I decide to take Matteo to a play cafe this morning, but before leaving I wanted to put the just-washed clothes in the dryer. I set Matteo down and asked if he wanted to help, of course not expecting anything. I snapped this photo in between transferring the clothes.
Matteo is nearly 11 months, but only has two teeth. For months now, we have been waiting for new ones. While we were eating breakfast this morning, I was able to get my fingers in his mouth to check. Looks like the new one on the bottom may break through any day. We noticed a little white bump at least a week ago. Previous to that, the lower gums were very swollen. Much to my surprise, there are at least two on top that seem to have broken through the gum line. Poor little thing…
Before lunch, Christopher was sitting in his room reading his Thomas book. He had a few of his “friends” scattered throughout the room, so I suggested that he read to them. I propped up a few of them, and went back to finish making lunch. A few minutes later, here is what I found.
For the last month or so, Matteo has been saying a few recognizable words. His first was, “Dad”, which really sounded like “Da”. At first, we thought he just might be making sounds, but he seemed to say it when we entered the room. Recently, he started saying, “hi” and “bye” as he waved to us or someone else. Impressive we thought.
Today, after I finished changing his diaper, he pointed to the picture above his changing table and said, “duck”. There was no mistaking it. He was very clear. I don’t find this surprising; during and after the change of a diaper, or the change of clothes, we look at the animal pictures on his wall, name them and mimic the sound each makes.
“Buenos días, buenos días
¿Como estan? ¿Como estan?
Muy bien, gracias
Muy bien, gracias
¿Y usted? ¿Y usted?”
I just heard Christopher singing this song. He IS learning Spanish at school!
I took some pictures of the boys the other day as we were goofing around and playing. Enjoy.
Well, the walking stick insects did not do the trick today. Sadly, Christopher cried, calling for daddy as I walked away with Matteo. I called a bit later to check, and of course he had eaten a BIG breakfast, and was happily playing.
In the meantime, Matteo and I went to Peet’s for coffee – well the coffee was for me, of course – and breakfast. Matteo ate his yogurt, and when finished, stared out the window at the people, cars and rain. As we sat there enjoying our time together, Matteo’s mom, Sara, sent a text to check in with us. I took this photo and sent it to her. Hopefully, we will see her for Matteo’s birthday. Can you believe his birthday is in two months? Wow…
Today was Christopher’s fifth day at school. The morning started just like any other. He got dressed, drank his milk, and we left for school. A few times, he muttered, “I don’t want to go to school, Daddy.” I reminded him of his teachers and friends. He seemed to have no interest. I reminded him of the bell he used during his last parade. Still nothing. I reminded him of the swings on which he would be able to swing. Nothing. I reminded him that he would be able to color. Nothing. Even the lure of pancakes failed to elicit a response.
When we arrived, Christopher held tightly to me. I was afraid the situation was going to get worse, when one of his teachers reminded him of the walking sticks. As I said, “what sticks?”, he got very excited, turned and walked away from me. Christopher and his teacher huddled around the aquarium. I said, “Goodbye”, and quietly departed.
My new tool…
Walking Sticks. Source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/stick-insect.html
Granted Matteo’s head circumference is only a mere 50%, which by the way is normal, the rest of his body is huge. He hit 75% for weight and 90 to 95% for height. We thought he looked a bit tall. It is a good thing we plan to keep our not-so-old refrigerator in the garage after we remodel our kitchen. I think we are going to be a two fridge household.
Ten months ago, we welcomed Matteo into our lives. For Mike and me, Matteo’s birth seems like yesterday, and yet ten months have passed.
In one month’s time, Matteo has gotten stronger and a bit more determined in his movements. He crawls everywhere, pulls up on the furniture or stands in his crib without assistance and cruises. We think he will be walking winthin the next couple of months.
I remember having the boys pose for this photo, taken March 11th, late in the afternoon.
