Bragfest for Andrew (18 month post)

The following post is all kinds of wonderful about sweet Andrew Caleb.  He's amazing and I'm telling you all about it.

You've been warned.


This boy.  I think I'll start first by telling you he lives life OUT LOUD.  Whether he's laughing, crying, eating, dancing or just hanging out- you know he's there.  His smile is infectious and he loves to engage and interact with others.

[Josh came home from a shopping spree with Andrew and said he felt a little funny by how often Andrew said hi to people- and that his target people were all women!]

Andrew is AH-mazing at talking. So advanced.  So smart.  He's already started 2 word combinations, which is a 2 year old milestone people!  He can say 'bucket' beautifully.  Now say 'bucket'.  Feel the front-back-front that your mouth has to do, not to mention the final /t/ at the end.  Just beautiful.  Lately he's been perfecting his final /p/ with the word 'nope' or 'yep.'  Silly.  :)  And y'all.  He says his /f/.  [don't tell Zach, who still says sun/fun.]  Here's a few of his 2 word combos- baw socca, get some, ha some, ope doow.

He's started jumping and is thrilled with himself.  He loves to jump in his bed.

Andrew is very affectionate.  He loves his stuffed animals- something Zach never cared for.  He has 2 puppies and a monkey he adores.  He snuggles them, kisses them, throws them, hits them.  He loves them fully and completely.

He used to be scared of bugs, but not so much anymore.  He'll say 'fy, fy, fy, go!'  (go fly).  He's quite animated with this too.

He's the skinniest thing in his waist with the biggest belly!  At his last doctor's appointment he was 26 pounds and we didn't get his height.

Andrew loves to get his nap from 12-3 each day and sleeps 7:30-6:45.  He has 2 molars that have broken through and once they're fully in, he's done till the 2 year molars.

Uncle Mike and others comment on how tough he is.  He often falls, but he just bounces back up.  He really was born tough.

Andrew still loves a bottle before bed at night. We read a few books and pray together. He says 'Amen' and then he lays down with all his 'wankeys' (blankets) and animals and snuggles in for a good night's sleep.  He says 'bye bye' to us as we leave (nap or night) and it's the sweetest thing.

He is all boy- rough, tumble, loves dirt, airplanes, cars- and he is so sweet- snuggly, affectionate and silly.  We are in love.

10 Months old- Andrew Caleb *updated

Andrew turned 10 months on October 11.  There is much to tell since my last post- he is changing a little every day!  He is really coming into his personality and has strong opinions on life!  :)

Sleep: 

9am -11 nap (if we ever miss a nap, it's this one- but he does ok, just takes his afternoon nap earlier)

1pm -3 nap

7:30pm - 7am night sleep

Personality:  

Andrew is a little bit shy.  If he's saying hello, he may tuck his head away, but then quickly look back up to say hi!  He has taken to screaming for things- for our attention, for more food, for the toy and especially, for fun.  Did I mention how LOUD the screaming is?!  Good Heavens.  He's quite insistent. :) 

We warn anyone who watches him- he will dive out of your arms, so hold on tightly!  He will 'jump' towards an open refrigerator, the stairs, the dishwasher, an outside door that's been opened, an empty bed. . . He's crazy!  

Communication:

Andrew is babbling all the time!  He produces /m, b, t, d, n, y/ sounds in CVCV combinations.  ;)  He says 'ya' a lot and also 'dadadada', 'nananana' and even 'mamamama'!  

He will sign 'milk' when he wants a little to drink.  We're modeling the signs 'all done' 'time to sleep' 'eat' and 'thank you' on a regular basis.  

He also does that super cute thing where he sticks his hand/arm out if he wants to move in certain direction or if he wants to hold something specific.  It's adorable.  

He also waves hi and bye to people without prompting- if we say bye to someone on teh phone, he's waving!  Super cute.

Food:
This month we've seen a definite increase in his food intake.  His diapers have certainly changed!  He has little bites of whatever we're eating.  He's very curious about drinking from a cup, so we give him a small glass with water and help him sip it.  He's pretty coordinated holding it and bringing it to his mouth.  He's really learning!
Andrew continues to drink lots of mommy milk.  He has dropped though, about 8 oz, with the increase in food. He's also learned to hold the bottle all on his own! So strong!

Clothing: 

Andrew is long, so 12-18 month clothes fit him best.  

Play:  

Andrew has access to all of Zach's toys and has his own basket as well.  He prefers balls to anything else.  He will chew/taste anything.  Last month he started 'resisting' when Zach took a toy from him- he held on and tried not to let go.  This month he's actively trying to avoid Zach grabbing it- so he'll pull it away and back behind him so Zach has to move to take it away.  He definitely has some spunk!!

Gross Motor:  

Andrew has taken 3 steps!!!  He pivoted out, holding onto the ottoman, then moved forward toward me, taking 3 total steps!  He looked surprised and delighted!  Zach and I cheered for him!!  We are letting this skill develop on Andrew's timeline and look forward to reporting back in a month.  

Oh this sweet boy!  He is so handsome and silly and fun!  Snapping his picture is challenging because he's on the move so much!  It's our joy to watch him develop and turn into a little boy before our eyes.  I'm holding onto this baby stage as long as I can!

9 months- Andrew Caleb

It's amazing to me how BIG our sweet baby is growing and how much he is becoming a little boy.  Andrew has so much personality!  He wants to be right in the middle of the action- even if it means being hit by a ball- he is determined to be where his brother is.

With all this personality, he is reserved with new people.  Babies his age will be placed near him and will touch his face, talk to him, etc., but he gives away nothing.  Not even a smile.  Not even a wave.  He just stares back at them with a blank face (and that pouty bottom lip).  <3 nbsp="" p="">
Andrew is strong.  Like, hold him tight cause you don't know when he'll want to jump out of your arms.  He's very interested in the refrigerator; in climbing the stairs; in going outside.  He's almost fallen numerous times because a) he's that strong and b) you're not expecting it!  Thankfully, he has not yet fallen out of our arms.

Andrew wants your attention.  At the dinner table, during playtime, in the morning.  He wants to interact with you.  He loves to babble, to sing, to do hand motions with the song.  I recently read 'Tickle Tickle' to him and he loved it.

Though he is shy around new people, he loves and shows affection for friends and family.  His smile will win your heart.  He didn't hesitate at all when he saw my Mom - he leaned right over for her to pick him up.  He hasn't seen her in a month.

Our day-to-day activities change, but our framework stays about the same.

7am wake/eat
9-11 nap
11am wake/eat
1-3 nap
3 wake/eat
4 snack of real food offered
6 eat
7 eat
7:30 bedtime

Andrew is offered food 4 times a day in addition to his bottle feedings.  He usually chews on the food and spits it out.  He has been swallowing more lately, but nothing significant.  He recently had steamed broccoli and seemed to enjoy it.  He's also very interested in sipping from a cup.  I give him a shot glass of water and it's the perfect size for his hands.  He spills 99% but does seem to sip a very little.

He has more coordination than we were giving him credit for.  Previously, we thought the messy area around his chair was because of accidental food droppings.  Upon closer inspection, he watches the food drop over his tray to see it plop/where it lands/etc.  :)

Andrew is curious, determined, strong, persistent and fully engaged with life.  It's hard to believe he was ever little- he's such a big, strong boy!  But, when he snuggles into my shoulder after his last feeding and drifts into dreamland, I'm so thankful.  I'm thankful for these 9 months of his life and for all the future holds.  

Zach is 2 1/2 years old!

how have 7 months passed since this day?  

Sweet Zachary John,

What a big boy you are these days!  You're changing and growing and learning every day.  It's hard to keep up with you!

When you're awake, you're talking, asking questions, making comments and interacting with your world.  You're a bit of a parrot, thought you certainly speak you rmind!  Just the other day, you asked me, 'where's Jesus?' and soon after, when greeting Grumpy, you inquired, 'baby?' while patting his belly.

Grumpy and Zach

You continue to have a wonderful appetite for food and are willing to try anything we serve you!  You love to help me prepare meals and do much of your sampling then.  Fun foods that you've loved recently include: ribs, pizza, frozen yogurt, funnel cake and ice cream!

There are moments of sweetness between you and your 'budder' and we pray one day [soon] you will see him as a friend.

monsta tuck

You are a born athlete, sweet Zach, and have loved every sport we've introduced to you.  Basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball and golf are all sports you enjoy.  I'm sure you'd love anything, honestly.  You're a natural, fluid in your movements and excellent hand/eye coordination.  It's possible I'm biased. But only slightly.  ;)

Books and music continue to be a source of enjoyment.  You learn so much through reading and your favorite books (at the moment) are ones about Airplanes, our much beloved 'Pajama Time', Goodnight Moon, Skip to My Lou and The Letter Factory.

too-too tain!

one of your all-time favorite books

If I didn't mention how much you LOVE to be around other kids, then I'd be skipping such a big part of who you are!  It seems you are an extrovert!  You are certainly energized by being with others your own age or slightly older than you.  You are not shy at all!  You win everyone over with that big smile of yours.

Did I mention you rarely sit down?  You are almost in constant motion.  Your Aunt Joy noticed that while you were with your cousins, you either ran or hopped everywhere.  You are so much like your Uncle Brian, it's crazy!


We love you so, so, SO, SO, SO much sweet boy!

you are a miracle!

snuggly when you're sick

you made this car transporter (gaga buh-bow)

you made this train out of batteries!

fire truck! (sy-ah-suck)

7 months for Andrew!

Our sweet baby is doing his very best to grow up QUICKLY!  He started crawling June 18th and hasn't looked back!  Zachary is his inspiration- he watches closely and then tries to imitate.

His latest move is to crawl to the stairs and pull himself up to standing!  He's happy, but not satisfied-- and then starts to try to climb UP  the stairs!  He's made it to the 2nd step with me spotting him.  Josh isn't happy that I let him go that far- he doesn't to encourage him.  :)  Andrew- you're CRAZY motivated little one!!  :)

what?  don't 6 mo babies climb stairs?!

Another thing Andrew is very interested in is eating.  He holds food, plays with it, mashes it, throws it (accidentally) and swipes it by his mouth.  He doesn't eat much, but he definitely enjoys sitting with us at the kitchen table!

He's had samples of the following:
banana
avocado
pickle
pretzel rod
bread crust
pancake
sweet potato fry
peach
watermelon

local peaches are yummy!

Andrew's sweet personality is emerging more and more.  With Zach, he is enamored.  Zach can easily get a smile or chuckle from him.  In the nursery, he's a favorite, and they always remark how happy he is. He loves to be around people, loves to smile and 'talk' to us.  He is babbling ' dadadadada ' more than anything else.  No wonder either- his Dada is the coolest!

he's watching Zach jump on the bed

Andrew's sleeping is fantastic.  He takes 2 good naps a day and sleeps 11-12 hours at night.  

At his 6 month appointment, he was 28.5" long and 18 lbs 14oz heavy.  Very healthy!

We're in love with this sweet one!!
 

found him standing in his crib last night!
he was squealing with delight :)

6 months- Andrew Caleb

impossible not to LOVE this little boy!!!!!

My sweet baby is half a year old and it's wild!

• Andrew had his first taste of food by accident 2 weeks ago.  During dinner, Zach had thrown a piece of food across the room, which earned him a Time Out.  While he was there, we put Andrew in his seat to see how he'd like it.  We strapped him in and put on the tray.  He immediately grabbed a piece of hard bread crust and started gnawing on it.  :)  He dropped it several times and worked around some crumbs in his mouth.  Some of it he spit out, but he kept at the gnawing process.  lol  It was funny.  And not healthy at all- but I think he enjoyed it and we'll try it again.

• Andrew went through another wonder week this month, with his almost-crawling and figuring out he can move around the room/pivot to any spot.  It was rough for a good week and a half, but he's now back to his normal happy, napping self.  It's a pretty big difference in his attitude- but it shows how determined he is to learn and develop those motor skills!  

see how strong he is?!?!
(and drooly/happy)

• Eating- we haven't started anything with consistency.  I'd like him to be sitting up on his own before I really introduce food.  I don't want to be unsafe and he doesn't seem to mind waiting.  He watches us intently and will really love it when food does make it to his tray.  :)

• Sleeping- we've moved to  2 naps a day.  Usually an hour nap in the morning and 2 hrs in the afternoon.  Other people say their kids nap best in the morning- but mine have usually saved the longer one till afternoon. ??

• Andrew still takes a dream feed each night.  Sometimes he even wakes up for it- 2 hrs after we've put him down- and then drinks 6-8oz, so we know he really is hungry.  He's also been waking at 4am the past few weeks and we give him just a little bit to help him make it to the 7am desired wake time.  This has been working, but obviously, we'd prefer him to sleep till 7 on his own.  We're thinking it may be a teething issue, but it's really a guess.  

• Andrew loves, loves, loves his brother.  If Zachary talks to him, pushes him over, sits on him (I was there the whole time - it was innocent fun) he loves it.  He squeals and laughs and really doesn't mind that Zach's not as gentle as Mommy.  

• He loves to jump in his jumperoo.  This makes him SO happy!  He laughs like I can't explain- but it's so fun!  

We'll go this week for his 6 month appointment to find out his weight/height/etc.  All signs point to a happy, healthy little boy!

5 months- Andrew Caleb

Time is flying!!  Sweet baby boy is now 5 months old!
He is such a joy to be around- giggling, quick to smile, squealing and shouting for joy!  He still loves eating his hands and has now taken to eating his feet.  This happens most often when his diaper is off- doesn't make for any photos we can post here- but is certainly cute.  :)

I was a firm believer that Zachary was the cutest baby ever in life.  FIRM believer.
Now, there's a tie.  :)

he's annoyed to be taking pictures!  such a boy already :)

Andrew's rolling over, back to front, moving toward objects (somehow) and loving to put his hands on anything within his reach.  He's often pulling my hair, nose, cheek, eye, chin, etc.  And always, always, there is drool.  :):):)

not another one!  please momma-ratzi

Naps are about 45 minutes and he'll play by himself for another 15.  He wakes up happy and content, plays in his crib for awhile and then starts calling for us.

cutest little face ever.

We did Baby Led Weaning with Zach and plan to do the same for Andrew.  No rice cereal in this house!  He's definitely interested in eating, but if I put a taste in his mouth (avocado, applesauce) he spits it out.

This is what we're working towards.  In reality, Andrew's usually ready to eat by 6:30am and fights his 3rd nap, which makes him exhausted in the evening and ready to crash by 6 or 6:30pm. (hence, the 6:30am waking).  It's a cycle. Some days work, some days don't.  We go with the flow.  :)

7am Eat/play/get ready for the day
8:45 Nap
11 Eat/play/hang out
1 Nap
3 Eat/play/hang out
5 Nap
6 Eat/ready for bed/read books/etc
7 Bedtime
10 dreamfeed

My favorite feeding BY FAR is the dreamfeed.  Little man is clonked out, eats up a quick bottle and then sleeps on me while I rock him.  Best. Thing. Ever.
Eventually, he won't need this feeding, but for now, I am looooving it.

Andrew's loving toys and putting things in his mouth.  I think it may be a tooth, but I can't feel anything yet.

Andrew still eats well, but has dropped off his intense feeding.  He's back to 25oz a day.  He's very long though, and will soon grow out o
f his infant car seat!  [it goes to 22lbs or 29" long] Andrew was 27" long last month!

For reference, here's a photo of Zachary at this age and his 5 month post.  My boys are so handsome and so similar!!! 

4 months - a comparison look