16 months

What's new with Micah at 16 months old?  He is so much fun, but I guess that isn't new.  He has pretty much always been fun.

 

He still doesn't say very many words, but he sure understands a lot.  He loves to point out his body parts when we ask him to.  His favorite is the nose, but he also knows, ears, eyes, mouth, tongue and belly button.  He also loves to point out his family members.  When you ask "where is _____?". He gives a big smile and points to the person.  So cute.  His favorite word to say is "dada!", which actually means "doggie".  He can spot a dog from so far away and always yells and points.  He also loves to use the sign for "more", which to him actually means that he wants some milk.  At least we know what he wants!

 

Micah still wakes up 1-2 times per night.  He has teased me a few times and slept through the night, but only a few times.  He goes back to sleep pretty easily though, so I can't complain too much.  He just needs some reassurance and a pat on the back.

(Watching the renovation construction in our back yard)

Micah loves shoes.  He can often be found wearing his sibling's shoes all over the house.  Big or small, he doesn't care.  He also still loves bath time.  Just turn on the water and he will come running.

 

(The only way to keep him happy during photo time was to let him have his favorite toy - his doctor kit)

He has been so good with the Christmas tree.  I was worried he would be tearing it apart, but he has pretty much left it alone.  He goes over to it occasionally to check it out, but he leaves the decorations on the tree. Such a smart little man!

Christmas was fun.  He saw the present meant for him right away(a new ride-on toy) and loved it immediately.  He slept in that morning, so most of the chaos was already complete.  It worked out perfectly!

He is a bit of a picky eater.  He won't eat any meat, unless I completely hide it in something else.  He loves dairy and fruit, not such a big fan of vegetables.    He also loves pasta and eggs.

15 months

15 months is a busy age.  Whoa!  I forgot how busy the toddler stage was.  Maybe I don't remember because I had 3 toddlers (almost) at the same time and I have blocked out that year of my life.  That was smart of me, I think, otherwise I may not have had another baby.  This kid climbs everything, destroys everything and makes a mess of everything.  But he is so sweet, that one little smile from him and I forgive anything.  :)

 

 

He is fun to play with.  He gets how toys work these days and loves to figure things out.  He especially loves his play Home Depot tools.  Maybe because he has been watching workers around our house for the past month (or maybe just because they are NOISY), but they seem to be a favorite these days.  He also still loves his cars and can play for a long time with them.

 

 

With his brother and sisters all taking piano lessons, a favorite activity for him is to climb up onto the piano bench and sit and play.  He does this everyday.  Hopefully, he will want to take lessons when he is older too!

 

 







He loves bath time.  Anytime there is anyone in the bathtub, he insists on joining them.  He has even climbed in fully clothed on occasion.  This little one has to be watched so closely!

 

 

 

His sleep is better, but still not perfect.  He naps for a good 3 hours during the day and goes to bed at 8:00ish at night.  He settles so much more quickly now and consistently sleeps until 4-4:30am.  I give him a quick feed and he falls back asleep until 6:30.  So much better than having him wake up every 1-2 hours.  Plus, he is in his crib all night now!

 

He transitioned well to my return to work.  Gloria (our nanny) is so fantastic with him and she adores him.  He goes right to her on the mornings that I have to leave and I don't have to worry about leaving a screaming baby.  It is so good.  He is so sweet and I can't imagine life without him now.  :)



House Ronovations.

We have started some house renovations this year.  They are long overdue and it feels good to get it done.  We have started with the front stairs.  The wood was all rotten, we didn't have a railing and they were very steep before.

Before.

Current state. Note the large tree is gone and we have lovely new windows on the main floor!

 

We will have to wait until warmer arrives returns to stain/paint and we are still waiting for our (back-ordered) front door to arrive, but the front is almost complete!

 

Next stop....the back deck.  I will keep you posted.  :)



Halloween 2013

This year was fun!  We don't currently have a front door, so there was a nice excuse to take the evening and spend it trick-or-treating with the kids.  I felt a bit guilty not handing candy out this year, but it was fun to all go out as a family.  Usually Johnny and I take turns with the kids, so this was a nice treat.

Shaylah wore a costume made by my grandma is the early 80's.  My mom kept everything from when I was a kid, and this is one of the things I am glad that I still have.  It was so awesome and Shaylah was just as excited as I was.

Shaylah the clown.

 

This is the first year in Ashlyn's life that she hasn't wanted to be a princess.  This is just another sign that my kids are getting too big!

Ashlyn the hippie flower child.

Caelan was not only a pirate, but a ninja pirate.  He has some pretty good ninja moves, so watch out if you ever see him in a back alley somewhere.  Definitely run the other way!  :)

 

Micah was my sweet little pumpkin.  He only trick-or-treated at 2 houses this year, but he thought it was pretty fun.  He is almost impossible to take a picture of these days because he doesn't sit still for a second.  I should have dressed him up as a monkey!!  Notice my little helpers in the background trying to hold him in place for me.

 

Caelan's, Shaylah's and Ashlyn's pumpkins.

 



The tooth Fairy makes another visit

Caelan lost 2 teeth this month, about 2 weeks apart.  His teeth have been "wiggly" for quite a while, but he was reluctant to "help" them fall out.  Thankfully, the first one fell out while brushing his teeth one night and the second one soon followed.  Here is his new look!

First tooth - Spetember 18, 2013.

Second tooth - October 4, 2013

Congratulations buddy!

Pumpkin Patch

We decided to try a new pumpkin patch this year and I am glad we did.  We always go to the Laity patch in Maple Ridge, but this year we went to Richmond instead.  It is pricier, but it is closer to home and so great!

We were serenaded by a lovely lady on our hay ride to the patch.

Trying to get all four kids in a picture is almost impossible.  This was my best shot!

Loving the shoulder ride.

"This pumpkin is heavy!"

Pretty in pink.  Love her joyfulness.

 

"I found the perfect pumpkin!"

My little pumpkin. 

First haircut

I finally gave his to his long locks and got his hair cut.  I miss his long hair already!

BEFORE

 

Starting the cut

 

Almost done!

Finished product.  Just as this Mama expected (and was trying to avoid)...He looks so grown-up!