled into our new place for the holidays. Yay!!!

3. Aaron's birthday party is this weekend, complete with a super awesome Jungle theme. I'll have lots of pics and hopefully will remember to post them next week. Those, plus all the pictures I haven't posted from this summer. My bad. You can look at our Picasa albums though to take a look at what where we've been and the fun we've had. I'll try to get you all caught up next week.

See you then!

Big kisses from the birthday boy xoxoxo

belly laughing

I'm behind on blog posts. Again.

But I'm hoping this gem will make it up to you.

Backstory:
Aaron has a great sense of humor. Each day, something new will strike him as funny and we all enjoy listening to his joy and laughter.
Lately, he finds it particularly hilarious when something falls to the floor. He has spent many an enjoyable afternoon pulling himself up on the couch and knocking his toys to the floor, just to hear them clatter on the ground. Equally enjoyable, although less so for me, is the sound that most utensils, cups and plates make as they fall from his highchair to the floor. Don't drop anything around this kid without expecting to hear peals of laughter.

Now, to the video - At the end of lunch today, I accidentally dropped his fork and predictably, he busted up laughing. As a proud mama, I find him too adorable to keep all to myself. So I ran to get the camera.



I'm only mildly concerned that continually dropping things to get a laugh from him is doing harm in my quest to encourage good table manners. I say only mildly concerned because personally, I prefer good times to good manners. My mom can confirm that for you - after a lifelong battle to instill good manners in me has been deemed a failure, despite her repeated threats of charm school.

But seriously though...I cannot resist this kid. Did you see the part where his eyebrows goes up in the middle? If that's not unrestrained laughter, I don't know what is. I love this kid!!

ten months and four days

Busy, busy, busy.

That's how things have been and that's what Aaron is all day.

We've been thoroughly enjoying our summer - playing in the baby turtle pool in the backyard, playing in the sunshine, going on long walks (to Starbucks), visiting friends and taking trips to fun places.

In the midst of all of that, Aaron is now an official mover and shaker. He is a professional crawler (forward, backward, sideways, anyway) and is progressing to pulling himself up to standing on anything he can get his grubby little hands on. He's got places to be and people to see.

Here is is being caught red handed in the book basket.

You might be wondering why the book basket is "No Touch".
Here's why:

The kid chews on anything and everything. Like taking-chunks-and-leaving-teeth-prints chewing on things.
You can't convince me that tastes good.

After a few days of chasing Aaron away from everything that is "No Touch", Isaac built a little baby cage on the sun porch. At least there, Aaron has some freedom to move around, albeit a small one. Since we aren't in our own house, it was a little tough to babyproof but we made the best of the situation.
It might not be ideal but baby prison seems like the best solution for my mom's furniture and Aaron's digestive tract.
He's got a pretty sweet set up in there, with his music table and a bunch of toys, plus two padded walls and a padded floor. And a sweet view of the backyard.
But still, it's a baby cage. Sorry bub.
Side note: I did not pose this. It will never be said that this child lacks a flair for the dramatic.
Planning his escape. And standing up (eek!)
Seriously, although it looks like he wants out, he doesn't really mind too much.

He will play there for good long stretches of time, which I am so grateful for! Every day that I put him in there and he doesn't complain feels like a little victory, since it's clear he is rapidly realizing that independence is a very beautiful thing. There have been just a few glimpses into the terrible twos that have left me quaking in my boots. I am very aware that my life is teetering on the brink of insanity. All of you parents can stop laughing at me now.

Some of his other "new tricks" are also evident in this video, which highlights his proficient crawling.



First trick - he is starting to really understand what we say to him. And not only does he understand, but then he responds! Well, most of the time he responds. Sometimes he pretends like he doesn't know we are talking to him. He looks around like, "Who is this Aaron kid?" Or he just ignores me entirely. Like I said, glimpses into the future, right? But, I have to say, it is such an amazing thing to see this development. He is learning and we are interacting and it's the coolest thing ever. At least, that's what I'm telling myself when I'm saying "no touch" for the 54th time by 10am. Again, stop laughing at me. I'm new to this ballgame.

Another new trick is clapping. Ever since he started, he hasn't stopped. We clap when we sit, we clap when we stand (which occasionally causes tumbles), we clap when we eat and we clap when we get dressed. If you need some encouragement, I suggest you come on by. Aaron will give you the hardy round of applause that you deserve.

But that's not all, the clapping is usually accompanied by...

"YAY!!!!!"

Which, I am officially recording as his first word. He uses it in context, which I think makes it count. And I'm the boss of his baby book, so it's a done deal.

What else is Aaron up to?

Well, he has graduated to mostly finger food and table food. I don't think anyone is surprised, but he LOVES garlicky food. Garlic hummus, guacamole, garlic mashed potatoes. Anything garlic and he's THERE. I can't say there are very many things he doesn't like to eat - garlic or no - but I am giving fair warning not to get between this kid and his guacamole.

He loves to eat and we've got the stats to prove it. At his 9 month visit, Aaron was 20 lbs 7 oz and 29.75 inches long. Although we get many comments to the contrary, he's actually only in the 50% for his weight. He is in the 75% for both his height and his head circumference. You can keep your Charlie Brown reference to yourself - trust me, we've heard them all already. Let's hope he grows into that bad boy.

Here is some gratuitous nudity to give you full measure of his adorable chubbiness. This picture was taken four weeks after his doctors appointment, by which he had gained another 2 pounds. Apparently, guacamole and hummus is the diet of champions.

What? You don't bathe in your pool? All the cool kids are doing it.


Speaking of the pool...it's one of our favorite places to be lately. Aaron loves being outside and playing in the water.

Me, I love this face.
Aaron has a firm "No splashing" rule in his pool but the cuteness of the face makes me keep splashing him. It's a vicious, but adorable cycle. He also makes this face when I blow bubbles at him. How can you resist that?

I honestly cannot get enough of that face.


I will leave you with that face for now.
But we'll be back soon to post the pictures of how much he really enjoys the pool when his mean parents aren't splashing him, as well as pictures from our day at the zoo. Gotta go now though, it's pool time!

nine months

Aaron is nine months old today!

I have to say...these past nine months have been so much more enjoyable than the previous nine. Especially the ending. Today feels kind of anticlimatic compared to this moment nine months ago. Nine months in, nine months out. Wow.

We have been super busy with our move, but I didn't want to miss two months in a row. I will try to post more pictures from our last photo shoot at our old house soon. But for now, here is a sneak peek of me and my nine month old!


I cannot figure out where the time went. How is it possible that I have a nine month old child? Three months away from one year?! Attempting mobility?! No, not possible. I refuse to believe it.

And yet, it's true. In just three short months (the fastest months of the year, in my opinion), our little tiny baby will be one year old!

But please, don't misunderstand. While one year is a big deal, we are very busy loving nine months. This is such a joyful age, I'm not sure I want to let it go. For Aaron, and subsequently us, each moment is filled with joy, curiosity and adventure. It's all brand new and it's so exciting. I think I say it in every post, but we honestly are having so much fun.

This past month brought some big changes for our little man.

He got his first tooth.
He has completely mastered rolling over.
He can scooch backwards.
He can spin in a circle on his tummy.
He is eating three square meals a day and starting to wonder if bottles are too babyish for him.
He babbles...constantly.
He growls even more than he babbles. He is part lion.
He loves being outside and enjoys the taste of grass.

I think that's about it. I'll be back at the end of the week to give you some updated stats from his pediatrician appointment. And maybe I'll try to take a few videos before then too. The scooching is definitely entertaining. Especially when he gets caught under furniture. If only he knew how to go forward...

Maybe next month.