WEA at 14 Months

I can't believe I'm thinking this but I really think that this past month slowly crept by.  Normally the months fly by in the blink of an eye but this one really went by super slow.  Maybe because January and February are such cold, dreary months and there's not much going on.  Oh well, I'll take a slow month anytime if it means I can keep my babies little just a little bit longer.  

Walker is really becoming his own little individual self.  For the most part he is very laid-back and easy going, but he won't hesitate to voice his displeasure if you don't give him what he wants.  There have been many battle of wills between him and his sister lately.  Both are totally stubborn so I've been playing referee quite a bit.    

WEA's 14 month milestones/achievements/random tidbits:

~he waves bye-bye quite frequently

~he just started clapping his hands but but it's very infrequently

~without any instructions he is able to get off a bed/sofa/any raised platform feet first.  It took a long time for S to not go head first so this was a shocking advancement on his part.  

~he can build small towers with big blocks but his favorite thing to do is knock over other peoples' towers.

~he LOVES to have his books read to him.  He is always bringing me a book--usually the same 2 books but that's okay :)  

~oftentimes when he is feeling tired he will grab my hand, lead me to the stairs, and direct me to the rocking chair in his room.  He may not always go to sleep but I think he likes the quiet time when we read and rock.  

~he walks 100% of the time and he is getting faster and faster.

~he is definitely a little boy.  He loves to find the puddles outside and stomp in them.  A little bit of mud doesn't faze him.  Unfortunately that means that he has to change clothes about 3 times a day.

~he is super possessive/protective of his mama.  I've been having a lot of neck pain the past couple of weeks and whenever Oscar massages my shoulders, W gets upset and pushes his hands off of me.  It's sooo funny and sooo cute!!  Love this little man!!

~he is so good about cleaning up.  Let me clarify.....at home or at his music/art class when we say "time to clean up" whatever he is currently holding he will put it back in it's proper place without a fuss.  Most of the other babies object to having to get rid of their toy/shaker/drum/etc but not Walker. He will walk over to the proper bin and drop his item into it.  But just because he knows how to "clean up" doesn't mean he's any less likely to make a mess.  This boy can destroy the house in no time!  He's like a little tornado and nothing in his path is safe.    

~he is still proving to be a great eater.  As long as I'm eating it, he will try it.  Although he definitely favors fruits over vegetables (not surprising).

~naps are still a battle every day.  Some days it's an early nap and some days it's a late afternoon nap.  And they can range from an hour and 15 minutes to two hours long.  I'm starting to think that just can't produce a child that needs a lot of sleep.  Oh well, at least he sleeps through the night regularly.    

~we have finally achieved gym going success!!  I am able to drop him off in childcare with hardly a fuss.  I still haven't tried the stay-and-play at the wellness center but he's doing great at the country club.  The young girl who watches the kids says that "he is the sweetest little baby and he is always wanting to walk around and hold (her) hand".   

~he now has 11 teeth and his fourth molar should be fully in within the week. 

~he is really starting to thin out.  When I look at him now, I can barely see his rolls.  Most people would still say that he "big", "stalky", "solid", etc. but to me he's shrinking away.  I'm even convinced that he's lost a little bit of weight.  I mean, I should know since I'm the one who carries him all the time :) We'll find out at his doctors appointment next month.  

~he is still the most cuddly and lovable little guy around----always crawling up in my lap and giving kisses.  Oh, be still my heart :) 

just look at that sweet face

all smiles during music class

all those snow days must have made him antsy--time for a run!

finally they each have their own chair

"the terror" in action

just out for a joy ride

"excuse me! coming through! gotta get some groceries!"

swinging and waving

This has really been one of my favorite months.  Walker is growing into quite the adventurous, curious toddler and yet at the same time he is still such a sweet, sensitive, cuddly baby.  Also, he is such a smart little guy.  He is always observing and you can tell that he's really taking everything in and processing it all.  I can't wait to see what all he learns in the upcoming month.

Snow Day X2

Our first snow came during the night on Tuesday, January 29.  Walker and I were up bright and early and we had all our snow gear laid out and ready for when Savannah woke up.  Finally around 8:30 we could wait any longer so we barged into her room to tell her about the snow.  She jumped out of bed, ran downstairs, and started putting her snow suit on.  She immediately ran outside and started making snow angles.  

snow angel #1

my cute little man all bundled up

The snow stuck around for a few days causing school to be cancelled Wednesday through Friday even though Friday's temperature rose into the 50s.  We usually only get snow once a winter around here so boy were we in for a surprise two weeks later.

The second big snow arrived in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 12.  Savannah was dismissed from school at noon and while we were sitting at the table having lunch, the snow rolled in.  Once we finished eating we bundled up to head outside.  Because it was still continuing to snow a lot, we didn't stay out long because within about five minutes we were wet and freezing.  Walker definitely didn't like the snow blowing in on his face.  It snowed most of the day and during the night so by the time we woke up on Thursday, it looked like a winter wonderland outside of our windows.    

sorry for the girlie snowsuit but at least he was warm and dry

such a cute snow bunny

snow angel #86

S's first snowlady

The entire town was shut down on Thursday so we had no choice but to stay home and play outside.  We had soooo much fun!!  Some of the neighborhood boys made a great sled run and Savannah spent most of the afternoon sledding with all of our neighbors.  The temperature finally rose above freezing on Thursday and Friday so even Walker and I enjoyed being outside watching all the fun.
After two weeks of snow, I'm definitely ready for some spring-like weather.  Considering where we live I'm sure we'll have some next week :)

Valentine's Day 2014

This year Valentine's Day fell on a Friday which Savannah was soooo excited about because that meant she would have her class Valentine's party on the actual day; however, the snow kept us all stuck at home.  No matter, we still had a special day.  

Savannah woke up bright and early and immediately wanted to open her valentines and to give us our special cards.  She had been working daily on everyone's cards for at least the past month.  And because a store bought card just wouldn't do for our creative and artsy daughter, Oscar and I each made her a special card.  She was beyond excited to receive her cards and her special little gift that included 3 small My Little Ponies and a mini Princess Elsa.  And for my smallest little Valentine, Walker received 3 little Chuggington train cars which he loves.  

By late afternoon the snow was finally plowed enough that we able to leave the house and go out to dinner as a family.  Unfortunately without a reservation, our options were limited so we ended up at good 'ol California Pizza Kitchen.  

S in her Valentine's Day pjs

our cards to Savannah

Savannah's card to us

my sweet babies

loves these two soooo much!

What a special day with my three valentines!!  I'm the luckiest girl in the world!
And now Savannah gets to have two Valentine's Day since her party has been rescheduled to Monday.  She is soooo excited about giving her friends their cards.  She has worked so hard on them for so long.  Every day she thought of something extra to add to make them extra special.  She really is such a sweet and loving little girl.