Melt my heart

Usually at the end of each month, I do a month-in-review and reader appreciation post. But I'll save that for a bit later because...

Toddlerisms

Around 16 months, our son's vocabulary seemed to skyrocket. These days, we're just so surprised by what he knows and can say too! Here are some our son's toddlerisms...

Imagine your 1-yr old potty trained

I was reading a new blog over the weekend and a post on Infant Potty Training on PowerLaunch was seriously the weirdest parenting thing I've ever read. It was also really intriguing.

Warning: the following material may only be suitable to parents and adults who are used to be around pee and poo.

18-months!

This week, J had his 18-month well-visit. He had 0 shot. WOO HOO! The only annoying, but understandable, thing that happened was the doctor stepped out for 15-min to take a call from a specialist about one of her very ill patients. Well, at least it was warm (he was only in his diaper) and J found safe things to play with in the office.

Anyways, J's growth is steady. Still big. Still tall. But at least in proportion. And no concerns about this development either. Yay! Check out J's list of words here.

15 month
Height 33.5 in (75th percentile)
Weight 28 lbs, 2 oz (75th percentile)
Head circumference 18.75 in (50 percentile)
*** Online percentile calculator

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Day 18: How I didn't teach him to talk

Remember my OCD about tummy time and other milestones? Well, here's another one: talking to my infant (now toddler).

The screaming phase

Don't know if you remember reading this too, but almost as soon as a baby's born, you're supposed to encouraged to narrate the world to them. So I was a good student, and every morning I'd take J downstairs, read to him out of a book, and then walk around the first floor narrating the things I saw.

We're in the kitchen now. Oh, isn't it a beautiful day? What are you thinking? Did you have a good night? Good, because I'm really tired!

And when we went outside with Coco for her walk, same thing.

Isn't it a beautiful day? Do you see the trees? They are green. The sky is blue. Do you hear the cars? I have to bend down and pick up Coco's poo. Let's go home now.

First off, was encouraging me to narrate the world to J really just therapy for me? Seems like it, huh?

Second, the only words he knew before 16 months were Mama, Mum Mum, and Baba. No matter how much I narrated. 16 months of silence! Maybe the bilingual thing slowed him down.

Nevertheless, he spoke when he was ready. And boy, is he ready now! From 3 words all the way to 25 (on last count). His favorite is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. We really have to stop asking yes or no questions!


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Day 15: The Asian squat

Last week, on my photography blog capturng.com, I posted a photo of J and titled it "Asian squat". What is the Asian squat, you ask? It's when you can squat with both feet flat on the ground and hold that position for hours at a time. Yea, I said hours. Both images of my boy, J, were taken as part of a 366-photo project at my photography blog, capturng.com. I'm also posting images to Flickr, if you have an account. He's a really good Asian-squatter, isn't he? And I was worried about his development! I mean, and I was not worried about his development *wink*!

I rummaged through some old family photos to see if any one else in our family is a good Asian-squatter. I only found one. I was sure I'd find some Taiwanese cousins, but I must have left those pictures with my mom.

I'm on the left, and my sister's on the right. She's not doing a very good job though. See her knee touching the floor? She's got a lot practicing to do. Plus, look at the spread in those toes! Cheater.

I bet the daycare teachers find the Asian squat very odd. I use it a lot when dropping my son off. It's good for getting down to his level to take his jacket off, put away his things in his cubby, and to receive my farewell hug and kiss. I'm usually pretty balanced, unless I'm wearing a heel. Then maybe I take J down with me as I fall in slow motion. It's ok. We're low to the ground already anyways.

Try the Asian squat. You'll find it very useful!

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Day 14: Why I'm no longer concerned about milestons

Before every one of my son's wellness checkups, I'd read the relevant chapter in What to Expect making sure that at least he was reaching the "should" milestone and maybe even reaching the "maybe" milestone. He was always behind. Future J, thank goodness you haven't let this define you!

Rolling over at 3 months. Nope.
Playing peekaboo at 6 months. Nope.
Crawling at 6 months. Nope.
Talking at 6 months. Nope.
Walking at 12 months. Nope.

Since I don't have my book with me at all times, I used this list of milestones.

I went OCD trying to help my son rollover when the doc sounded concerned at his 6-month checkup. Every chance we got, he was on his tummy. He still didn't rollover until he was close to 9 months -- when his body told him it was time. No biggie, right? It's not like he wasn't sitting up or anything by then.

Next milestone I fretted over - walking. Everyone in my son's daycare class was walking by the time we started going. Don't get me wrong, he was a very good and fast crawler. He also had his own three-legged gangsta crawl. At his 12-month check up, the doc wasn't too concerned about him not walking, but at 15-months, he gave us the number to Infants and Toddlers.

I wasn't going to call except that the teacher at daycare told me a sad story. She said that when all the kids are running to the door to go outside and play, J's crawling behind them, protesting, because he doesn't want to be left behind. *Cue tears*

I called Infants and Toddlers and a few weeks later, my son was toddling around. Ironic, no?

These days, my son wants to walk everywhere...and on his own...no hand-holding. He also likes to run sometimes!

So hopefully I've learned my lesson and will stop comparing my son's development to what's considered "normal". He'll do what he wants to do when he can/wants to do it. Gosh, I hope I can remember this because the next big thing is going to be potty-training!!!!!!

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[Video] Walking + what kind of shoes should he wear?

Here is J taking some steps, though not his "first", just the "first on camera". As you can see, every time I whip the cameraphone to take a video, he comes walking, which means I can't ever get a long enough video!

My sister is always making fun of me because I kept saying that "he isn't walking yet" because he wasn't walking independently until a week ago. Well, now he's definitely walking! He also is definitely falling a lot too -- especially under Mom's watch. I may be testing/stretching his ability too much.

Speaking of walking, I'd like to know....

What kind of shoes should he be wearing as he's learning to walk? Any brand of "soft-soled" shoes you'd recommend?

Just for the record, when he's at home, he's barefoot (as demonstrated in the video). But since the kids go outside while at daycare, they have to wear shoes. Currently, he's wearing "normal" shoes, which may also be tripping him up. The soles aren't flexible and are kinda thick. Any recommendations you can give would be great!

[Video] Rocking out on the guitar

J is bouncing up a storm to the beats from the guitar. He also does this thing where he folds his hands and rotates his trunk back and forth. It's so cute and hilarious!

J's first professional haircut

J's pretty hair was getting a big long everywhere. It was getting in his eyes, ears, and the back was resembling a mullet. I hacked it pretty badly right before he turned one. Sorry! We googled kid-friendly hair salons in our area and turned up some bad reviews. Finally, we just decided to bring him to the place we usually get our hair cut, Beautiful Life Salon. The name is cheesy, but they're in Taiwanesetown, so they have to be!

Faye Ji cut J's hair, and she was patient and had great skills. J had to switch between sitting down in Daddy's lap...playing with new camera toy and iPhone...


...to Mommy holding him (that's J's hair all over me in the photo below).

Surely he is much more comfortable now! Such a big boy with his new haircut!

Some of these photos were posted to Instagram (lisacng) and Followgram. So please be my friend if you use these applications!

Reminiscing

Can you believe that my husband and I were already reminiscing about J? We were saying things like, "Remember when he was xx old and he did this and that?" He's only 15 months! I can't imagine what sorts of things we'll be saying when he's 5 years old, 10 years old, 20 years old...I'm getting ahead of myself.

This blog is sorta a repository for all the memories we have of J, and it's so fun to read old posts. But the number of posts is just going to be too many to read one day, so I've decided to start a list.

Infant 0-6 months:

1. You were born with the longest, skinniest arms and legs.
2. Grandpa said you'd be President one day.
3. As a newborn, you clenched your fists when you cried but always left out an index finger as if to say, "Whaaaat do you thiiiiink you are doooooooing?!"
4. The first two weeks home from the hospital, nothing could wake you.
5. After that, nothing could make you sleep!
6. You hated baths until you were allowed to be submerged.
7. Everyone loved when you feel asleep in their arms.
8. You enjoyed your 1-month celebration and weren't bothered by all the noise/excitement.

9. You had pretty bad eczema. Every morning, Daddy rubbed Aquaphor on your skin while you stared at the jar. You loved that jar.
10. Daddy also made sure to rub your belly so that you wouldn't have stomach aches. He believed in good circulation.
11. The first winter in Maryland, the heating system in our rental was messed up for months. It was 85F upstairs but 45F downstairs. You were always dressed in two layers and a cap and maybe a blanket too.
12. You had (and still have) the most beautiful smile. Grandma still calls you Little Sunshine.

13. You loved sucking in your top lip repeatedly. Wish we had a video! 

Baby 6-12 months:

1. You sure loved to read with us! The textures, the colors.

2. You started exploring the world on your own.
3. Lots of milestones - mastering pincer grip, rolling over, sipping from a cup, crawling, first teeth, standing, and first words.

4. And of course you did so good on your first birthday! No meltdowns :).

Toddler 12-18 months:

1. Started daycare. Mommy was so sad (and so were you) when you first started, but now, we both have great attitudes at the goodbye.

2. Second word - Daddy's favorite ;)
3. When you got excited, you'd bang your head against the nearest surface -- wall, floor, toy.
4. You really liked to watch objects spin -- stacking rings, coasters.
5. Your mode of transportation was pushing a truck or holding our hands.
6. You played A LOT more with us -- cat & mouse, hide & seek, riding on Daddy's shoulders, chicken dance, dancing in general.

7. You started feeding yourself with a spoon.
8. You took your first steps!
9. You gave hugs & kisses.
10. You had this love of fleece. You liked to rub your cheek against it! Hahaha...

First steps

We're making it official and J has taken his first steps at 15 months! It's so cute to watch him wobble -- first one or two steps, and now five or six. This boy really wants to run before he can walk! And to think, just 3 weeks ago we were wondering if we should be concerned that he wasn't walking yet!

Month 15

This week, J had his 15-month well-visit. He had 3 shots coming, plus a flu shot.

I asked the doctor if J would need a 2nd one (booster) since it'd be the first time he's getting the flu shot. The doctor said, No, he had two last year.

Me: What?! He did?! How do I not remember that?!

Seriously, how do I not remember that?!

Anyways, J's growth is steady. Still big. Still tall. But not above the 90th percentile anymore!

15 month
Height 32.25 in (quarter-inch longer than at 12 months) (75th percentile)
Weight 26 lbs, 14 oz (two lbs heavier than at 12 months) (75th percentile)
Head circumference 18.5 in (no change) (50-75th percentile)

*** Online percentile calculator

At J's 9 month checkup, the doctor had suggested we call the Infants and Toddler's program in Maryland because J hadn't started crawling or using his pincer grip yet. We didn't call. At J's 12 month checkup, he had another evaluation of his gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem solving, and social skills. He scored well, so the doctor gave us no worries that time :).

This time, he suggested we call Infants and Toddler's because he's a bit behind walking. The daycare teachers say he's fine, he's a boy, and boys just tend to walk (and talk) later. But they'd be happy to host a visit from Infants and Toddlers if we want.

So we're going to schedule a visit, just to make sure. Funny thing is, he took a few steps toward me just two days ago. And my husband and I are "passing" him back and forth while he takes steps. And they practice a lot at daycare...so...I'm sure J's fine. Maybe he's just unsure or really likes to crawl and push his truck around.

When did your kids talk and walk?

We have nothing to worry about, right?

[Video] Using a spoon!

When the teachers at daycare said that J was getting good at feeding himself yogurt with a spoon, I really wanted to see it for myself. Unfortunately, it was weeks after this comment that J started doing it at home. First, with oatmeal...and then finally with yogurt! Enjoy!

Funny things about J

I've reflected on the many changes J went through in his first 9 months in this post. He developed his own rhythm/schedule, made noises, slept longer at night (yay!), turned over and crawled. He interacted with toys and responded when we read books with him. It was amazing!

J is now 14 months and the changes since then have been equally amazing and fun! Here some of J's newest developments:

Hide & Seek

While we were all sitting on the floor in the dining room, J crawls over to the curtain and pulls it over him (I know, I know, the curtain rod could be pulled off the wall and hurt J, just bear with me for the story). He then sits real still and quietly. All the while, his cute little bug and legs can still be seen.

We say, "Where's J?" over and over again.

Finally, J peeks out from behind the curtain with a huge smile (smirk is shown below) and giggle!

He also likes to crawl from room to room while we "chase" him. He laughs uncontrollably when we finally get him. He also likes to chase us.

Laughing when doing something wrong

Last night, J was playing with a ball. The puppy got to it and licked it. Of course, J then wanted to put that same ball in his mouth. But it was dirty, so we said "Heyyyy, don't put it in your mouth, it's dirty!"

You know what he did next? He slowly put the ball to his mouth, and right before it touched his lips, we'd say, "Heyyyy" and he'd start cracking up! If we then walked toward him, he'd quickly throw the ball away, also laughing hysterically. So mischievous!

Self-congratulating

J is getting better at sorting shapes and stacking cups. Yesterday, with his back toward me, he successfully stacked two cups. He then gave himself a hand. Melt. My. Heart.

Spinning coasters

Here's the video of J trying to spin coasters like his dad. He's got the hand position right, he just has to learn to rotate his wrist and let go at the right time -- not easy! While eating out on Sunday, J grabbed one of the cardboard coasters and tried to spin it too. One day he's going to get it right. I can't wait to see his reaction. I'm sure there'll be some self-congratulatory clapping.

What amazing things has your child surprised you with?

New video: practicing gross motor skills and problem-solving

J is learning to use his walking legs in this video. He's also learning to problem-solve by turning the truck himself. Notice how he reaches up his hand for help when he reaches the window. Unfortunately, mommy is wielding the camera and can't help. No problem, J does it all by himself!

New video: practicing fine motor skills

J is trying to spin coasters like daddy in this video. But he also displays his asking skills, clapping (finally at 14 months!), kissing (so cute!), and signing "all done" skills. Growing up so fast!

Fine motor skills

Here are some fine motor skills that BabyCenter says can help toddlers develop their fine motor skills:

• Filling up and dumping out: J is helping to clean up, and he doesn't even know it. Yesterday, he even put the square and star-shaped pieces in their right holes.
• Dressing and undressing: Since he could sit on his own, J's been lifting and bending his arms when we're dressing/undressing him. Now that he's standing (with support), he also lifts and bends his legs when we're putting pants on him. He also lifts and bends right out of them! It's kinda a chore to get him dressed in the mornings ;). J also loves to help with the chest buckle on his car seat.
• Drawing and scribbling: I just bought a roll of craft paper and jumbo crayons for J to practice this skill at home.
• Stacking and stringing: This one J isn't doing yet.
• Poking and punching (really, we're supposed to encourage this? Haha!) He certainly bites and pinches. The pinching is funny. The biting is scary because his teeth are so sharp!

Head banging

When J turned 1, he started occasionally banging his head against things. Apparently, 20% of babies and toddlers do this -- boys more likely than girls. BabyCenter says they do it for several reasons -- self comfort, pain relief (ironic, isn't it?), frustration, need for attention, or it can be an indication of a developmental problem.

We think J does it for self-comfort and also out of frustration. Surprisingly, he does it for one more reason -- EXCITEMENT! Whenever I arrive at daycare to pick J up, he:

1.  Smiles widely at me
2. Bangs his head on the nearest surface
3. Smiles widely at me  
 

The teachers find it hilarious! Don't worry, we make sure he never hurts himself.

What weird, yet totally normal, things does your child do?

Ba ba

Let the record show that on Sept. 18, 2011, J said "ba ba."

I believe these were my husband's exact words.

My husband was on his way to walk Jasper. He was at the door. J came up behind him and said "ba ba".

Hello, melt our hearts! Almost makes up for a tiring/stressful weekend trying to soothe a sick 1-year-old. This is the toughest sickness yet!

I bet you remember when your kid first said mama or baba. 

Were there tears?