I have recently started giving Henry some "chores" which he LOVES. They consist of wiping up spills, picking up his toys and putting them in a basket, helping me load clothing into the washer, pushing elevator buttons, pushing in the dishwasher rack and closing the door, finding the phone when it rings, stirring things and his all time favorite, taking out the garbage. That one kills me because he knows just what to do. I call him and say "Henry, it is time for you to take out the garbage!" He drops whatever he is doing and runs into the kitchen. I hand him the tied up grocery bag and he goes to the door. I let him out and he runs right to the garbage chute. I give him a little lift and he drops it down the chute. Most of the time he even tells the garbage "bye-bye" which is a nice touch.
I will charge the camera batteries tomorrow and give you an action shot since it is so adorable.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Fun Times...
I had a doctor's appointment this afternoon and had to bring Henry with me. I won't say where I went, but I will leave it to your imagination to figure out it is the appointment that you would least like to bring your child.
As I have mentioned, Henry is TERRIFIED of the doctor. I knew that no matter how much I prepped him, he would not understand that he was not going to the doctor. As I predicted, as soon as he saw the nurse he started crying. Here I am, trying to calm him down and get undressed and get into that stupid gown. The doctor came in with lightning speed (he probably heard the shreiking and wanted to get me out of there) and I was barely ready.
Henry could not be consoled, so I had to pick him up and hold him during my exam. The doctor was nice about it and very accomodating, but at one point Henry was actually sitting on my chest while I was laying down. Near the end of my exam my cell phone started ringing. Henry stopped crying and starts gesturing to get down. I plop him on the floor and he runs over to my open purse grabs the phone opens it and hands it to me while I am lying on the table.
At least he has his priorities.
Later, I was feeding him dinner. Toward the end, he started getting wild and throwing his food. I looked at him and said, "Henry, don't act like a monkey." He starts laughing and doing the gestures from the song about the monkeys jumping on the bed. I couldn't believe he took what I said, understood it and was shaking his finger at me like he was singing the song. I just can't get over how much he is learning these days.
As I have mentioned, Henry is TERRIFIED of the doctor. I knew that no matter how much I prepped him, he would not understand that he was not going to the doctor. As I predicted, as soon as he saw the nurse he started crying. Here I am, trying to calm him down and get undressed and get into that stupid gown. The doctor came in with lightning speed (he probably heard the shreiking and wanted to get me out of there) and I was barely ready.
Henry could not be consoled, so I had to pick him up and hold him during my exam. The doctor was nice about it and very accomodating, but at one point Henry was actually sitting on my chest while I was laying down. Near the end of my exam my cell phone started ringing. Henry stopped crying and starts gesturing to get down. I plop him on the floor and he runs over to my open purse grabs the phone opens it and hands it to me while I am lying on the table.
At least he has his priorities.
Later, I was feeding him dinner. Toward the end, he started getting wild and throwing his food. I looked at him and said, "Henry, don't act like a monkey." He starts laughing and doing the gestures from the song about the monkeys jumping on the bed. I couldn't believe he took what I said, understood it and was shaking his finger at me like he was singing the song. I just can't get over how much he is learning these days.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Dirty Looks
Henry has developed quite the little temper recently. He loves to puff out his cheeks and glare at you or give other very funny dirty looks. My friend Shawn (Mom to Henry's friend Miles) scolded him the other day and he gave her a look that could melt glass. Embarrassingly enough is that she said it is one of my facial expressions! Oops!
One of his main obsessions is coffee. I probably drink two cups a day and he is just dying to have some. I have to get him an empty cup and lid at Dunkin' Donuts just to get some peace. When I have it at home, I have to give him an empty mug with a spoon or else he will not stop screaming. I know dear readers, who is in charge here? We established long ago that it is not me so quit your clucking.
The empty mug usually is not enough to satisfy him of course. He is not happy until I splash a little in his cup. Or, he follows me around trying to dip his spoon in my cup so he can lick it. What kind of crazy kid likes coffee?
This morning, I was sitting on the kitchen floor playing with Henry while Adam was cooking. I was holding my coffee and he was trying to dip his spoon. I was swerving away from him and he got so angry that he started swinging his teaspoon at me! Quite the sight. I was lying almost on my back clutching my mug with my 15 month old hovering over me and trying to hit me with a spoon. Living up to his name from long ago : The Tiny Tyrant
One of his main obsessions is coffee. I probably drink two cups a day and he is just dying to have some. I have to get him an empty cup and lid at Dunkin' Donuts just to get some peace. When I have it at home, I have to give him an empty mug with a spoon or else he will not stop screaming. I know dear readers, who is in charge here? We established long ago that it is not me so quit your clucking.
The empty mug usually is not enough to satisfy him of course. He is not happy until I splash a little in his cup. Or, he follows me around trying to dip his spoon in my cup so he can lick it. What kind of crazy kid likes coffee?
This morning, I was sitting on the kitchen floor playing with Henry while Adam was cooking. I was holding my coffee and he was trying to dip his spoon. I was swerving away from him and he got so angry that he started swinging his teaspoon at me! Quite the sight. I was lying almost on my back clutching my mug with my 15 month old hovering over me and trying to hit me with a spoon. Living up to his name from long ago : The Tiny Tyrant
Friday, January 25, 2008
Scaredy Cat
Henry is terrified of a few things. The first is the vacuum cleaner, the second is Tickle Me Elmo and the third is the hair dryer. He cowers in fear when he sees or hears them.
For the past few months, he has also been afraid of going to the pediatrician. He used to just scream as soon as he saw the doctor, but now he screams as soon as we get into the exam room. As I mentioned, he screamed during his entire 15 month well baby visit this week.
Today I had the pleasure of bringing him to the pediatric dentist for his chipped teeth. As soon as he saw the waiting room, he started to cry. I calmed him down and offered him the toys that they had. Not interested. He sat on my lap the entire time. As soon as he saw the first nurse, he started to cry again. I go him calmed down again and then the worst part happened. I was filling out the paperwork (with him clinging to me) and his little bottom lip curled out and he just started to weep. Not screaming, just big fat tears rolling down his cheeks. The poor baby was truly terrified. I felt like such a jerk putting him through this, but I really felt like he needed to be examined. I dug out his pacifier and he was able to pull himself together. Until we hit the exam room of course! The doctor heard him screaming with the nurse and hot-footed it right in there for his exam! I guess that is one benefit to all of the screaming, quick service!
For the past few months, he has also been afraid of going to the pediatrician. He used to just scream as soon as he saw the doctor, but now he screams as soon as we get into the exam room. As I mentioned, he screamed during his entire 15 month well baby visit this week.
Today I had the pleasure of bringing him to the pediatric dentist for his chipped teeth. As soon as he saw the waiting room, he started to cry. I calmed him down and offered him the toys that they had. Not interested. He sat on my lap the entire time. As soon as he saw the first nurse, he started to cry again. I go him calmed down again and then the worst part happened. I was filling out the paperwork (with him clinging to me) and his little bottom lip curled out and he just started to weep. Not screaming, just big fat tears rolling down his cheeks. The poor baby was truly terrified. I felt like such a jerk putting him through this, but I really felt like he needed to be examined. I dug out his pacifier and he was able to pull himself together. Until we hit the exam room of course! The doctor heard him screaming with the nurse and hot-footed it right in there for his exam! I guess that is one benefit to all of the screaming, quick service!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Mother of the Year
I don't think I will be winning any awards today. First, I was looking in Henry's mouth today and I noticed that one of his front teeth is chipped. Not sure when that happened, he has taken quite a few blows to the head recently. He thinks he is Evil Kneivel.
Second, I was letting him walk at Rite Aid today and he pulled the stroller over. A bag containing a bottle of vinegar broke and spilled all over the diaper bag, his coat and of course the aisle at the store.
Third, I was feeding him dinner. He likes Indian food so I was feeding him some chicken tikka masala, basmati rice and chick peas. I had something called a dosa which was stuffed with spinach and cheese that I thought he might like. I gave him a little and then he got a funny look on his face. He got a little red and then started grabbing his tongue. Oops, I guess it was a little too spicy!
Second, I was letting him walk at Rite Aid today and he pulled the stroller over. A bag containing a bottle of vinegar broke and spilled all over the diaper bag, his coat and of course the aisle at the store.
Third, I was feeding him dinner. He likes Indian food so I was feeding him some chicken tikka masala, basmati rice and chick peas. I had something called a dosa which was stuffed with spinach and cheese that I thought he might like. I gave him a little and then he got a funny look on his face. He got a little red and then started grabbing his tongue. Oops, I guess it was a little too spicy!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Our apartment overflows...
Most people complain that their baby is overtaking their house. Henry has more toys than the average NYC baby from what I have seen. His room is filled with little ride on toys and suburban sized things. Our dining room has his two strollers and the tunnel that I bought him from Ikea. The foyer has his play kitchen and musical instruments. The real kitchen has his little red table and chairs that he picked out himself. The living room is teeming with books spilling off the shelves and the bathroom has buckets for bathtime and foam letters that float. Our bedroom always has his little slippers and shoes floating around and Adam finds things that he hides in his closet. Even our hallway has paper unrolled down it where Henry and his little friend were coloring today.
For some reason, it doesn't bother me one bit (or Adam either). I just love coming home and seeing all of his "stuff." It just serves to remind us that he is here for good!
For some reason, it doesn't bother me one bit (or Adam either). I just love coming home and seeing all of his "stuff." It just serves to remind us that he is here for good!
Henry's 15 Month Stats
Henry had his 15 month appointment today:
He is 31 1/2 inches tall and weighs 21 lbs, 12 ounces. Tall and skinny. Of course he had some weight loss with his horrible stomach virus after New Year's so I was pleased with the gain. I also loaded him with a smoothie in the waiting room but that is another story!
He had three shots. He screamed from the second the nurse said hello to him until I got his coat on by the front door. I think the doctor said he was doing great, I couldn't hear her over the shreiking. Great times. He really LOVES going to the doctor.
He is 31 1/2 inches tall and weighs 21 lbs, 12 ounces. Tall and skinny. Of course he had some weight loss with his horrible stomach virus after New Year's so I was pleased with the gain. I also loaded him with a smoothie in the waiting room but that is another story!
He had three shots. He screamed from the second the nurse said hello to him until I got his coat on by the front door. I think the doctor said he was doing great, I couldn't hear her over the shreiking. Great times. He really LOVES going to the doctor.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Animal noise of a city boy
Henry has just started to repeat animal noises when we are reading books, but won't do it on demand. In his defense, what animals does he really see? We see a few dogs but I am petrified of him getting bitten in the stroller so I run the other way. He doesn't have much exposure to cats. Forget about farm animals. The only other animals he might see are pigeons and who knows what sound they make.
One thing that he does hear often is the sounds of the coffee grinder and the immersion blender when I make him smoothies. We were walking through the kitchen yesterday and he started pointing at the blender. We stopped and I let him hold the stick portion. He started making the same whirring noise that the blender makes. Do you think the doctor will count this at his checkup?
One thing that he does hear often is the sounds of the coffee grinder and the immersion blender when I make him smoothies. We were walking through the kitchen yesterday and he started pointing at the blender. We stopped and I let him hold the stick portion. He started making the same whirring noise that the blender makes. Do you think the doctor will count this at his checkup?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Nap Transition Hell
Until recently, Henry took two blissful (for me at least) naps per day. He would wake around 8am and eat breakfast. He would go back down around 10:30am, sleep until noon and eat lunch. We would go about our day and he would nap again around 3:30 pm for an hour or so. Wake for dinner, more playing and then off to bed around 8pm. Very predictable and nice.
He got his little stomach flu on New Year's Eve and then things were even better. He was so tired that he was taking two, TWO hour naps per day and going to bed at 7pm. I would even throw in a little nap for myself in the morning (I was sick too).
We went to visit my sister last week and all hell broke loose. He had gotten used to me coddling him again when he was sick and flat out refused to sleep alone. Add in a pack and play and a room that he didn't recognize and it was a sleeping disaster.
We got home and found that Henry had made the executive decision to give up napping. I would put him down and he would scream and scream. While we are trying to suss out his new schedule of what time to put him down the only way to get him to sleep is in the stroller. I have tried all different nap times and there is no pattern. I am running around like a crazy person trying to get food in him and re-arrange his little baby life to get him back on a schedule.
He is sleeping for about 45 minutes at nap time once per day and wants to go to bed at 6pm. Not a good schedule for anyone. Adam doesn't see him, I am a crazed, unshowered lunatic by the end of the day, Henry is a crabby mess and he wants to get up and play at 3am for an hour.
I am hoping we are through this little rough patch soon!
He got his little stomach flu on New Year's Eve and then things were even better. He was so tired that he was taking two, TWO hour naps per day and going to bed at 7pm. I would even throw in a little nap for myself in the morning (I was sick too).
We went to visit my sister last week and all hell broke loose. He had gotten used to me coddling him again when he was sick and flat out refused to sleep alone. Add in a pack and play and a room that he didn't recognize and it was a sleeping disaster.
We got home and found that Henry had made the executive decision to give up napping. I would put him down and he would scream and scream. While we are trying to suss out his new schedule of what time to put him down the only way to get him to sleep is in the stroller. I have tried all different nap times and there is no pattern. I am running around like a crazy person trying to get food in him and re-arrange his little baby life to get him back on a schedule.
He is sleeping for about 45 minutes at nap time once per day and wants to go to bed at 6pm. Not a good schedule for anyone. Adam doesn't see him, I am a crazed, unshowered lunatic by the end of the day, Henry is a crabby mess and he wants to get up and play at 3am for an hour.
I am hoping we are through this little rough patch soon!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Talking Update
For posterity, I want to list Henry's current vocabulary at a few days shy of 15 months:
Mama
Dada
Shoe
No
Yes
Dog
Duck
Bath Time
Four
Five
Baba for any and all drinks
Wawa for water
Door
Banana
Hi
Ball
Hello
Bye Bye
Hi Dad
He also sings the first part of "Row Your Boat." When we read Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear? he repeats the animal noises but won't do them on command.
He also now knows his head, nose, feet, mouth. He can also follow two step commands such as "Get your slippers, they are in the kitchen." His receptive language is excellent, I feel like he understands almost everything we say now.
Mama
Dada
Shoe
No
Yes
Dog
Duck
Bath Time
Four
Five
Baba for any and all drinks
Wawa for water
Door
Banana
Hi
Ball
Hello
Bye Bye
Hi Dad
He also sings the first part of "Row Your Boat." When we read Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear? he repeats the animal noises but won't do them on command.
He also now knows his head, nose, feet, mouth. He can also follow two step commands such as "Get your slippers, they are in the kitchen." His receptive language is excellent, I feel like he understands almost everything we say now.
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