baby A -17 months old

Baby A had again lots of changes this month. He's able to do and say more than ever.

Favorite toy/play:  Cutting play food that are attached together with Velcro. He has not mastered it yet so he practice it a lot.  To my delight, he's more into dolls now and like to push the doll I made for him  in a baby stroller. He's able to balance the flimsy plastic stroller now but I still bought him a wooden one for Christmas. Since J/W plays the piano, baby A always wants to join in and can actually make some nice tunes on it. He also love to look and have us read books to him. He'll say, "book" when he wants you to read. Some of his favorite books are Baby Einstein Alpha book set, Nemo music book, Goodnight Moon, and Time for Bed.

Words: This months, he's able to imitate more words than ever and can say Nick, Izzy, Nai-nai, Yeh-yeh, most of the alphabet, quite a few of the numbers, like one, two. Most often sound A makes is, "mmnnnnnnnnnn", meaning no. He says that almost every time we tell him we are putting him to nap and also when other people tries to ask for a hug or he doesn't like something. He can also say, "Yes" pretty clearly. I bought him a pair of new sneakers, and asked him if he like it, and he said, "Yes". :) He is able to understand of course, a lot more than he can say. Milk, he still says, ma and still signs if he wants to eat.  He say mommy, daddy very clearly. He also says, "Jiejie (sister), and Bro".  We taught him "please" so now he says more please. :)

Sleep: He's getting much better and usually goes to bed anywhere between 8:00-9:00 and wakes up at 7am. We moved his bed time later since it helps him wake up later. Baby A still takes a morning nap on most days for 1 1/2 hours (still cries about it) and but most of the time skips the 2nd nap. If he does take one, it is usually at 5pm. He will usually sleep for another 1 1/2 hours and then goes to bed at his normal time. At night time, he knows and wants to sleep so usually doesn't cry.

Eating: Baby A is in general a good eater. He continue to likes fruit a lot and because he has so many teeth, can eat slices of apple. He is also starting to eat and like English raisin muffin. He's still not keen on oatmeal.  We gave him a taste of chocolate, and he love it. Now when we ask, who wants a piece of chocolate, he enthusiastically says, "Me, Me!" :) We are also adding coconut and almond milk in with his normal rice milk.


Personality: The first thing people notice about A is that he is very observant. He watches and studies what you are doing very intently. So a lot of times, people are surprised what he is able to do. A is also very happy and playful child, though other people may not quite see that at first. He's still very reserved when it comes to other people,esp. adults. If we are around, he is def. not letting other people hold him and will cry loudly.  But he will wave and say bye and delight you with his smile.  A is also very strong willed child, since day 1. He will drag us by hand or sometimes by the leg to tell you to play with him.  He gets frustrated pretty easily.  The other day he was playing with the phone but the battery was dead so he can't turn it on. Out of frustration,he threw the phone. He is also at the stage where he is testing his vocal chords and likes to scream.

Large/ fine motor skills: Baby A is running all over the place. He will also stomp and tap to music. He is very strong and loves to hang on the rings or on the bars of trampoline, usually for 15-20 secs and then do a drop on the mattress below.   Excellent fine motor skills too. He drew an heart on my bday note. Every time I use the restroom, if A is there, he flushes the toilet. If he can reach the door handler, he can open and close that door. He's also turning on/off TV. When A eats, he uses forks, spoon, chopstick for poking just like we do.  He is also able to drink from a normal cup and sip from a straw a while ago.

All in all, A is doing excellent. So far, he has not been sick at all. All he had was a little runny nose and the chiropractor we go to recommended we use Aroma Siez from Young Living to help him feel better. It worked great, very soothing smell.  I'm praying it stays that way through winter.

Next up, potty training. Baby A will put his hand on his butt to tell you he needs a diaper change so I think he's ready.