The stats

Today Jack went to the doctor for his 18 month checkup. Yes, it's a little late, but he is still 18 months old! It was a good visit, though he did get 3 shots and a TB test so it he probably wouldn't agree.

Weight: 22 lbs (5th percentile)
Height: 32.25 inches (50th percentile)
Head circumference: 20 inches (still off the charts)



We got instructions to feed him more higher protein, higher fat food and try and get his weight up. We go back in 6 weeks for a weigh-in to see how things are going. He's been starting to tolerate more milk which should help the cause a lot. I think the fact that he never stops moving is probably the root of the problem but we'll see what we can do!

She thought his language and walking skills were great and loved how interested he was in books. He didn't stop reading the entire time we were there I don't think, except maybe to scream a little here and there.

I asked about potty training and she said "start at 2, train for a year, start at 3, train for a week." So I guess we'll be waiting. He also doesn't have to go to the dentist until he's 3!

He won't have to go back until he's 2 assuming all is ok at the big weigh-in in a few weeks. I'm sure he'll be excited about that!

Zoo

This past weekend Kenny and I went to Blacksburg to see the Hokies beat Miami and Jack and Grams and Gramps went to the zoo!!



They fed the giraffes...





but I don't think Jack liked it once the giraffe licked him!



Look at Jack's mouth - he's making the Ee Ee Ee Oo Oo Oo monkey sound!








They clearly had lots of fun at home too...only Grams lets him play in the sink!!



That's what grandparents are for, right? To spoil grandchildren rotten? I think they've got the hang of it...and I think Jack has too! :)!

First (real) haircut

Last week, Jack got his first real haircut! I'd cut it a few times here and there trying to even it out but it got to the point where he woke up with crazy bedhead every morning that we didn't have time to deal with. So off to see Kristen he went!





The secret to her success...lollipops! It was also Jack's first lollipop...and it worked like a charm!



He didn't cry. He fussed a few times and wanted to get up but she also had cartoons on the tv for him which distracted him for a little while. It's a good thing we got it cut too - we just found out Thursday is picture day at school!!

Another great weekend!

We missed Daddy this weekend while he was in Blacksburg but we had fun back here in Richmond too! Saturday we went to the 43rd Street Festival of the Arts in our neighborhood. It was a beautiful day and perfect wandering weather.

Jack showed Grams his favorite birdhouse...



and he and Gramps listened to some live music.



That night we had dinner with Grams and Gramps after we cheered the Hokies to victory!



As much fun as we had though, we did miss Daddy and were glad to have him home on Sunday. It was another beautiful day so we took off for a walk to the playground. We absolutely love our neighborhood and while there are a lot of reasons for that, the great playgrounds are near the top of my list. They are probably at the very top of Jack's list!



Jack is a very happy child, but there is nothing like being outside on the playground to bring out his smiles!











He's still a little unsure of some of the equipment...but getting braver.








We found a really cool praying mantis that fascinated Jack. It's really neat watching him discover things like this...





The slide is still his favorite but every time we go to the playground he needs a little less help. He's getting very good at stairs...



and while it was surely convenient to have Daddy next to him to hold on to, I have seen him navigate the sliding board all alone at school!



"Wheeee!" He said it over and over and over...



I'm not at all sure what we'll do when the weather turns cold. Bundle up I guess? That'll be ok though, his smiles will surely keep me warm!

Go Hokies

Kenny and Uncle Joey are on the way to Blacksburg to cheer on the Hokies. Jack and I hope we can cheer loud enough from here to help them beat Nebraska!

Last weekend Kenny and Jack went to the Farmer's Market dressed alike in their Hokie tees and khaki shorts. Aren't they cute??






Jack's got a little growing to do before he can join the team...



Here he is today in his new Hokie bibs from Grandma...cleaning up his mess at Grams & Gramps', like a good little Hokie!



LET'S GO HOKIES!!

We're still here!

I don't know where the time goes. I really don't. But somehow lately life has been really busy and the blogging has fallen by the wayside. I'm going to try and do better!

Jack's talking up a storm these days. Monday night he even put 2 words together and after I'd finished the usual 2 books before bed, he said "more books!" We keep trying to record his words but as soon as he sees the camera, he stops talking and heads straight for it. We'll try harder this weekend. He knows almost all of the animal sounds and never misses a chance to use them.

Last weekend he got to spend lots of time with his grandparents while Kenny and I did some fun stuff (date night) and some not so fun stuff (yard work). As usual, I failed to take any pictures, but my parents sent some cute ones of their time with him.

These two...they are quite a pair. I'm not sure who is more smitten...







We also got to see Uncle Joey while he's home for a few weeks. Jack loved being tickled!



Hope you all are having a great week and I'll get back into the more frequent posting mode soon!

18 months

One day closer to 2 than 1. Much more a boy than a baby. How can we slow all of this down, it's going by way too fast!



This month, or at least the last couple of weeks of it, has been all about communication. He's figured out how to use "No" or actually "No, no" and doesn't hesitate! He's learning new words everyday and using the ones he has known for a while without prompting. He finally mastered all of the animal sounds, and anytime he sees one, anywhere, he makes the appropriate noise. It's really cute. "Tweet" is still my favorite!

He's got a little cold and is getting his 4 canine teeth all at once it seems, but he's still pretty happy!



He certainly is gaining independence as fast as he can. He wants no help most of the time. One morning he sat himself in his Daddy's lap and helped himself to his cereal...in a big bowl, with a big spoon. And all things considered, it went really well! Cereal and applesauce are his favorite foods right now but I think it might have more to do with the spoon than the actual food.



Books! Jack loves books more every month I think. We have so many, but he reads them all over and over and over. We have 2 favorite books right now, both of which involve animal sounds. We don't really even get to read the words, he just wants to turn the pages and make all the animal sounds. We're still working on cock-a-doodle-doo in The Very Busy Spider but it's coming along! My mom saved one of my favorite books and gave it to Jack recently and he too loves it!



He really likes to sit in your lap and look at books with you though...especially Aunt Audrey's lap!



Listening to our little guy laugh is by far one of my greatest joys and he does a lot of laughing these days!



We go to the doctor at the end of the month for a checkup so we'll see how he's faring in terms of growth percentiles then. Until then, we'll be here, having fun, reading books, eating applesauce and laughing up a storm I hope! Enjoy YOUR month!