The past three months (months 19 - 21) have been challenging for Reece. The introduction of his little sister, Elle, shook his world. He's learning a new skill-how to share, especially time with me. We know that in the end he and Elle will be great friends.
Highlights:
-Drool, drool, drool! Reece's eye teeth decided to take WEEKS to come in (his bottom set are still coming in). This meant 4am-5am wake-ups with cries for "Mama" and buckets of drool. Someday we will get rid of those silly bibs! (A special Thank You to Nana and Grandma for soothing Reece during a few of his middle-of-the-night adventures!)-The "boy" in Reece is really starting to come out. He is very mechanical and wants to know how everything works; how to put things together and how to switch everything on and off. A walk home from the park (about three blocks) can take over an hour if Reece is on foot. He loves to explore all of the fire hydrants, sprinkler boxes, locks on gates, bicycle chains, etc. He loves to carry my keys and try to put them in locks or any screw he can find. He also collects barks, leaves, and smells the flowers. I love these walks as I love to watch him explore and discover,
-Reece loves to play Hide-and-Go-Seek and Chase. Oftentimes when we are home he will pull me into a hiding place and giggle (even though there is no one to come find us!). When Aaron gets home he will run and hide at the sound of his keys hitting the door. It is really cute and a lot of fun to play these new games with him. He also loves to do the hand gestures to The Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and begs for us to tell him the story of "The Three Little Pigs"... so much fun!
-Reece also loves to tackle us. We have fun tackling, tickling, and wrestling around... it's a lot fun here at home, but not so much fun when he chooses to do it to his friends (who aren't ready for it!). Grace, Greyson, Dane, and Addison have all been victims. I am working on teaching him when it is appropriate and when it is not!
-It is now dark when Reece goes to bed, and so we reintroduced the moon to him. Going outside to look at the moon is a new part of his bedtime routine, and if Aaron and I forget, Reece is quick to run to the slider and ask for "moon, moon, moon!"
-Reece repeats himself often, especially when he really wants something. A few repetitive words we hear are: MamaMamaMama, DadaDadaDada, PaPaPaPaPa (pacifier), Uff-uff,Uff-uff,Uff-uff (Ruff-Ruff, his dog), UpUpUp, and MoreMoreMore.
-Speaking of language, some of Reece's new words are: rock, walk, stuck, park, push, pull, up, hippo, duck, gecko, cold, stick (for sticker), col (for color), blue, geen (for green), kick, shark, and of course, moon. He is working on using his language to get what he wants (I can't wait for that day to fully come!). He also continues to speak in gibberish. He will look at us very seriously and try to communicate with nonsense words. It is really cute!
-Reece now loves the library! He will pick out books to read and DVDs to watch at home. He will watch and follow the train that circles above the books, and loves to explore behind the librarian's desk (thankfully, she is flexible!). His favorite thing to do is to play with the puppets and take apart/put back together all of the puzzles. We always leave with a new Little Einstein DVD and transportation or animal books to enjoy at home.
-I am impressed with his puzzle skills. If a puzzle board has a picture of the piece on it, he can usually place the pieces in accurately. He gets the biggest smile when he does and is so proud of himself!
-Reece has been eating really well, however it is not always in the form of a meal in his highchair. He will eat a few bites and then claim he is done, but if I put his food into a bowl he will eat it all "on the go". Oftentimes he will shove as much food as possible in his mouth... and then some... and then his pacifier! He has to hold his hand over his mouth to keep it all from falling out. He is still fairly picky and does not even want to try meat, pizza, doughnuts, or cake (he asked for fruit instead of cake at his friend Dane's birthday party). I am not complaining, but he doesn't realize what he is missing! French fries and vanilla milk are new loves and usually my bribe to keep him awake in the car before nap-time or happy during long errand walks.
-He loves the park and continues to learn many life lessons in the sandbox. Oh, the dreaded (for me) sandbox. Every time we get to the park I have to analyze the toys in the sandbox and if there are trucks there, I have to take a deep breath and gear up for the interactions he is about to have. I only hope for an understanding parent and child who are willing to share and trade toys with Reece. This is usually so, but not always. I know everyone goes through this, but it's not easy! He also loves to collect leaves and chase the crows and seagulls.
LOVING his Capri Sun!
Watching Baby Einstein with Greyson... these two love TV!
Exploring the park with Dad.
Helping Dad Reece-proof the bathroom cupboards :)
He loves to eat applesauce, yogurt, and pureed veggies out of a bowl all by himself!
Learning to climb trees with Grandpa (I love these pics!).
Hanging out with Grandma and vacuuming (he also loves to dust :)).
Mmmm... Nana's cookies!!!
Reece loves to hide behind his crib. He has had his pacifier throughout the day until now. I have been taking it and hiding it in the morning and not giving it to him until nap/bedtime.
Smelling the flowers at the park.
I came across a bunch of blurry photos on my camera, and then these... guilty!
We LOVE you, Reecer-Boy!
