Uh-Oh!!

I apologize for the delay in my post, but I have been pretty busy. You would think winter would keep me indoors and bored, but it has been quite the opposite. I'll quickly recap the past few months.

November - Thanksgiving was great. We had dinner at Grandma Peggy's "Mama" and Great Grandma Pat's "G-G" house. We also made the trip to Rochester, MN to Dick and Ruth's house and see family there.

December - This month had its ups and downs. Mom threw Dad a surprise b-day party and I was able to be apart of the surprise. He had no idea! We got a big, big snow storm in the middle of the month and happened to be the day I decided to get pneumonia. So we braved the weather to get me to the ER. It was scary, but we made it. X-mas was great. Lots of traveling, but well worth it. I got to spend a lot of time with my cousin Aiden, which is always fun. I think everyone is realizing what a dynamic pair we make. Here are a few pictures of our X-mas trip.

January - This may be the month where everyone winds down from the holidays, but this is the month I started swimming lessons. I have my pros and cons about swimming lessons. I like that I get to spend time in what seems to be a giant bathtub with a large amount of toys with other kids, but I don't like that the toys (specifically the balls) get ripped away for a half hour while I learn to swim. I also do not like that the teacher pushes me under the water against my will. Can you believe my parents allowed this? They say it will help me learn to hold my breath under water and increase my comfort of the water, but I do not agree with them right now...maybe 10 years from now, but not today!

Overall, swimming lessons have been great. They have taught me to float on my belly and back, kick, climb out of the water, jump into the water and blow bubbles in the water. I haven't quite mastered everything, but I'm getting there. I'll have to have Mom record me at my last lesson so I can show you how much I have learned. Here are some videos from my first lesson.

February - We've had some good weather this month so I've been able to spend some time outside both at home and at daycare. I've helped Dad shovel snow and in return he's taken me for a ride on the snowmobile around the front yard. I continue to help Mom around the house. I help with laundry by putting away my socks and continue to help put dirty laundry down the shoot. I must be doing well because Mom is letting me put the clothes into the washer and dryer.

Just a couple other things I am proud of...I have been bottle-free for about 2 months and nuk-free at daycare. I still like to have my nuk at bedtime at home, but I have been able to go some night without it. I am getting really good at throwing a ball and starting to catch a little. I've been hitting a ball off the tee in the living room and getting better. I'm starting to understand what a toilet is all about. I will sit on a little toilet and say "poo," but have not actually gone. I do, however, let Mom and Dad know when I have gone in my diaper. I think they thought it was funny or cute at first until they actually looked and realized I was telling the truth. I mean really, do you think I would joke around about that?

So, there you have it...the past few months in a nutshell. Next time, I hope to write sooner than later.

Hope everyone is doing well and getting through the winter. We are in a snow storm as I write this entry and I guess we are expected to get up to 18 inches. I can tell you who will NOT be shoveling, but hopefully I will get a snowmobile ride.

Love to all,

Simon

Oh Boy!

Okay, this has to be the longest stretch I've gone without writing. The only excuse I have is that I have been busy enjoying the great Fall weather. I have been to birthday parties, weddings, pumpkin patches, libraries and parades.

In my last entry, I mentioned that I went to the MN State Fair. Because Dad was not able to make it we decided to go to Como Zoo the following weekend. It was great and fun to see different animals than the ones at the Fair. In addition to seeing the animals, I got to ride another Merry-Go-Round, but this time with Dad. After the ride with Dad, Mom was able to jump in for a picture.


We also had a family trip to Waterloo for Aiden's birthday party. It was great! We were able to go to Waterloo earlier so I got to spend quite a bit of time with Aiden. I also got to hang out with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Cat. I was able to read a story to Grandpa Cat.

After that trip, Mom and Dad headed back that way for a Brewers game in Milwaukee so I got to spend the weekend with Grandma Peggy. It turned out that River Falls Fire Department was celebrating their 100th or 125th (I cannot remember) anniversary so we went to check it out. I tried driving a truck and also tried on a hat for size...you never know when they may need help.


Now that I'm a great walker and runner I have been going on walks without my stroller. Mom and I had a chance to spend some time together a couple weekends in October while Dad was fishing and hunting. The first weekend together we went to Lynsie and Mark's to have supper and to get my 1st haircut. Yup, 10/2/10 marks my 1st haircut...well, trim I guess.



Mom and I took a walk to see the new library in Roberts. It's really nice, if you like small aisles to run through! We also took a walk downtown Roberts to check out the Oktoberfest parade. It was about 15 minutes, but entertaining.

One of the best things I got to do in October was pick out a pumpkin (or a "ball" as I call them). Mom, Dad, Grandma Peggy and I went to an apple orchard where I got to take my 1st hayride, then headed to pumpkin place down the road. It was great. What I didn't know that shortly after this day I would be dressing up and walking main street collecting candy. I dressed up as a Donkey-Dragon from Shrek 3. I just want to clarify that because I have been mistaken for Eyore.

So that's my last 2 months. It's been busy, but lots of fun. Some other things that I have been doing is learning sign language. I am able to sign more, all done, help, please and eat. I'm doing really well using these signs to get what I want. I will also have you know that this is not my idea. I prefer the traditional screaming and having Mom and Dad grab random things until I smile, but apparently this approach only works so long. I am also eating on my own with my own fork and spoon.

I continue to help Mom and Dad around the house. I can open the dishwasher all by myself so I am able to help with dishes any time I want. I also get to feed Java when I get home from daycare. I still think it's only fair I get some of her food, but Mom is good at catching that so I only get a taste.

That about sums everything up! Today we woke up to snow on the ground so it's time for boots and snow pants. I think I'm going to enjoy my sled more this year than I did last year.

I hope all is well with everyone and I will try to write a little sooner next time.

Love to all,

Simon

A Little Bit of Everything....

I'm going to warn you, I've been busy learning new tricks, training Java, helping with chores and I went to the MN State Fair so this entry is filled with pictures and videos. I should start by sharing the video of Java and I playing since I wasn't able to include that in the last entry.

In addition to playing with Java throwing the ball around, I've been helping Dad fetch with Java in the backyard. Dad has to throw the dummie, but I'm working on telling her "fetch." It doesn't come out very clear, but a yell will do for now.

When I'm not playing with Java I am finding everything and anything to climb on. This video that mom took is one of my first attempts so it's taking a little long, but I have definately mastered the art of climbing onto tables. I've started pulling out drawers and climb them like a rock wall to see what's at the top. Could be a kitchen counter, could be a dresser...it's all a surprise.

Even though I have been doing a great job at making messes, I feel I am starting to do my share of work around the house. My idea of cleaning up my toys is to find "new homes" for them. These homes have included Mom's purse, Java's food container, my diaper champ, the toilet, kitchen drawers and garbages. I guess my love for putting things places landed me with the chores of putting kitchen towels away and sending the laundry downstairs.

Last weekend Grandma Peggy, Mom and I went to the MN State Fair. It was so much fun! Much better than last year. This year I got to ride a ferris wheel and merry-go-round! I'm not going to lie, I threw a fit like a baby when Mom took me off the merry-go-round. I felt the ride was too short.

I also hung out in the animal barns for a couple hours! I met sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses, cows and bunnies (I think I got them all). They let me pet them and some were more friendly than others. I thought about sharing my corn dog with a goat, but Mom didn't think it was a good idea.

In addition to the corn dog, I also ate cheese curds and ice cream. I slept through the chance of trying a pickle dog (pickle wrapped in pastrami and cream cheese) and Pig Lickers (chocolate covered bacon strips). I didn't get to enjoy the food last year so what I had was good.

With all that being said, enjoy the pictures and videos we took from the fair. You can also enjoy comparing this year's picture of me above with last year's picture (and Mom thought I was big last year...ha!)

There is a little story behind the bouncy ball. Grandma Peggy bought me this ball to keep me occupied while walking back to the vehicle. After walking about 2-3 blocks, I decided that I had enough walking and decided I needed a little break. I decided that place to take a break was right in the middle of the sidewalk. Most people did not mind and walked around me, but Mom and Grandma thought it would be best that I move somewhere a little less chaotic.

One last thing to share with you is when Dad and visited Mom at work. What most of you may not know, but Mom works at a giant playland. I went into a ball pit, jumped on the trampoline and played with balls. I tried jumping in this cage-thing, but I liked the trampoline much better.

Well, I think I'm finished. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. Next week will be heading to Waterloo. My cousin, Aiden, turns 1 next Saturday and is having a party!! I can't wait!

Love to all,

Simon

Fast Times

I cannot speak for my parents, but these summer months are going by fast. Last summer, I know I was outside a lot, but this summer I'm really enjoying it. At daycare we have been spending lots of time outside playing in the pool and the sandbox! The summer has also been filled with baptisms, birthday parties and fairs.

Since my birthday I have been enjoying some of my birthday presents. I have enjoyed my pool from Uncle Adrian and Aunt Jeni. I'm also getting good at my shape sorter, which keeps me occupied for more than 5 minutes. I've recently become interested in my animal puzzle, which talks back! To all my young friends - don't let the puzzle fool you...you can stand on it to make the animals talk rather than place the pieces to the matching animal!! Enjoy!! My favorite toy continues to be a ball. I'm getting really good at throwing them and I can also say, "ball" so now Mom and Dad know what I'm talking about. Java and I have even starting our own chase game, which has been fun. Unfortunately, the video didn't work out so I'll have to try again later.

I've been starting to build the communication gap between my parents and myself. Instead of screaming (which I will do once in awhile) I will point to what I want. At first Mom and Dad would tell me what I was pointing to, but what they didn't know was that I wanted what I was pointing at...I didn't care what it was called. Again...teaching the parents. I have to give them credit, they seem to be catching on quicker.

Recently, I broke my 7th tooth! I've been working really hard at this. There have been many sleepless nights, lots of Tylenol, low-grade fevers and lack of appetite but alas it has surfaced. Now that I have a 7th tooth I can eat corn-on-the-cob! I also see how much Java enjoys her food so I thought I would try it...twice. It's not bad!

I continue to get into everything. I enjoy bookshelves, entertainment centers and going under tables. Recently, I have enjoyed pulling books off my bookshelf in my room and rearrange my closet even though Mom insists I do not have to help with that right now.

One thing I've been doing in the last months is trying to talk more. I really have "ball" down, but I can also say, "hi, daddy and mama." I am also making dog and pig noises. I haven't gotten the monkey sound down, but I can dance like one!

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer.

Love to all,

Simon

Rough Start, Happy Ending!

As most of you know, I started walking about a month ago. That being said, June 1st I thought I could go down stairs all by myself, but I was wrong. After a 12-step ride, I landed on my belly at the bottom of the stairs. I was a little startled, but you should have seen Mom and Dad...I don't think they are ready for extreme tricks yet. I still had to go to the ER even though everything seemed to be fine, which is what the Dr. said. I had a little mark on my head and a little rug burn on my belly and my parents say I was lucky...I guess they are right. So, no more tricks until I can get my walking under control.

A great thing about June is that it's my birthday month!! My birthday is June 14th and I had a great party! Balloons, cake, presents, pets, family and friends were all there. I got to see lots of family from Waterloo and Grandma and Grandpa Arians got to see me walk for the first time! They haven't seen me since Christmas so it was great to spend time with them. My cousin Aiden stayed over too and we got to play together. Aiden really enjoyed playing with my toys. One thing he really liked was my 'Johnny Jumper.'

A phrase I've come to learn after my birthday weekend is "All Good Things Come to an End." It was time to say goodbye to my Waterloo family. Fortunately, Mom and Dad plan to take me to Waterloo for 4th of July weekend, which is right around the corner!

Now that I'm 1, I get to eat like a big boy. I have tried lots of different foods, but I'm not really liking crunchy foods. However, I have been getting used to them, but they are not my favorite. I'm also not taking milk very well, but I guess that is normal.
Well, enjoy some pictures. That's all I have for now!

This is me after a long day of festivities! I didn't care where I was for naptime.
Even though I may not be able to go down stairs by myself, Uncle Mark and Aunt Lynsie feel I am ready to drive. I cannot reach the pedals, but we are working on it!

CAKE!! There's nothing left to say!!

Love to all,

Simon

Video Collection

Instead of waiting another month or so, I thought I would drop in and show you a few videos that I have collected over the past few months.


Here I am enjoying my new swing in the backyard.

I seem to do a lot of talking during meal times and this happens to be one of them.

This is typical of Java moving away from me. It doesn't stop me from trying, but usually I have better chances with Buddy.

This is a normal play session with Buddy and myself. Her tail is like a lure and I fall for it everytime. Sometimes she likes it, but this time she didn't want to play...how am I suppose to know?

Another "Ta-Dah" moment!!

My early days of assisted walking.

Just one of the many everyday enjoyments!

I hope you enjoyed the videos.

Love to all,

Simon

Where does the time go?

It has been so long since I've written that I almost forgot my password to update my blog! My Mom always says how "time flies by," which I didn't understand, but I think I'm starting to get it.

Now that the weather is warmer, I've been spending more time outside. I've learned to swing and I really like that! Great grandma Pat bought me my own swing so I don't always have to go to the park. Unfortunately, we don't have the 'perfect' tree to hang it on so Dad is getting something together. I've also spent some time in the grass, but I'm not sure what I think about that yet. I see that Java really enjoys running, rolling and laying in it, but I haven't reach her level of comfort quite yet.

Since the last time I wrote, I had my first Easter and Mother's Day. Easter was great. I found a couple baskets at Grandma Peggy's, which were full of fun toys. I also found eggs in all my favorite spots to get into at Grandma Peggy's. I still have a couple eggs around the house that I enjoy playing with. Mother's Day was fun. I had to keep Mom occupied in house while Dad put our present together outside, which were 2 bird feeders. She was surprised and really liked them. The birds are fun to watch in the morning.

I continue to baby-proof our house everyday. Did you know that the kitchen has many things to open and close? It's amazing! Unfortunately, I wasn't sneaky enough because shortly after I found these cupboards of fun, some white things were put on them and now I cannot get in. Don't worry, though...I found drawers!! One drawer is full of plastic bags, which I like to spread around the floor. Once I think I have them all out, Mom puts them all back in and I start over. It's a pretty fun game. I think Mom enjoys it as well because she's always saying, "At least your staying in 1 spot." I also help Mom with laundry. She puts down the basket and my job is to hand her the clothes to be folded or hung up. I think we've worked out a pretty good system. I try to help unload the dishwasher, but I keep getting taken away from that. I've also learned that "take the trash out" doesn't mean to pull items out of the garbage can...who knew? When it comes to washing windows, I think I have the faster method. Mom uses a spray bottle and paper towel, but I use my tongue...I guess that's my way of saving money.

I have completely mastered the skill of crawling and I have to say...I'm pretty good at it. I've started to walk around, but I'm usually pushing something or Mom and Dad are holding me. There have been times I have been brave and stood without hands, but I usually fall. I think I'm standing a little longer, but I like to hold onto something.

I'm finally over my ear infections, but I also got pink eye last month. I could tell Mom was not happy to be visiting the Dr. again, but we haven't had to go lately. I continue to eat really well and lately I've been sleeping through the night. Sleeping all night has felt good and I can tell it has helped Mom. She seems quicker at getting me ready in the morning!

Well, the next big thing coming is my birthday. To be completely honest with you...I do not know what this means. It must be something fun because that's all Mom and Dad can talk about. I will be sure to let you know how that turns out.

Love to all,

Simon