Do you not understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?

So, my cousin, Jocelyn specializes in child language development. After my report from Austin's last check up she sent me a lot of really useful information on the topic. I've been working on some of those basics. I've also been paying much more attention to what is actually coming out of Austin's mouth. There were a few times before the doctor's visit that I thought maybe he said something but I've never been very good with baby talk. For instance, Gama, when my mother in law was visiting. But since those words were not regularly repeated I thought it was just a fluke. However, now that I'm actually listening for words I realize that he is trying to say a lot more. Today I am positive he said "run, run, run". (I repeat "run" as I run through the house or yard with him all the time.) I'm also relatively sure he called me mama and was not just babbling. Some other words are hi, bye-bye, oof (woof), ball, amen, some (as in "I want some") and maybe even down. I was awfully cavalier about the talking thing before but now that I am working on it I think it is really fun. And there is so much more to come. I can see why Jocelyn likes that career field. So, thanks, Jocelyn! I also want to try to teach him some sign language like my grandma suggested as I think he would really like it. I checked out a website someone told me about but will have to see if there is a less expensive alternative. Maybe at the library?

Sliding Backwards

Today was Austin's 1 year check up. He seems perfectly healthy with 1 exception. Maybe 2 exceptions. He lost weight. That's right LOST. He is now thinner than he was at 9 months. Taller but thinner. He is 30.5" tall (75%) and 17 lbs 9 oz. (Fallen off the charts.) Other than the drop on the charts Austin seems very healthy. So the doc still thinks it is probably just genetics and increased physical activity.The doctor wants to keep a closer eye on it just to be sure we're not missing something. We are to give him PediaSure instead of milk or formula and limit the amount he drinks to encourage more solids although he eats a fair amount as it is. We'll take him back in a month to see if he's put some weight back on.

The second exception is that he doesn't really have any words yet. Most children have a couple of words by a year but it's not a major concern. He suggested using baby talk. It's supposed to be easier for them to hear and repeat. Who'dathunk? He does repeat sounds such as when you take a drink and say "aaah" or when you cough. He'll mimic that kind of stuff. And he can follow simple directions like turn on the light. He's doing great in all his other developmental milestones.

All these things to think about. I mostly just am happy that he's breathing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Austin turned 1 on the 28th and we celebrated twice. We had fun with Grandma and Grandpa Duncan on the day of his birthday and then celebrated again with the Jared Lawrence family on Saturday. It was all a lot of fun and we are SOO glad to have Austin in our family. I feel like the luckiest person alive. We love, love you baby boy! It was hard to choose which photos to post but here you go...



mmmm... this is all new and interesting.


Here, try some Gama.


Whew, I'm exhausted already and I haven't even opened my presents yet!



What's this?


Faster, Dad, Faster!



So fun!


This is a great book from Grammy!



Chillin in my new bean bag chair.


Balloons with cousin, Sarah.





Yum! That cake was good.

What a Big Boy

I can feed myself with a spoon!



(On bath night.)

Happy Easter

Thank you, Carters, for organizing a wonderful Easter party yesterday. It was so good to see everyone who was able to come. It was nice to meet the soon-to-be additions to the family as well - Sam and Jacob and see how much all the children have grown. It's never enough time with each individual but it's always fun. It was Austin's first Easter and his first egg hunt. His cousin, William, was so helpful in gathering the eggs and putting them in his basket. Austin enjoyed pulling them out and tasting them as Will went. After seeing Will put them in he even dropped a couple back into the basket himself. Unfortunately, I'm not a great photographer. I pretty much just randomly shoot and hope the subject makes it into the photo. I spent most of my time carrying Austin but I did get a few cute pictures. More importantly we had a great time. So, here they are...




(Case in point: It would have been nice if I had moved the camera a little to the left but that cute little nose and forehead over there belong to Will. Thanks for your help, little guy.)

Ode to Scoobi

S - so soft and squishy

C - cute and cudleful

O - obedient ... mostly

O - obese (in a good way)

B - best dog in the world

I - incomparable

We decided to give Scoobi to Janet. Only because I couldn't keep up with the shedding anymore and it was driving me insane. She moved to TX on Friday. We miss her terribly and hope she will be very happy and well loved living with Janet and having my mom nearby to spoil her. She is the best dog in the world and we have many happy memories of the 7 1/2 years we had her. So it is with a tear in our eye and a tug on our heart that we wish her a fond farewell. We love ya Scoobs.

Step It Up

A couple of weeks ago Austin and I were in the foyer at church and he stood up and took 2 steps!!! Then he didn't do it again for the rest of the week. The next week (last week) he would randomly take 1-3 steps here and there. At the end of the week he took 5 or 6 one time. Then this morning he was playing in the middle of the living room floor when he stood up and walked over to the couch! I was so excited I clapped and hooted and scared him. So we walked over to me and then walked away. So, I count today as the day he officially started walking. AND it was at MY house - not the babysitters. Yeah!



Also, a funny little story about my quirky little kid. A while ago - it's been a long time since I posted - I put him down for a nap. Everything was very normal. He smiled at me when I walked out. A few minutes later I hear furniture moving in his room. Odd. I crack the door to look in and see that he put his feet between the slats and was pushing the crib away from the wall. So I shut the door and go about my business. A little while later he starts crying. So I go in to see what is the matter. He had taken one sock off, his pants off and was sitting there desperately trying to get his diaper off. He was so frustrated that he couldn't do it that he was crying. Glad I went in when I did. Memories of duct tape are coming to mind.
Fortunately, it was only a little wet.