11-month Update

It is hard to believe that we are nearing Rowan's first birthday. Jeremy and I marvel at how slowly the first three months seemed to go and that the past seven have whizzed by. Rowan is transitioning into such a little boy. He's getting bigger and gaining new skills every day. Here are some stats for this month.

• Weight: 21 lbs. 
  
• Height: impossible to measure! He's a wiggle worm.
  
• Likes: Toys, especially blocks and stacking or nesting toys; Peek-a-boo is still a favorite - now he will cover his own face with his hands or a blanket. He'll also hide on one side of the couch and then peek around to scare you; He loves his rag. He likes to have one to fall asleep with. He also loves the swings and sand at the playground.
• Dislikes: Being told "no". It makes him mad and he'll talk sternly to his toys. Having his face wiped after eating. Staying still for a diaper change.
• Communication: Rowan can say "Da-da", "Mama", "Kee" (kitty), "uh oh" (sometimes it's "uh uh uh uh OOhh"). He can also shake his head no. It kind of sounds like he says "dat" when he points to something. I respond with "Do you want to know what that is? It's a ..." Hopefully that's what he's trying to say! He likes to watch your mouth when you speak. It's like he's studying how to say things. Then he'll start babbling and trying to imitate your sounds.
• Eating: He is usually such an awesome eater, accepting everything he is offered. Not lately. He'll have a few bites and then shake his head "no" and karate chop your hand away. He may eat it later, especially if he thinks you are eating it. Our theory is that is testing boundaries and exerting power. He's been sick, too. I imagine that must interfere with tastes and appetite. 
• Teeth: Rowan has two new teeth, #5 and #6. They are on either side of his top, middle ones. He's been rubbing his mouth a lot, which makes me think that more are coming in on the bottom.
• Skills: He can cruise around the room really well by holding on to furniture. He can also pull up to his push toy and walk around. He still prefers crawling when he wants to get somewhere fast. He's gaining proficiency in feeding himself. Rarely does he miss his mouth. He can make all kinds of gross mouth noises. He tries to copy things that you do with your hands, like snapping, drumming on the table, Itsy Bitsy Spider motions, etc. 
• Discipline: This is a new experience for all of us. Rowan used to freeze when we said "no", now he just ignores us. He thinks I'm hilarious when I get on to him, even if a hand tap is included. You can tell that he knows what he's doing is naughty, but he does it anyway. He's definitely testing us. One of his favorite no-no things to do is touch and bang on the TV. Sometimes he'll change the channel. I reprimanded him the other day for messing with the TV and he threw his head back and belly laughed. Arghhh! It's funny, but it's not at the same time. 

We're still having a blast with this whole parenting gig. There are times when it is rough, but the fun times outnumber the sour times 1000-fold. 

Winter Doldrums

Ughhh... we are all sick. The respiratory crud that's been creeping around town has returned to our household. This time Rowan had to go to the doctor. He had conjunctivitis (pink eye) and needed antibiotic drops. 

The drops are amazing! Hooray for antibiotics! However, Rowan does not agree. I don't know which he hates more: eye drops, having his eyes cleaned, or having his nose wiped. Surprisingly, he doesn't mind the nose sucker, just the nose rag.  

Jeremy's truck is sick, too. A crazy lady in a Lincoln Navigator rear-ended him last week. He's been haggling with the insurance people, trying to work out the details of a rental car and repairs. There is a good chance that his truck will be totaled. It's terrible to see a new truck (2008 Tundra) in such a sad shape. Thank heaven that Jeremy was not injured and that Rowan wasn't in the truck. The other driver was not hurt and her Lincoln sustained minor cosmetic damage. Typical. 

One more thing for me to whine about... It's cold here! Too cold to get outside. I think some fresh air would benefit us, but not when it is 30 degrees outside. Brrr! I don't know how people live in Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest. My aunt said that is has been below zero for the past several days. Yowza! It sure is nice there during the summer, though.

Tomorrow is Rowan's 11-month birthday. I'll try post something a little more uplifting and maybe some new pics as well. 

Nothing much new

There isn't much new with us. Mostly we've been trying to stay warm. It sure is winter!

Rowan started walking with his push-cart thing last week. He stood up and started walking all by himself. Jeremy and I were excited about it. We even got it on video! I'll try to post the video sometime. I will have to edit it a bit for time, etc. and that takes me a bit of time. 

Next week will be Rowan's 11-month birthday. I should have something more interesting to post by then.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! 

We made it back home safely and are trying to get back into the routine of life. I've posted a few new 

photos, including a couple of snaps from our stop in Gainesville. 

Here's Rowan's imitation of a scary gator. 

Actually, he was upset about dinner. Go figure.

Greetings from sunny Florida!

Rowan and I are having the best time in Florida at my parents' house. We've gotten to spend time with our family and friends. And, we've spent a lot of time outside. The weather has been a nice change from dreary Atlanta.