Andrew-ese

Toddler babble.

Playground Fun

Spring mission: try out EVERY playground in the Capital Region. I had no idea that there were so many variations, its a fun way to spend our afternoons, life's good!

Catch Me If You Can

Oatmeal Face

Our Little Helper

Mowing the lawn at 4 months (April 2010), and again at 16 months (April 2011).

Busybody

The little explorer.

Afternoon Tea

Andrew in a Nutshell

So what's Andrew like these days? He's a very smart, engaged little boy. One that doesn't require much sleep (too bad for me) but seems to be happy throughout the day regardless. The boy likes to eat. Alot. Shawn can vouch for me when I say that on occasion he eats more at a meal than I do. Between mealtimes you can find us in the playroom (our ex-living room) reading books, watching the passerbys out the window, dancing to music, coloring, or playing with cars and trains. Sometimes all of that, on a 30 second rotation which can be very dizzying. Or we might be outside in our yard. Andrew likes to do laps around the house, collecting various sticks and stones along the way, or riding his car down the hills while screaming "whheeeeeee down down down down." He has quite a vocabulary. Words just seem to appear out of nowhere. Same thing with comprehension. I had no idea that he understood so much of what I was saying. I've got to be careful before my private phone conversations suddenly make the playgroup circle. He's a social butterfly, charming the ladies with his smile. He has a strange little body, part baby, part toddler. I guess mostly just like a baby on steroids. He's always described as "sturdy" or "solid" yet has never passed the 50th percentile on the height/weight charts. So who knows. He's healthy. In fact only once has he ever been sick enough to go to the Dr. But he endures the typical bruises that all newly walking/running kids put themselves through. Tough guy that he is, he just pushes forward, bleeding chin and all. Too much fun to be had to stop, right? Now that the weather is nicer we go to playgrounds, or on walks with friends. The library or children's museum are always popular spots too. Tomorrow night we'll be taking him to an art opening. He has a few friends of various ages, and shares readily. A very affectionate boy, he grabs my ears, pulls my face to his and plants a big kiss on my lips. Or screams Mama! and gives me a big ole hug if I've been away from him for a little while. So there you go, 16-month Andrew in a nutshell.

Tired Boy

Getting some snuggles in with Mama before bedtime.

Wheeeeeee!

Cutie Pie

Tell me that this kid isn't just the cutest. I dare you!

Atop His Throne

The King has made his ascent.

Sausage Legs

Gotta love baby cankles.

Curly Locks

Houston, we've got some hair!

Real Men Like Pink

Strutting around with his new girly toy.

Friends

Friends Erling (7 months) and Andrew (16 months). One day we'll regale them with stories of how they shared cloth diapers when they were little....

Could/Would/Loved/Hated

At 16 Months You Could...
Climb onto a small chair
Walk backwards
Spin in place
Walk Up/Down a single step without falling
Eat more than you parents

At 15 Months You Would...
Drive your pushcar into Bosley :(
Joyfully scream when I brought out crayons and paper
Knock on the porch door when you wanted to play outside
Knock on the car door when you wanted me to take you to the playground
Grab Mama's finger and lead her where you wanted to go

At 15 Months You Loved...
Playing in leaves/dirt
Driving your pushcar (above)
Pretending to talk on a cell phone
Berries
Dancing to music

At 15 Months You Hated...
Going inside after playing in the yard
Getting your diaper changed
Meat

You're getting so big! We love you, Spud.

Bath's Over

Wrapped up tight like a burrito.

Happy 16monthiversary!

11 months on the left, 16 months on the right. Sorry so small, click to enlarge. I've always been fascinated with the aging process - the small changes that add up over time. For Andrew, it seems like he has lost alot of the chubbiness in his face, which has become longer and thinner. Lucky for me he still has those delicious cheeks! In 5 months there isn't alot of improvement on the hair.....fuzz, I mean.

Monsieur Artiste

Perfectly Content

Surrounded by his favorite things - Dada, Banana, Cars Book, Toy in Mouth.

Noodles and Cheese

Eating Greatgrandma Sandy's signature dish.