Yesterday when I picked him up at daycare, Charlie picked up a big bottle of bubble solution to show me and said "bubble." It was very clear that he knew what was in that bottle! They tell me that he's also saying "busy bee" (the name of his new room) but I have not really heard it yet. He's getting close to saying "eyes" also.
It seems like he is saying more words every day now-- learning them at a much faster pace than he had before. He tries so hard to make the sounds, repeating them over and over.
He still doesn't really say Mommy and Daddy, but he did scream "mah-meeee!" this weekend when he was upset. I guess maybe that counts?
His transition so far has been going well. He painted his pumpkin today during his visit to the Busy Bee room. By the beginning of next week he'll be spending about half his day there, from mid-morning through afternoon nap.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Busy boy
Charlie has been a very busy boy. Last Sunday he spent most of the day walking around with things on his head. Didn't matter if it was a blanket or a bucket, he wanted to try it on and walk around. I guess it's just a phase.
He made several trips to the Busy Bee room this week. There he participated in some pumpkin activities, and apparently kept saying "wow." His friend Oscar has a new baby sister, born on Wednesday night, but he was still at daycare and the two got to chase each other around some.
Charlie starts his official transition to Busy Bees tomorrow. We have to take in a small pumpkin for him to use in activities this week. I'm sure he'll adjust quickly, since he's already been going down there some. He's taken to the one nap per day schedule pretty well, and has no problem sleeping on the cot. We'll have to see how drinking from a cup goes!
Charlie has been saying some new words, also. He now points to his nose and says "nos." He will also sometimes pat his belly if you ask him where it is, and most of the time he'll touch the top of his head if you ask him to. He's getting really good at saying "milk" when he wants some. He'll even go to the fridge and hang on the door handles while saying it.
Charlie seems to like spicy foods. On Friday night he had some salsa on a chip at Chilis. He sucked it all off, then handed us the chip back so we would dip it in again.
Yesterday we bought Charlie some new shoes. He's still wearing wides, now in a 5 1/2. We wanted to get him some shoes to have as an alternative to his Nike tennis shoes now that the weather is getting cold and he can't wear his sandals.
This will be another busy week for all of us. I've got a lot going on at work. But we're looking forward to taking off a couple of hours early on Friday for Halloween.
He made several trips to the Busy Bee room this week. There he participated in some pumpkin activities, and apparently kept saying "wow." His friend Oscar has a new baby sister, born on Wednesday night, but he was still at daycare and the two got to chase each other around some.
Charlie starts his official transition to Busy Bees tomorrow. We have to take in a small pumpkin for him to use in activities this week. I'm sure he'll adjust quickly, since he's already been going down there some. He's taken to the one nap per day schedule pretty well, and has no problem sleeping on the cot. We'll have to see how drinking from a cup goes!
Charlie has been saying some new words, also. He now points to his nose and says "nos." He will also sometimes pat his belly if you ask him where it is, and most of the time he'll touch the top of his head if you ask him to. He's getting really good at saying "milk" when he wants some. He'll even go to the fridge and hang on the door handles while saying it.
Charlie seems to like spicy foods. On Friday night he had some salsa on a chip at Chilis. He sucked it all off, then handed us the chip back so we would dip it in again.
Yesterday we bought Charlie some new shoes. He's still wearing wides, now in a 5 1/2. We wanted to get him some shoes to have as an alternative to his Nike tennis shoes now that the weather is getting cold and he can't wear his sandals.
This will be another busy week for all of us. I've got a lot going on at work. But we're looking forward to taking off a couple of hours early on Friday for Halloween.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hallzooween
We just got back home from visiting the zoo. We got to see some bears try to get into some pumpkins, and elephants eating pumpkins. Charlie was really interested in the rhinos today, and he loved picking out a small pumpkin at the "pumpkin patch" they had in a picnic area. We also rode the carousel with Grandma Connie, but Charlie was wearing out after about 2 hours, so we skipped the train ride. Maybe Grandma can take him on the train next time.
Charlie had another great meal last night at the Indian buffet. This time he not only loved the saag paneer, but he couldn't get enough chicken makhani. He topped it off with some watermelon and cantaloupe, along with a little garlic naan. A big meal for a little guy.
Charlie was able to visit the Busy Bee room a few times this week, and he started taking his nap on a cot in the Hummingbird room in preparation for his transition. His primary teacher, Mary, is back after some time off for surgery, so she is making sure that he gets some extra attention and time outside and down in Busy Bee, so he can stretch his legs and burn off some of that energy. He will officially start his transition up to the toddler room in just one week.
We're sitting down now to watch the Buckeyes on TV. O-H-I-O!!!
Charlie had another great meal last night at the Indian buffet. This time he not only loved the saag paneer, but he couldn't get enough chicken makhani. He topped it off with some watermelon and cantaloupe, along with a little garlic naan. A big meal for a little guy.
Charlie was able to visit the Busy Bee room a few times this week, and he started taking his nap on a cot in the Hummingbird room in preparation for his transition. His primary teacher, Mary, is back after some time off for surgery, so she is making sure that he gets some extra attention and time outside and down in Busy Bee, so he can stretch his legs and burn off some of that energy. He will officially start his transition up to the toddler room in just one week.
We're sitting down now to watch the Buckeyes on TV. O-H-I-O!!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fish, cheese, and stuffed animals
Charlie got another haircut this past weekend. While we were there, he said "fish" while watching Finding Nemo. Later that day, he clearly said "cheese." He's really trying to say lots of new words.
He is starting to get the concept of the ball and glove (with velcro to make for easy catching) that Grandma and Grandpa Knepper gave him. He loves to throw the ball into the glove while we hold it (he still has a great arm!) And he occasionally will put his hand in the glove, although he's not coordinated or strong enough to really hold it out and catch anything in it.
Charlie has also started to go to the toy shelves and pull down stuffed animals to play with. I don't know yet which one he may attach himself to as a favorite, but it sure is cute to see him hugging his giant old fashioned Pooh bear.
We played in our first broomball games of the season on Sunday. I had played some over the summer, but John was really sore after his game, having not played since the winter season ended in the spring. Before the games, we had Grandma Connie over for lunch, and Charlie demonstrated his love of baked beans for a second time.
It's been unseasonably warm lately, but it's looking like it will cool off later this week. Maybe I'll finally get around to cleaning up in the yard. We plan to go to the zoo on Saturday with Grandma Connie-- all the animals will be playing with pumpkins for Halloween. We're also looking forward to some trick-or-treating fun in a couple of weeks.
He is starting to get the concept of the ball and glove (with velcro to make for easy catching) that Grandma and Grandpa Knepper gave him. He loves to throw the ball into the glove while we hold it (he still has a great arm!) And he occasionally will put his hand in the glove, although he's not coordinated or strong enough to really hold it out and catch anything in it.
Charlie has also started to go to the toy shelves and pull down stuffed animals to play with. I don't know yet which one he may attach himself to as a favorite, but it sure is cute to see him hugging his giant old fashioned Pooh bear.
We played in our first broomball games of the season on Sunday. I had played some over the summer, but John was really sore after his game, having not played since the winter season ended in the spring. Before the games, we had Grandma Connie over for lunch, and Charlie demonstrated his love of baked beans for a second time.
It's been unseasonably warm lately, but it's looking like it will cool off later this week. Maybe I'll finally get around to cleaning up in the yard. We plan to go to the zoo on Saturday with Grandma Connie-- all the animals will be playing with pumpkins for Halloween. We're also looking forward to some trick-or-treating fun in a couple of weeks.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
His father's son
Charlie is definitely a little John. Tonight he ate his crackers, then his hot dog, then all of his banana, then his cheese. Just like his father, eating one food at a time.
Charlie got bit again at daycare today. This time he was trying to take a toy from another child. He has gotten to be somewhat aggressive in the room, and I am concerned that it is because he is bored in the infant space. We're trying to work with the management to get him started on transitioning to the toddler room more quickly, since he is clearly ready and almost of the correct age. There are some licensing issues with the capacity of certain aged children in the room at one time, but we're hoping to work around that. (It does not help that their accreditation inspection is coming up in the next few weeks.)
I spent most of the day at Ault Park, volunteering for the Obama campaign. He was in town for a speech on his "American Jobs" tour of Ohio. I had to show up at 11am, and I was there until almost 5-- longer if you count getting stuck in traffic trying to get out. Because I was out working the line, I didn't get inside in time to get a great spot on the field, and as a consequence, I didn't get to hear very well. But it was still a great experience to be out in the crowd and seeing all the people who showed up. Now I'm paying for it with a sunburn on my left arm!
Charlie got bit again at daycare today. This time he was trying to take a toy from another child. He has gotten to be somewhat aggressive in the room, and I am concerned that it is because he is bored in the infant space. We're trying to work with the management to get him started on transitioning to the toddler room more quickly, since he is clearly ready and almost of the correct age. There are some licensing issues with the capacity of certain aged children in the room at one time, but we're hoping to work around that. (It does not help that their accreditation inspection is coming up in the next few weeks.)
I spent most of the day at Ault Park, volunteering for the Obama campaign. He was in town for a speech on his "American Jobs" tour of Ohio. I had to show up at 11am, and I was there until almost 5-- longer if you count getting stuck in traffic trying to get out. Because I was out working the line, I didn't get inside in time to get a great spot on the field, and as a consequence, I didn't get to hear very well. But it was still a great experience to be out in the crowd and seeing all the people who showed up. Now I'm paying for it with a sunburn on my left arm!
Monday, October 6, 2008
What a week!
So we had a great time in Chicago last weekend. We drove up Saturday and got there in time for Chris's open house. After visiting with folks there for about an hour, and getting a tour of the place, we headed to our hotel to check in. Once we'd gotten oriented, we headed in toward town to have dinner with the Rosenows. Charlie had a blast playing with the other kids. And he was so well behaved for us, after a long day in the car.
On Sunday I went to Chris's wedding and the brunch reception-- the food was delicious! And I loved the location. I am so happy for both of them. Charlie napped in the car for most of the time I was at the event. After John picked me up, we headed downtown, managing to avoid some of the driving snafus that we had encountered on the day before. John had quickly tired of dealing with Chicago drivers, while trying to find highway entrance ramps that didn't exist, and following internet directions that weren't always quite right!
We checked into our hotel just off Michigan Avenue, and went out for a walk to check out the location. We had a nice anniversary dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, where we both got to have a drink because neither of us had to drive home! Because the weather had turned colder than had been predicted when I packed on Friday night, we stopped and got Charlie one more long sleeved outfit while we were out.
On Monday, our day to walk around town and be tourists, it poured down rain most of the day. It calmed to a drizzle long enough for us to make our way down Michigan to the Art Institute, stopping a few times to do a little shopping here and there. We bought Charlie some new shoes at Nike Town, and John got a new rain jacket. The rain jacket came in handy by the time we left the museum, when the rain was coming down in buckets. Charlie had fallen asleep while we were checking out the O'Keefe's, and he completely slept through our dash to the subway station, our misguided attempt to get the stroller through a non-handicap-accessible station, our subsequent success at getting to a different station, the ride back up toward our hotel, and the rest of the trip to our room.
After a couple of hours relaxing and letting Charlie play in the hotel room, we noticed the sun had come out. So we got ourselves together and headed out for Chicago style pizza for an early dinner. Along the way, Charlie started going "oooh ooooh" when an ambulance would pass us on the street, as if he were imitating the siren. He seemed to love the crowds and the city streets. We also stopped at Lego town (where I successfully discouraged John from buying a $600, 10,000+ piece Millennium Falcon.) Charlie got fussy during dinner, so we headed back to the room pretty quickly-- although we did stop at the Ghiradelli shop for some great ice cream. By 9:30, we had put Charlie to bed, and I was falling asleep to Monday night football. So we called it an early night!
Tuesday was a beautiful day, and we were sorry to have to leave town. We packed up the car, and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry on our way out of town. The kids' area at the museum was wonderful, and Charlie had a great time. We only got to see small pieces of the museum because we wanted to get on the road, and I definitely would like to take him back there when he's older. I was impressed with what they had done to upgrade the U-boat display since I had been there about 15 years ago. John took the extra $5 tour of the sub, and determined that he was not built for being a submariner. Six hours later, we were home and picking up a very happy-to-see-us Lucy dog.
All in all, the trip was great. Our choice of hotel downtown was perfect, and Charlie was well behaved most of the time. And the rain didn't hamper our plans too much at all. In fact, it provided many extra laughs, as we attempted to shield Charlie in the stroller with our giant Ikea umbrella while walking down the street and avoiding giant puddles and crazy taxi drivers.
The rest of the week was busy at work, as we tried to catch up with the short week. Friday night we took Charlie out with us for Indian food, where he again displayed his fondness for saag. He couldn't get enough! Saturday night we enjoyed the company of the rest of the band, who stayed after practice to watch the Ohio State game.
Yesterday, I took Charlie to Gorman Farm, about 10 minutes from the house. Their Sunflower Festival was kind of a dud as far as the sunflowers go (due to recent drought), but Charlie loved looking at the farm animals, and climbing around the pumpkin displays. He was especially interested in the cows and the sheep, but the goats and chickens also got his attention. I've posted some photos on my flickr site.
On Sunday I went to Chris's wedding and the brunch reception-- the food was delicious! And I loved the location. I am so happy for both of them. Charlie napped in the car for most of the time I was at the event. After John picked me up, we headed downtown, managing to avoid some of the driving snafus that we had encountered on the day before. John had quickly tired of dealing with Chicago drivers, while trying to find highway entrance ramps that didn't exist, and following internet directions that weren't always quite right!
We checked into our hotel just off Michigan Avenue, and went out for a walk to check out the location. We had a nice anniversary dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, where we both got to have a drink because neither of us had to drive home! Because the weather had turned colder than had been predicted when I packed on Friday night, we stopped and got Charlie one more long sleeved outfit while we were out.
On Monday, our day to walk around town and be tourists, it poured down rain most of the day. It calmed to a drizzle long enough for us to make our way down Michigan to the Art Institute, stopping a few times to do a little shopping here and there. We bought Charlie some new shoes at Nike Town, and John got a new rain jacket. The rain jacket came in handy by the time we left the museum, when the rain was coming down in buckets. Charlie had fallen asleep while we were checking out the O'Keefe's, and he completely slept through our dash to the subway station, our misguided attempt to get the stroller through a non-handicap-accessible station, our subsequent success at getting to a different station, the ride back up toward our hotel, and the rest of the trip to our room.
After a couple of hours relaxing and letting Charlie play in the hotel room, we noticed the sun had come out. So we got ourselves together and headed out for Chicago style pizza for an early dinner. Along the way, Charlie started going "oooh ooooh" when an ambulance would pass us on the street, as if he were imitating the siren. He seemed to love the crowds and the city streets. We also stopped at Lego town (where I successfully discouraged John from buying a $600, 10,000+ piece Millennium Falcon.) Charlie got fussy during dinner, so we headed back to the room pretty quickly-- although we did stop at the Ghiradelli shop for some great ice cream. By 9:30, we had put Charlie to bed, and I was falling asleep to Monday night football. So we called it an early night!
Tuesday was a beautiful day, and we were sorry to have to leave town. We packed up the car, and headed to the Museum of Science and Industry on our way out of town. The kids' area at the museum was wonderful, and Charlie had a great time. We only got to see small pieces of the museum because we wanted to get on the road, and I definitely would like to take him back there when he's older. I was impressed with what they had done to upgrade the U-boat display since I had been there about 15 years ago. John took the extra $5 tour of the sub, and determined that he was not built for being a submariner. Six hours later, we were home and picking up a very happy-to-see-us Lucy dog.
All in all, the trip was great. Our choice of hotel downtown was perfect, and Charlie was well behaved most of the time. And the rain didn't hamper our plans too much at all. In fact, it provided many extra laughs, as we attempted to shield Charlie in the stroller with our giant Ikea umbrella while walking down the street and avoiding giant puddles and crazy taxi drivers.
The rest of the week was busy at work, as we tried to catch up with the short week. Friday night we took Charlie out with us for Indian food, where he again displayed his fondness for saag. He couldn't get enough! Saturday night we enjoyed the company of the rest of the band, who stayed after practice to watch the Ohio State game.
Yesterday, I took Charlie to Gorman Farm, about 10 minutes from the house. Their Sunflower Festival was kind of a dud as far as the sunflowers go (due to recent drought), but Charlie loved looking at the farm animals, and climbing around the pumpkin displays. He was especially interested in the cows and the sheep, but the goats and chickens also got his attention. I've posted some photos on my flickr site.
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