How I Will Spend My Summer Vacation

You all know that Micah loves to play ball (if you don't, you haven't been paying attention). Now that it's warm, he loves to play ball outside. I have a feeling I'll be spending a good part of my summer outside our back door.

Uh-Oh

Micah has been doing remarkably well using a fork and a spoon. I sat with him as he ate shells and cheese for lunch yesterday. He carefully used his fork for three servings! If he happened to drop a noodle, he would stop and say "uh-oh!" until I told him it was OK. Since he had been so meticulous with the shells and cheese, I didn't pause to think when I left the room while he ate his apple sauce. I returned just in time to see him dumping it on his head. I didn't even try not to laugh. It was so funny!


In other news, Micah had his 15 month well visit yesterday. We're still going to the same office, but I switched doctors. I like the new doctor a lot better, and she doesn't make Micah nervous like the old one did. Micah got a clean bill of health and continues to be a pretty average size: 24.7 lbs (55th %) and 32.25 in. (77th %).

Water Play

We had a few hot, sunny days last week. I got out some buckets of water for Micah to play with one afternoon. He had a great time until he dumped a big cup of cold water on himself. He gave me a shocked and hurt look, then got over it. I got the water out again the next day for him to play with Carter. They were so cute, I had a hard time deciding which pictures to blog.

Memorial Day

We may not have a big house, but at least we have a big backyard! A bunch of friends from church came over on Saturday. We played cornhole, bocce, and some Little Tykes basketball. And, as with all ABF functions, we had lots of good food.

This morning I ran in the annual Tallmadge Memorial 5K. I felt like a real townie as I rode my bike to the race, then walked with friends to the pancake breakfast at the community center.

No, Carter didn't run the race, but his mom and five other friends from our ABF did!

Race Day

Scott turned on the Indy 500, and Micah was immediately enthralled. He just stared at the screen saying, "Vroom vroom! Vroom vroom!"

Pacifier Wars

We've tried not to let Micah be too attached to his pacifier. They serve their purpose in moderation, but I don't want him to need it 24/7. So, for a long time, we've limited the pacifier to bedtime only. (Ok, let's be honest. There are plenty of exceptions: when he's screaming in the library, on long car rides, when I just need to finish checking out at the grocery store and it's past nap time....) So, when he gets up from sleeping, we make him give up the pacifier before he can go play. It's become a bit of a game to him. When we ask for it, he'll say "no" and go to the other side of the crib. Usually I'll play along for a few minutes, then just leave the room. Within a few seconds you'll hear him saying "Done! Done!" as he hands you the pacifier and happily goes on his way.




P.S. Isn't the t-shirt he's wearing great? I found it at a consignment store, and had to get
it!

Playground Day

I was planning to spend a good part of the day at the park in the sunshine today. However, both boys had energy to burn at 8am, and it was only 40 degrees out. So off to McDonald's we went! I know it's not the Denver Developmental Checklist, but McDonald's Playland is a great indicator of how the boys are growing! Every time we go, they are more and more independent. Today Micah followed Carter up to the next bigger slide. After going down a few times with me, he progressed to going down with just Carter, then on his own! I wish I could share a picture with you of Carter sitting behind Micah with his arms around him, helping him down the slide. But, alas, I did not bring my camera with me!

After a pit stop at home for snack time, we grabbed the stroller and walked over to Lion's Park. I learned my lesson and remembered the camera this time. Again, it was fun to see what new elements they could tackle on their own.
Here's Carter on the big bridge....


...and going down the slide:"Ready, set, go!". (Sorry it's sideways)


Micah can do one of the smaller slides by himself.



He also likes the tunnel and the swings.

Even with all the great playground equipment, the thing that holds their attention the longest is the rocks! They spent at least ten minutes straight putting rocks on the slide, then taking them back off. I had to repeatedly say "no throwing rocks" and "not for eating!" (Yes, Micah tried to eat rocks so many times that I finally had to give him a time out!)


They were both filthy and exhausted by the time we got back home. What a great day!

Artists

Micah's interest in coloring has greatly increased this week. Thank goodness for washable crayons! Our great little table is like a dry erase board, so a wet wash cloth easily wipes off all the marks. I'm sure Micah's enthusiasm for coloring is complimented by his love of climbing and sitting in chairs. It's a happy combination.

Both boys scrunch up their face and say "cheese!" whenever they see a camera. I have to be quite sneaky to get a good shot!

Big Boy Jammies

Happy Mother's Day

We spent this Mother's Day with Scott's parents in Indiana. Micah had fun playing with their toys, chasing the cat (from a safe distance), and being the center of attention.

"Town!"

Here's Micah and Daddy singing "Wheels on the Bus." Micah only sings one word, but he's very enthusiastic about it.

Out for a Walk

I'm not surprised that sweet Carter wanted to hold Micah's hand while we went for a walk today. I am surprised, however, that Micah went along with it!

Dancing Bear

There's a new sloth bear at the Akron Zoo. We were excited that he was right up by the glass for us to meet him, then thrilled that he decided to do a little dance for us!

Speaking of showing off, I haven't really shared much of what Micah has been doing lately. He understands so much! If you ask him a question, he'll probably answer "yeah." He knows where his ears, nose, and back are. He'll tell you what sounds a sheep, cow, or snake make. If you leave the door unlocked, he will try to go outside by himself. If you sing "Wheels on the Bus," he'll sing the word "town" with you. He also likes a song that has "high" and "low" in it. We'll sometimes hear him from another room in a high-pitched voice singing "high!" Some of his tricks are a little annoying - like how he runs away when you say he needs his diaper changed. But it sure is fun to watch him learn!