Sunday, July 8, 2012

Chatter box and favorite things

Our 2.5 year old boy is quite the talker (and a comedian).  His vocabulary continues to amaze us and he loves to learn new things.  He will repeat just about anything you ask him to (or DON'T ask him...), and Chuck loves to teach him long words for fun.  We've started the first series of Bob books to build pre-reading skills (letter recognition, letter sounds, etc).  He can identify Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd, H, N, Oo, P, Vv, Xx accurately most of the time and often finds them in words.


Here are some highlights/favorite Nathan-isms:

There goes the white trash truck! (while camping, when a trash truck that was white came by)
I do this a little bit while. (usually when trying to stall us)
I'm just licking it. (well, at least he wasn't biting or eating "it"...?)
Them over there! (confusion of them/they)
There's a hole in the bottom of the potty. (like the song, only not the sea)
That's too small for you. (when we try to play with his toys)
It's too strong for me. (when something is too heavy)
I don't love you.  I like you (good thing he is so cute, or we might cry at that one!)
You don't need sleep, mama. I help you out of bed. Let's go downstairs real quick" 
I love this _____. Do you like this ___?
Daddy, you wearing white today? (Or whatever color Daddy has on)

Mommy: "Nathan, what happened over there?" (regarding a mess)
Nathan: "Me. I happened over there."


Song favorites (sometimes as mash-ups):
Baa baa blacksheep
Happy Birthday - which he will sign to anything (a flag, dog, dinosaurs, etc).
Head, shoulder, knees and toes
Old McDonald (who has quite the eclectic mix of animals on his farm
Baby Bumble Bee



Favorite Books:
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear?
Maybe you should Fly a Jet? Maybe you should be a Vet?
Little Blue Truck
The Lion and the Mouse

Favorite Toys:
His trains
Tractors
His blanket

Favorite things to watch on TV (which he doesn't do often)
Mighty Machines: All about Recycling - which he calls "trash truck"
Might Machines: Tractors go to School - "watch tractors!"
Bob the Builder

Saturday, May 26, 2012

A post?

Yes, it's been awhile, but now that is it SUMMER and I am done with school and my program...maybe I'll be better! Maybe.

Nathan is a crazy ball of energy these days.  He goes through shoes quick since he is so active.  He can jump (on the bed...on the couch...off things) now and he runs everywhere.  There is no pause button and the concept of "gentle" isn't easy for him....! He is still a great sleeper.  He goes down for naps and nighttime easily.  Our struggles are the typical 2 year old stuff of us not giving in to his every desire, demand, or wish.  Overall, he is a happy boy.  :)

His vocabulary is huge and he amazes us with new words every day.  He is also becoming quite the story teller and his comments make us all laugh.  This kiddo is also an entertainer.  During our Mother's Day celebration he took control of the room with a rendition of Old McDonald.   Nate has also started to watch a little television.  He loves Bob the Builder and Dinosaur Train.  We also have a DVD of "Mighty Machines" so he can watch tractors over, and over, and over.  His favorite things are tractors, trains, and big trucks. 

The next month will bring some changes for him, including a new big-boy bed (which I am sure he will think is for jumping on) and some serious potty training.  The bed will come before Daddy and I sneak off to Costa Rica (yeah!!) for a week, and potty training will happen when we get back.

We are spending a week in Guanacasta, Costa Rica, and are super excited! Nate will be staying home with Grammy and Mimi/Popi.  We are so thankful we have family in town! :)

Oh, and in case you are wondering what I have been up to, here is a link to my portfolio.  It is currently being reviewed and I should know in the next week if I passed.  Assuming I passed, I will then be recommended for licensure to the state.  Next year, I will do my Induction Program for my Professional License.  I will be staying at my current school next year.  The middle school has been closed, so I will be teaching math and science to 5th graders.  I am nervous to change grades and to entering into the elementary world, but I am looking forward to it as well!

Thank you for the love and support during my program and this last year of teaching.  My school is a tough environment, but the kids keep me going.  To see almost all of our students 2-5 years behind is heartbreaking and I'm doing all I can to help. :)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

2 years old!

Our big boy had a great check up today at the pediatrician for his 2 year visit. The best news is that he doesn't have to get anymore shots until he is 5! (he is old enough for the flu mist now). He took his HepA shot like a champ and has a cool camo band-aid on his thigh.

His speech and cognitive skills are ahead a bit. Dr. Sunit (he said her name and she beamed...very cute) asked him questions that they usually test 2.5 - 3 year olds and he "passed!" She showed him various pictures (cat, dog, horse, bird, and person) which he was able to identify, and then asked which one flies, meows, barks, etc. :) We are so proud of him and are so fortunate to have a healthy son.

Stats:
Height: 36 1/4" - 90th percentile
Weight: 31 lbs, 14 oz - 85th percentile
Head circumference: 49.8 cm (19.6") 80th percentile

He has finally grown into his big ol' Nellis noggin and is tall and lean. Yes, I said lean. He isn't skinny, by any stretch of the imagination, but compared to his prior budda-like stature, he is skinny!

We are taking him to get his 2 year old photos today. :)

Funny story: One the way to the Doctor's office, we asked Nathan if he was going to be a charmer. The exchange went like this:

Daddy: Hey Nathan, do you know what charm is?
Nathan: Yeah. Nathan.

Ha!