Recently in Littleteo Category

Oh man oh man. I can't believe my little man is turning two next weekend.

At the same time, I can absolutely believe it. Evidence:
"Go away, Mama, go away!"
"I don't like it! I don't like it!"
"I don't wanna put the pants on!"
"Mine!"
"Stop it Mama, stop it right now!"

Phrases of a two year old.

Also, leaving day care yesterday: "There's too much crap in there!"

I don't know where he picked up that one, but love the crap out of him anyway.

The cuteness starts here:

We have been a little MIA here for no particular reason. I went through a bit of a dark phase over the weekend -- just missing my friends and living somewhere where I was already established and didn't have to think so hard all the time. Nothing major, just a little dip.

On Friday, we went back to the doctor's office where I learned that Teo STILL has a damn ear infection. The doctor says that if he doesn't get over it with this next round of antibiotics, I should consider tubes. She is worried about him missing out on some language development because he can't hear properly. That didn't scare the bejeesus out of me one bit, I swear.

I don't know. He is on his seven zillionth round of antibiotics (which I hate, btw) and we go back (again) in two weeks for another check. I will make a judgement call then as to whether he should see the ear, nose and throat specialist.

Meanwhile, I am noticing him growing in such interesting ways. He has taken to reading books on his own -- sometimes he sits and tells himself the stories. Other times, he pulls out books, hands them to me, and then crawls into my lap. It is the sweetest thing. He tries every day to stand a little longer on his own two feet. He is signing more and more (albeit sometimes incorrectly) and such a nutjob. Right now, for example, he is holding up my shoe and talking into it.

Work is going ok, the sun is coming out, and things are looking better. Plus, my little man is a complete ham:

Laughing dude from odessa on Vimeo.



Mateo took 2.5 unassisted steps today. Three minutes later, he did it again. He relished it and got a definite look of mischief in his eye. He seems to understand that this is the key to a whole new universe.

I think we're in trouble here.

(But I am a very proud mama, and so grateful to have seen those first steps. I have been a little worried they would tell me he is walking at day care, before I got a chance to see it myself. Gooooo Teo!)

PS He is feeling much better today, and was all smiles all evening. We just played and laughed for three straight hours.

Here are a few.

Especially the remote control and the musical band set. If you don't buy them, I will.

I am so late in posting your happy birthday wishes, but happy eleven months all the same. I am absolutely shocked that your next birthday is going to be the Magic One Year Mark -- time flies and that is so very, very bittersweet.

As of right now, you are sleeping in your crib, after a tough day. We were in the ER for your ears and diarrhea and then there was a severe amount of vomiting at one point, and in the end of course they gave me an(other) antibiotic for the ears that you can't take until you stop the various forms of expulsing things from your body. So instead, we are spending our weekend crying, lying on our bellies, and changing diapers. Seeing you sick is the absolute worst feeling I have ever in my life encountered. I am not exaggerating this. Your pain is my pain, and then amplified because I just want to be able to make you better.

But until Friday, you had a decent month. Well, there were some shots but those actually seemed to work for a short while, and you were sunny and happy again. Your grandparents came out to visit, and although they were here to meet your new cousin Howie, you guys also got to spend some good times together. Twice, you cried after they left, which was very touching.

Don't worry, Little T, because Grandma and Grandpa happened to buy a house while they were here, and they will (eventually) be moving to town! This means that you get to grow up knowing them, and that makes me so happy I get tears in my eyes. Their house has a moderate-sized fenced backyard, so I am already envisioning you playing there.

Speaking of playing, you figured out something pretty neat today: you learned to kick. We were doing our usual circuit around the house (me holding on to your hands, still) when you came upon your favorite Tupperware bowl. By accident, you gave it a good nudge and sent it flying, and suddenly it was like a whole new world opened up before you. So then we kicked the Tupperware around for another ten minutes. I spy soccer in your future.

And as for the walking thing, you are so very close, my friend. Two days ago, you stood unassisted as you tried to step from your pushy lawnmowery thingie to the chair that you like to push around the house. The step was unsuccessful, but the attempt itself leads me to think that you are paving the way towards true toddlerhood. This afternoon, you drank your water holding the cup with both hands. Standing up.

Other developments: you are now officially sitting in a big boy chair during mealtime at day care. They have also said that you are one excitable little dude (duh) and that group time - when they sing - is always a blast for you. Apparently they make up simple little dances to go with the songs, and you are quite an active participant. You have also started some minimal signing and that is exciting, too. The other day, your grandma and Aunt Kari decided to teach you to say "Uh-oh" whenever you drop something, and I can validate that you have certainly gotten that down pretty well. Your grandpa also taught you how to stick your tongue out at people. That was something I was concerned about checking off the list.

Things have been extremely chaotic and tiring the last few weeks, I have barely had a moment to relax. I was looking forward to a bit of a break this weekend, but of course your health is first. Please get better Bubs.

Next month is the big'un, and your Aunt Laura is coming out here to celebrate with us. I can't wait! I am still not completely sure what we will do for your big day, but it will most likely involve you eating food dressed only in your diaper, because I have a feeling there will be some messiness.