Choo Choos and Snow!!

This has been a BIG week for trains, and Legos!

More Trains!

Typical morning these days in our house- Ethan relaxing in his new chair, drinking some milk, and watching Elmo

My Snow Bunny!

Sledding with Mama

We all love playing in the snow

Especially Barley!

We can even swing in the snow!

Ethan needed some help from Daddy balancing in his big snow boots

This week has been all about trains!  We've had a snowy, cold week, and so we've had lots of time indoors to crawl around on the floor, laying track and playing with our train cars.  Ethan has loved every minute!  No surprise here- it's in his blood!! 

Today we had an opportunity to go outside and play in the snow.  This time was much more successful than our snow play in CT.  Ethan still screamed like crazy when we got him dressed to go outside, but once he was out there, he discovered how much fun the snow really is.  He loved walking around and exploring the yard (the parts where he didn't get buried).  He had a great time riding in his sled and swinging in his swing.  When it was time to go inside and warm up, Ethan cried because he didn't want to stop playing outside.  This was a HUGE relief to Pete and I, as we both really love winter and enjoy playing in the snow.  Now that Ethan is on board with the whole snow thing, I guess we can keep him!

Christmas 2010 and Snow!

Grandma Y helps Ethan with his new trucks

Trains! 

Ethan's new chair- he immediately crawled in with his new book with wheels

Trying out his new dump truck

Auntie Sarah made Ethan his very own duck

hanging out with cousin Jack

Waving out the window at Papa, Daddy, and Uncle Ken as they shovel the driveway

Ethan hates being bundled in so many layers- eventually he gave in and enjoyed riding his sled

Ethan and Daddy

Trying out Marshall's fort

Cousins!

Ethan loves his trains!

 Practicing our coloring.  Ethan can't decide if he'd rather color with or eat the crayons-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful Christmas with our families.  Ethan embraced all things Christmas- the tree, decorations, the cookies, and of course the gifts!  He quickly learned that under all of those pretty wrappings, were fun toys!  Cars, trucks, trains, and books, were among his favorites.  I loved preparing for Christmas this year!  Knowing that we were creating a magical experience for our little guy was pretty cool! 

The day after Christmas, we had a huge snow storm.  Connecticut got 16 inches.  So, needless to say, we spent much of the week in CT in our jammies, playing games, watching Elmo, and playing with cousins Madeline, Jack, and Marshall.  Ethan loves playing with his cousins, and as he's gotten older, he's even trying to wrestle a bit with Jack and Marshall!  I guess boys will be boys!

The day after the storm, we ventured out to play.  It was a little stressful getting out the door as Ethan hates getting winter layers on.  It's so hard for him to understand why he has to wear big clunky boots, lots of layers, a hat, and mittens -- and boy does he let us know that he HATES it!   Once we were out and about for a while, and Ethan observed his cousins playing, he began to enjoy the snow. He liked riding in his new sled. but wanted nothing to do with walking around in the cold stuff.  I'm really hoping that he'll grow to love the snow, otherwise, we may have to move to California!

We've noticed that Ethan is understanding more and more of what we are saying to him and asking of him.  He can show us where his eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair, belly, hands, fingers, feet and toes are.  And he is learning more and more animal sounds.  He cracks us up when he doesn't know one of the sounds and makes one up.  For example, if we ask what a frog says, he'll growl- interesting!  The other day we asked him what Mama says, and he replied, "No, no, no!"  He's a real comedian!

When Ethan was smaller, parents used to always come up to me and tell me what their favorite age was.  "Oh, 9 months was great because they finally sleep"  Or "12 months was great because they are getting more independent."  I have to say that I have enjoyed every single stage and age thus far.  Some have certainly been more challenging than others, but I am just loving this ride so very much.  Every day brings something new to smile about.  This little guy brings so much complete joy to our lives.  I've never been much of a resolution girl myself, but if I had to make one, it would be to take time each and every day to count my lucky stars that I've been blessed with such an amazing family!

16 Months!!!

He's getting the hang of using a fork... sort of

Modeling adorable pants made by Auntie Sarah

Front shot of his monster pants

Barley and Ethan

Ethan has begun to "snuggle" Barley as often as Barley will let him

What's this white stuff?

Well, if he doesn't like playing in it. at least we know he likes eating it!  He picked up all of the snow in the entry way for taste testing!

First success with picking up the food on his own with a fork- he was extremely proud of his fork skills

Isn't this how we all feel when there are cookies baking?  Ethan wanted them ALL!!

 

Here are a few shots from the past couple of weeks.  Holiday preparation has taken us away from our weekly blog, but we'll be back at it in the New Year! 

                                         We hope that you all have a wonderful holiday! 

Christmas Trees and Holiday Cheer

Our tree!

Ethan inspected many of the trees as we walked around looking for the perfect one

 Helping Daddy cut down our tree

Helping to decorate

I'm sure Ethan is wondering why in the world there is a tree in our living room!

Daddy teaches Ethan how to turn on the lights

Ethan is extremely taken with our tree

Uh Oh!  He better get used to this white stuff or it's gonna be a long winter!

We are definitely feeling the holiday spirit in our home!  Pete, Ethan, and I have gotten our tree, decorated the house, and enjoyed some holiday cheer in downtown Freeport.  Ethan has been completely enthralled with it all. He loves looking at all of the beautiful lights as we walk through town, and he gets a huge smile on his face when he sees the horse drawn carriages clomping through the streets of Freeport. 

We've had a bit of snow, and he's not so sure about it. I'm not sure if he hates being bundled up and so protests being put down, or if he just dislikes this cold, white stuff covering the ground.  Either way, he's going to have to learn to get used to the bundles, and the white stuff- we do live in Maine, afterall!

We think his most favorite part of the holiday so far though, is our tree.  Every morning when we come downstairs, he lets out "oohs", and "ahhs", over the fact that there is still a tree in our house!  He knows that it his job to turn on the tree lights in the morning, or when we come home from our errands.  He takes his job very seriously!  He has been pretty good with the ornaments so far, only pulling off the least breakable ones.  When he gets really quiet, I know where to find him- hiding behind the tree touching the ornaments that are more fragile!  All in all though, having the tree in the house with Ethan has been more pleasant than Pete and I had anticipated.  We were strategic in our placement of ornaments this year, which has helped immensely!

Other than enjoying the holiday preparation, we've settled back into our routines at home.  Ethan and I have continued attending story time at our local library, and playgroup at our community center.  It's a great way for Ethan to interact with other kids, and maybe even more importantly, for me to interact with other moms!  It's fantastic for us to get out, and after attending these activities, Ethan always seems to be tuckered out enough to take a nice, long nap! 

We are loving December and are aware of how quickly the days are passing.  The holidays are so much more magical when you have a little one to share them with! 

Thanks for reading!

15 Months!

Ethan and Kelly (Ethan's second cousin) checking each other out.  Ethan literally kissed Kelly, which totally freaked her out, but was pretty darn cute!

What a gentleman!

Watching the peacocks at the Bronx Zoo- Ethan looks like he wants to take off and run after one!

Insert "urgent whining" as Ethan waits in line to ride the ferris wheel at Toys R Us in NYC- he could hardly contain himself!

Snuggling the stuffed animals at FAO Shwartz

We did a loop around the toy store probably  5 or 6 times- down the ramp, up the stairs, down the ramp, up the stairs!

Playing on the piano from the movie "Big" Pretty cool!  Doesn't it look like he could be on the Abbey Road cover?

Posing on the piano- I'm lucky I got him to stop for even a second to look at Daddy for a picture!

Hard at Play on Thanksgiving

Daddy, Ethan, and Lego Santa- Daddy is making sure to expose Ethan to legos as much as possible so that they can begin building together soon!

We are back in Maine after spending a few weeks in Connecticut.  We had a lot of fun spending time with family and experiencing new people and places.  One of the very exciting things that Pete and I did with Ethan was take him for his first trip into New York City. I was a bit apprehensive about how we would do now that Ethan prefers walking to be strolled in a carriage, and I was worried about where we would change diapers, nap him, and so on.  Pete encouraged us to bite the bullet and go with the flow, and I am so happy that I took his advice.  Ethan was amazing!  He didn't complain once all day and was content to lounge in his stroller and watch the trucks, buses, and general hustle bustle of the city. 

We brought him to Times Square, specifically to Toys R Us, to ride the ferris wheel.  I thought that he would be mildly impressed, watching the ferris wheel going around, but the minute he saw it, he was practically jumping out of our arms to take a ride!  After riding, we explored the store, making a special stop at Wonka World for Pete! 

We took Ethan to see the Macy's holiday windows, and also to check out the toys at FAO Schwartz.  Ethan had a blast running around the store, practicing going up and down the stairs, and snuggling the huge stuffed dogs.  We couldn't pass up the opportunity to play on the "Big Piano" so Ethan and I threw off our shoes, and did some playing- it was so much fun!  Having kids really does allow the parents to be kids again too!

As many of you know, Ethan is not the greatest sleeper in the world.  He wakes at the slightest sound, and generally does not take naps unless the conditions are just right for him.  Well, at one point we were walking along, making our way to one of our many destinations, and Ethan was in the Ergo carrier on my back.  One second he was pointing and talking and watching the cars and traffic, and literally a minute later, he was zonked out, snoozing on my back- and for that reason alone, we will be making many more visits to the city!!!  All kidding aside, Ethan always seems to surprise us with how able he is to adjust and enjoy his new surroundings.  As a new mom, I'm always cautious and tend to play the "what if" game, but he pleasantly surprises us again and again at his willingness to go with the flow and experience new things.

Another highlight of our time "down south" was Thanksgiving.  We visited with family in New Jersey.  There are lots of kids around Ethan's age.  It is so wonderful to meet every year, and see how the kids have grown and changed and observe them interacting with each other.  Last year, Ethan was just a little guy, so to see the growth over one year is just mind blowing.  Reminds me to be so thankful of the time we have to spend with him and watch him grow.  I am mindful that it goes FAST and so I cherish every single moment.

Ethan is 15 months old now and we are loving this age.  He is becoming more and more expressive about his needs and wants, and we love that we are able to communicate with him and have him communicate back.  When we ask for a snuggle, his puts in cheek right up to ours and wraps his arms around us!  He has mastered the word no, with a head shake and all.  Only problem is that now, he goes around to all of the things that we've said no to, touches them anyway, and says, "No, no, no" repeatedly.  For example, he'll touch the outlets (they are covered!) and says, "No!"  I guess in a way it's a good thing, because it's a tell that he's doing something he shouldn't, and we're able to redirect him.  But he doesn't quite have down the concept that "no" means you stop doing whatever it is that you shouldn't be doing!

Ethan is also saying more and more words.  He'll say, "Boo" for the cow sound, and he's got a great deep throaty "Quack" for a duck.  He says, "Mama", "Papa", "Ball", "Apple", "Melmo", "Ba" for Barley, and of course, as I mentioned, "No!"  One my favorites is "Nah."  He has definitely picked that one up from me, as I'll use that to redirect him to something else.  It's hysterical to hear him repeat, "Nah" when he decides to switch activities!

Last night, we were watching Elmo ("Melmo")- a new favorite of Ethan's- and Elmo started dancing.  Ethan started dancing around the room as well, moving his head, bouncing up and down, tapping his head, and clapping his hands.  He was dancing so passionately that he had to hold on to a laundry basket that was nearby just so he wouldn't fall over.  Pete and I just watched him and laughed at how insanely adorable this little person is!

Lastly ( I know this is a long one!) we took Ethan to the pediatrician for his 15 month check yesterday.  When the nurse measured his height, she thought for sure he'd be off the growth chart, and he nearly was- 33 inches puts him in the 95- 97% for height.  He weighed 26 lbs. 11 oz., which is 75% for weight.  And his head size is still hanging in there in the 50% range. 

Pete and I were commenting on how huge a difference this check-up at 15 months was from the last one at 12 months.  Yesterday, Ethan was walking around the exam room, playing with the toys, flirting with the doctor, opening the door and trying to escape and generally performing for the nurses and doctor. He has such a big personality!  The doctor and nurse repeatedly commented on what a happy, healthy little guy Ethan is- what more can we ask for?  Absolutely nothing!