18 month check-up (20 months old)

After Henry turned one, I never was able to get to the doctor when the actual check-up was suppose to occur. I was usually a good month behind, but this time, I was two months. Partially my fault and also partially the doctors - it's hard to get an appointment with Dr. P - the world's most popular pediatrician. No one made a ruckus about it, so I assume it's OK - and probably pretty normal (or so I tell myself).

We ventured to the doctor yesterday morning, after a snowy night, leaving about 8" on the ground. We left early, allowing ourselves extra time, finding out the roads were in great shape and there were barley any cars making the morning commute. We were 15 minutes early - which gave Henry tons of time to play with all the germ filled toys in the waiting area.

Once we were escorted into our room - all hell broke loose. Henry heard a little baby wailing and then he lost it. He had a death grip around my neck and screamed bloody murder while I undressed him so he could weighed and measured. He kept pointing to the door and waving to the nurse like "leave, would ya!?". When she left, he settled down. But when Dr. P walked in, it started all over again. We had to do the entire examination with me holding him. Am I a bad mom, because I found this pretty amusing! Once Dr. P left, he settled again and helped me fill out my paper work, but scribbling all over it. Then, the nurse came in, with his shot - lovely. You can guess what happens.

After his shot and once the nurse left Henry settled, we read some books and waited to talk to Dr. P. We got to go in his office which is filled with toys, books, stuffed animals and pictures of Henry's buddy, Chase. Dr. P watched Henry play, asked me and him questions about what he's up to these days. We spent some time talking about Henry not being a very big talker, yet. He says a few words - like "up", "that", "zzzzzz" (Dr. P said this is a word, so I am counting it!), "dot" and an occasional "da da". Everything else he signs - all made up signs, of course. But he communicates, just not using words. Dr. P didn't seem overly concerned - I thought for sure we'd be walking out with firm instructions to go see a therapist, that this was very very bad. But, after his observation, he said the kid is smart, he listens, he is communicating and should be talking soon. (Of course, he said if there isn't a change by mid-March, to call him.). So, I'm not going to worry about it - just let nature run its course. Because I know when he does start talking, I'll yearn for the days of silence.

Measurements:
Height: 33.25" (50%) - first time in the 50%!!!
Weight: 25.2 lbs (27%)

The Jetty

Grandpa and Grandma lived a few blocks from the jetty - a great place to ride your bikes or walk to, from the beach. I have memories from as far back as I can remember going to the jetty with my grandparents to watch the sunset or see the fishermen or just sit on the bench and listen to grandpa Ken's stories. Back in the day, walking to the jetty felt like it took years - funny how distances get so much shorter as your get older. I hope Henry gets starts to collect these Venice memories, just like I did growing up. I love that I have my own, but now I get to share and create new ones with my kid - if you ask me, there is nothing sweeter in the world!

The first morning in Florida, mom, Brian, Alex and I went for a walk. I ended up freezing my tush off and Brian let me use his sweater to wrap my legs! I felt so fashion forward!

A few days later, Grandma & Grandpa took Henry to the jetty on the bikes. Luckily, I wasn't there to witness some of these pictures being taken. According to Grandpa, "Henry drug me out on the rocks, I couldn't stop him". We had to remind Grandpa that Henry doesn't realize that the rocks are sharp and drop into the ocean. Additionally, when the wind and tide is right, the waves crash over the rocks, onto the jetty. Luckily, they made it back unscathed. Henry did experience a few big splashes of the waves, afterwards he'd sign for "more". Like grandpa was controlling it - since, obviously, he controls everything. ;)

Shadows - Henry has a new fascination with shadows. He plays with his numerous times throughout the day.

The traditional photo stop - I have a picture at this corner, outside GG's, from every year I was in Venice. Let the tradition begin with Henry!

Christmas at the Beach

We spent a couple afternoons at the beach - you quickly learn, with a 20 month old, beach time does not mean "R&R" time. It means, dig in the sand until you reach China and run back and forth to the ocean to keep refilling the bucket with water. (So when you fill it up and bring it to your majesty (aka Henry), he dumps it out and sends you for more.)

Henry loved the beach - he loved the sand, loved being buried the sand (Uncle Alex was the ultimate champion at this!), loved the waves and the freezing water (always wanting to go all the way in), loved the birds and trying to get them to eat of his hand, and loved leaving with sand in every orifice of his body.

The Banyan Tree

The new street Grandpa and Grandma live on it so gorgeous. Not only is it just a two blocks from the beach, but the street is divided by a twisting walking path that is lined with large banyan trees - great for climbing and playing hide and seek. We visited the trees regularly and all enjoyed playing hide and seek and climbing the many shoots. Grandpa, as usual, was the craziest - climbing high up in the tree. Henry got such a kick out of going in and out of all the nooks and crannies.

Florida Christmas Part I

We've spent the last three Christmases in Florida (one of them, Henry was in my belly). There is nothing better than heading south for the winter - unless, it is also cold in the south. And this year, it was cold. But, not 2 feet of snow cold, like we would have experienced if we stayed in PA. Regardless of weather, it's nice to go away for the holidays - it feels like a vacation, staying at grandma and grandpa's new house, going to the beach, eating out and not having to do much of anything. But, with all that, I think this will be our last Christmas in Florida for a while. We need to start making our own traditions, right here, under our own roof with our own chimney. Next year will be the year, when the whole Santa and reindeer things will come to life for Henry. This year, he definitely got it more than the last - he loved the lights, he liked to open presents (only a few at a time), he loved all the Christmas cartoon specials on TV, and the decorations around the house.


We spent 10 days in Florida, leaving on 12/23. Before we left we had a mini Christmas, just Brian, Henry and I. We didn't go too overboard this year, since Henry doesn't really get it and we have a ton of expenses with the renovations. The one thing I made certain Henry got was all the Shrek movies and a Shrek doll. And we strategically gave him this right before we left for the airport (with DVD player packed). Henry loved it - turns out, he likes looking at the DVD cases more than watching the movies!



Once in Florida, every day was Christmas for Henry. Aside from the constant gift giving between grandma and GG, the kid was center of everyone's universe for 10 days straight. Uncle Alex was even down for a few days and helped with the entertaining. Brian and I even went away for two nights and I don't think the kid noticed we were gone. Henry went on bike rides, played at all the playgrounds, made lots of trips to the beach, went to the pool and walked up and down Venice Avenue, grandma and grandpa street, to climb the gigantic banyan trees, while waving at the world's largest blow up Christmas decoration display at the house right across the street. Henry was in heaven.
Meeting Shrek, before we left for the airport.
Climbing trees on our walk.

Watching TV with Shrek and Snowman

Terrified in the pool, attempting to float on his back, alone.

walking the "tight rope" with dad.

Going down the big-boy slide.

Curising with Grandma and GG

Breakfast courtesy of grandpa - the kid doesn't have to move to get a drink. And there is a movie on the DVD player and cartoons on the TV.

Climbing the rock wall - does he have enough spotters?

Helping grandpa blow the leaves - which grandpa did at least 3 times a day (OCD?)

First time riding on the back of a bike! Thanks Uncle Kenny & Aunt Tina!

The Banyan tree- Hide & Seek heaven!

There were like 2 of these plus a trillion other Xmas decorations. Cars lined at the street at night and Henry pulled his nose whenever wanted to go out to see them. He LOVED it!

Taking a rest on the walk home.

Shower & Shave

One day Henry woke up and decided he hated taking a bath and I was sick of forcing it. I was also scared to death he was going to end up getting hurt in the struggle to keep him sitting while in the tub. So, we started to take showers, usually in the morning with dad, before work. Dad also introduced Henry to shaving and he got such a kick out of it. Brian gives Henry some shaving cream, and Henry wipes it all over himself (and the walls) and then gets a spoon to shave with. Brian sits him up on the sink and they shave together. It makes my heart melt. Now, we have to code "Shower & Shave" with "S&S", because if Brian says it, but doesn't have time in the morning, Henry won't stop asking (fussing) until he gets to do it.