My First (real) Boo Boo

I was having fun when I got my boo boo. Daddy was washing the car and I was running toward mommy down the driveway when my forehead said “hello” to the cement. Mommy watched in slow motion as I ran, tripped, slid on my knees a little and then used my hands and forehead to stop my fall. Nothing else was scrapped. Not even the knees. She swooped me up so quickly I didn’t even have time to turn on the waterworks. She didn’t understand that I just wanted to get to the bubble machine and my toy cars! Mommy insisted on taking a closer look at my head and THAT’s when I turned on the waterworks. She just doesn’t understand- never get between me and my toys! My forehead didn’t even start to tingle until mommy tried to wash it with a towel. I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. See… I’m just fine.

Happy Easter!

Waiting For The Hunt To Start
Was That It?

We took Nathan to a city-held Easter egg hunt yesterday morning. They sectioned off areas according to age groups so it was nice that he didn’t have to fight the bigger kids for the goodies. Nathan had a good time walking around in the grass, but when it came time to “hunt” for the “eggs” he just didn’t get it. (The goodies were just spread out on the grass and they didn’t have too many plastic filled eggs- there were mostly snack food items and toys). He’d put his goodies into his basket (it was really a beach bucket since his basket was already filled with stuff for Easter) and then he’d try to take them out and put them back on the ground. He didn’t understand that if he did that then he’d lose his goodies to all the other kids (or parents) snagging them up. Parents were allowed in the area for his age group only. We were only allowed to help the kids put stuff in their basket- they had to pick it up for themselves. But, we saw so many overly helpful parents (i.e. “cheaters”)- picking up all the goodies for their kids! The whole thing lasted maybe 5 minutes. We think he’ll understand better next year and will probably end up with more goodies. We had a fun time anyways- the weather was perfect and Nathan had a great time walking around and eating up his goodies!

See All Of My Easter Goodies?

I Found Some Eggs, Mommy!

I Found Lots Of Eggs! Happy Easter!

This morning, Nathan opened up his Easter baskets from Grandma & Grandpa and from Mommy & Daddy. He loved all his toys and treats! Then, after breakfast, we had a little Easter egg hunt in our backyard. This time, Nathan understood that the eggs go into his Easter basket. (Maybe we should have had a trial run before yesterday’s Easter egg hunt?) He loved dragging his Easter basket around the backyard. Eggs would fall out of it and he’d go pick it up, as if there were more eggs popping out of the ground. He had a blast picking up the eggs and we had a blast watching him. It’s been a good day.

We wish you all a wonderful Easter!

 

Our Trip To Wisconsin

We had a wonderful time in Wisconsin! Nathan loved spending time and playing with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma spoiled him (of course). And Grandpa roughed house with him. Nathan really enjoyed his time with Grandma and Grandpa. He definitely misses them!

Fun With Grandma & Grandpa:

Coming Out? I’m Ready To Go On Our Walk!

There was always so much activity around—there were newborn kitties to play with, doggies to tease, wild turkeys to watch, chickens and rabbits to feed, snow to play in, and visitors who came and went. Nathan discovered the kitties about a week after our arrival—when they started to really explore their area. Nathan was really interested in them, pointing whenever he saw their appearance. Then, he would crawl down onto his belly to look for them under and between the sofa and the recliner. This was when he said his first sentence: “Where kiki cat?” We all heard it. He said it very clearly. We were a bit surprised that Nathan enjoyed the kitties as much as he did since he didn’t seem to like cats. For example, whenever the mama cat, Blackie, would come out Nathan would freeze and immediately be silent. It got to the point where we’d even call out for her whenever he would start throwing tantrums. It was great. She would come out and Nathan would be quiet. We thought of bringing her home with us!

Lots of Kitty Cat Activity:

There You Are! Let’s Play!

Me & My Family!

Nathan also loved being outside. He loved walking around and being among the snow. He didn’t really play in the snow—we don’t think he quite understood what to make of it. He loved being outside so much that he would cry whenever we approached the house, thinking we were going back inside. One time, we brought him out back to play for a little bit and then decided that it would be better if we played out front. We had to bring him through the house in order to get there (it would’ve been too much of a trek to go around in the snow) and he screamed at the top of his lungs going into, through and out of the house. Once outside, it was all right in Nathan’s world and he was happy and quiet again. He’s definitely going to be an outdoorsy kid!

We’ve been home for a few weeks now and are back into the swing of things. It took Nathan a little while to get re-adjusted. He was very clingy for about a week and a half—he definitely misses his grandparents and kitty cat & doggy playmates. We all had such a wonderful time. We miss everyone and we’re definitely going to visit again soon!

Nathan And The Blue Polar Bear

 

A master in the fine art of wilderness survival, Nathan is seen in this photo with two rehabilitation assistants.

In his latest expedition, Nathan had tragically lost both hands to a very rare Blue Polar Bear, thought to be native to the toddler section of apparel stores. During his struggle for survival, Nathan managed to break free and call for help. With one fell swoop, his parents delivered the Blue Polar Bear to its demise. One shot from the bar code scanner gun, and it was over. The only reminder of this horrific incident is the trophy which adorns his head. It not only symbolizes strength and bravery, it also serves as an indicator for increased quarterly profits, and possibly a return of economic stability.

 

(An “editorial” courtesy of “ace” (a.k.a. Nathan’s uncle)

 

UPDATE:

Through the wonders of modern technology and the technical and scientific skills of his rehabilitation assistants, Nathan’s paw reattachment surgery is a success. Here, he is showing off his other prized trophy: the paws of the Blue Polar Bear that took his own hands!

 

After the fierce battle between Nathan and the Blue Polar Bear, it was decided that no matter how difficult the task, being that the Blue Polar Bear paws are a highly coveted prize in these parts and are a one size fits most, Nathan would undergo a tricky paw reattachment surgery. The procedure was long and difficult. Tears were shed. Nathan cried out in protest. Nathan’s rehabilitation assistants cried out from frustration and exhaustion as it turns out that the Blue Polar Bear paws are just a tad small. However, the rehabilitation assistants were creative in their attempts and, in the end, another battle was won. Nathan can once again go out and battle the Wisconsin snow with open hands…er…paws. And, with his trophies in plain sight, any other Blue Polar Bears lurking in the vicinity would be foolish to cross paths with him!

Wisconsin Here I Am!

 I Love Walking In The Snow!

I’m Not So Sure About This…

We arrived to Wisconsin last Thursday night.  We were delayed in LAX for 3 hours due to bad weather coming in from the Midwest and ended up catching a flight directly to Milwaukee instead of stopping at Kansas first.  That worked out since Nathan was able to run around the airport instead of being stuck in an airplane.  He did fairly well on the plane for the first leg (~4 hrs long)- he fell asleep for the first couple of hours, had some dinner when he woke up, and watched a little Ratatouille.

The last leg of the trip was another story.  He did well once we boarded, but we were delayed for 30-40 minutes due to waiting for delayed passengers and an emergency on an incoming flight.  Nathan is patient, but not that patient.  He cried almost the whole flight (40 very long minutes).  Poor little guy was really tired and wanted out of his car seat.  When I was finally able to turn on the DVD player, I almost immediately had to turn it off since the flight wasn’t that long.  He didn’t like that and let everyone on the plane know it.  We finally arrived to Central Wisconsin at 11 pm (CST).

Since arriving, we’ve experienced -20 degree weather, seen lots of wild turkey on the back porch, saw some deer in the woods, played with newborn kittens, visited with lots of family, and have gone for many walks in the snow.  Nathan didn’t know what to think about the cold and the snow at first.  But, he gradually “warmed” up to it.  He stands in front of Grandma and Grandpa’s windows and looks out, wanting to go for a walk.  He really likes the outside despite the cold!  We tried to take him sledding, but as you can see he’s wasn’t too sure about it.

Well, we have another week here and more adventures to look forward to.  Please continue to think warm thoughts for us!

Wisconsin Here I Come!

Like My New Hat & Mittens? I Do!

Do I Really Have To Go Out In The Cold?!

Showing Off My New Winter Duds

We will be making our way to visit family in Wisconsin tomorrow. This will be Nathan’s first time traveling by air and seeing snow! It’s going to be quite the experience for him (and for us, too!). We’ve heard it’s been in the minus double-digits so we’re trying to prepare Nathan for the weather change! He doesn’t really like it when it gets cold out here- he’ll freeze up in shock from the temperature change. He’s going to be in for a big surprise soon. Poor guy. Who knows, maybe he’s really a snow bunny in disguise. Think warm thoughts for us!

College Bound

I’m Ready To Go!

Don’t Worry…I’ll Visit Often

One Sunday afternoon, Nathan decided to pick up an empty backpack and carry it around the house. It was pretty impressive to watch him carry/lug/drag that pack around the house. As you can see, the bag is nearly his size. Several times, he would lift it up over his head and swing it back around so that it’s in front of him. On one of his tours around the house, he headed for the garage door and tried to open it. It was very cute since he was half wearing the pack at the time (with a little help from daddy). It looked like he was running away from home! It’s too soon for that…isn’t it?

Good-Bye, Sippy Cup!

Yay! I Get To Use A Big Boy Cup!

Water Is Pretty Tasty!

I’ve Got To Get Every Last Drop!

That Quenched My Thirst!

We decided that it was time to teach Nathan how to drink out of a “normal” cup. He did very well the first time. We gave him a tiny bit of milk so that it’s something familiar, but we don’t think he needed enticement to drink out of the cup. He was all antsy for the cup before we even gave it to him. Afterwards, we gave him water to practice with. He’s been practicing for a couple of weeks now and he’s moved from getting the majority of the water on his bib/shirt to getting most of it in his mouth. He’s even lifted it up too fast and got it all over his face! His reaction was priceless– his eyes widened like he thought the water was attacking him! Before long, those sippy cups will be history!

Open Says Me!

Earlier today, Nathan figured out how to open doors! He learned how to pull the handle down yesterday and today he’s figured out that if he pulls, the door will open. It was pretty funny watching him because he would open the door and look outside as if it were a different world out there, but he wouldn’t step a foot outside the door. Then he would close it and do it all over again. He was doing this for almost 15 minutes. I had to watch him carefully so that he wouldn’t shut the door on his fingers! Towards the end, he did step outside his room and into the hallway. He keeps surprising us at how quickly he’s discovering and learning things! What a smart boy!

Careful- I Have A Spoon and I Know How to Use It!

I’m Done Feeding Myself– How’d I Do?

Daddy stayed up one evening reading our “How to Raise Babies for Dummies” book (just kidding, we’re not even sure such exists! But, it is a book on caring for your baby/toddler) and was concerned that Nathan may be falling behind on some of his milestones, like self-feeding. So, the next night at dinner, I handed Nathan the spoon and helped him spoon his food and he brought the spoonful of food right into his mouth. He fed himself for the rest of the meal- and, the bigger the spoonful, the better. We couldn’t believe how quickly he learned how to do that. To make sure it wasn’t a one time thing (and to let him practice some more), I let him feed himself at breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day. He did great! He knows how to scoop into the bowl, but doesn’t always get the food. But, he does know how to get the food into his mouth! That’s the most important part, right? Anyways, this is a photo of the aftermath of his first self-feeding. Not too bad, huh? (In case you’re wondering, that’s sweet potato on his face)