Tuesday, May 31, 2011

What's New From May?

Another month has gone by and our little duder pants continues to grow and learn and explore.  He is a great source of entertainment and is constantly putting a smile on our face (with the occasional expression of frustration).


He has become much more proficient in his walking and rarely chooses to crawl.  He still loses his balance when walking on an incline, but for the most part he is very steady.


He finally cut his first molar and now has a total of 9 teeth.  The worst part of teething is his increased clinginess and frequent whining.  However, at least at this age it is obvious what is causing his whining.

B is at such a fun age as he is learning something new every day.  We are consistently amazed at his growing vocabulary and his understanding of what we say to him.  In addition to the words he was saying last month, he can now say NEIGH, DUDE, BUBBLE (his version: buhbuh), SIPPY (his version: pippy), TURTLE, YEP (his version: djop), NOPE, BANANA (his version: nana), MORE, TURKEY (his version: turh-e), TRUCK (his version: tuck), CAR, BITE and WATER (his version: waa).  We can now ask him if he wants to read a book and if he does, he will go get the book for us and come sit on our laps.  We can name a specific book and he can pick it off the shelf.  We can ask him to bring us a specific toy and he will go looking for it and bring it to us.  We can say we're going bye, bye and he walks toward the door. We can tell him to sit down and he will come sit on our laps and so on.

His two new tricks this month are:
  • We say, "How big are you?"  He raises his arms overhead and says, "BIG!"
  • He officially blows kisses.  He just puts his hand over his month and makes kissing noises.  It is super cute. 
He now understands consequences.  When being disobedient and given a choice to continue the behavior (with a negative consequence) or walk away (with a positive consequence), he will often walk away.  When he makes the right choice and we give him positive re-enforcement (ie. good job listening), he claps for himself.

We are continuing to encourage sign language.  B can now sign Thank You, More, Food, Please, Water, and Milk.  I have also been practicing the want sign with him.  He doesn't use the specific sign, but he will stick out his hand in the direction of the object he wants while opening/closing it several times.

We officially turned his car seat to a forward position since we were traveling so much.  Some days I think it has helped and other days I am not so sure.  Since returning from Kentucky he has began crying while in his car seat (I THOUGHT WE WERE PAST THIS PHASE).  I think he got used to us sitting in the back seat with him and is now struggling to re-adjust.  I hope it doesn't go on for too long......because it drives me NUTS.

The traveling has also affected his sleep, but thankfully not so much at night.  He is still sleeping all night, but has been going to bed later and will occasionally take two naps.

Now that summer is upon us, we have been spending a lot of time in the water.  B absolutely loves the water and has no fear.  We have been able to take him to two pools that have kid areas and he dives in head first over and over again.  I know we have to watch him very closely, but I would much rather him love the water than be afraid of it.
*Linking this photo with Simplicity's Together Challenge
*Linking this photo with Trendy Treehouse Challenge Trees
Pool Fun at Gran and Pap's from Amber cullum on Vimeo.

We are so blessed to have B as our son.  He brings us so much joy and even the challenging times are forcing us to grow and change in ways we need.  We love him so much and are so thankful that God has chosen us to be his parents.

**Linking up with The Happiness Project and My 3 Boybarians and Communal Global.

24 comments:

4 Lettre Words said...

Such a beautiful post, Amber. LOVE your "tree" shot!

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

He is adorable. Love all his expressions.

deb duty said...

This is such a fun age and he's so cute!! I love the photo of him in the air above the pool! Amazing capture!

Pieni Lintu said...

Cute shots! :)

Jenn said...

I love the water photos... some summer fun!

Ashley Sisk said...

Love these pictures of your growing boy - especially the one where he's flying in the air!

Abby said...

I love the tree picture! It's so cool :D

Buckeroomama said...

Oh, he's definitely grown... and what a cutie pie!! I love it that you sign with him. We signed with both of ours and it's been the most amazing experience. :)

Wonderful capture that of your son being tossed in the air. I love it!

Thanks for linking up with Communal Global! :)

Casey Martinez said...

I LOVE all of the water shots!! Fantastic color and fun captured. Makes me want to go down a water slide;0. He is doing so many things like D. Clapping, walking everywhere, exploring, trying new things. He is such a cutie pie!

Kelly Lund and Kids said...

OH he is sooooo cute!!! I just want to squeeze those cheeks! Great shots!! :) Happy Tuesday!

faith ann raider said...

SO many cute photos!!! :)

Sarah said...

Oh my he is just precious! Love your shots!

Susan said...

OK, he's just ADORABLE!! Enjoy that precious video too.

So nice to meet you♥

Have a blessed day!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Amazing shot of him flying in the air- so cool

Keetha Broyles said...

What a cutie!

(I mean your LITTLE guy - - - let's just be clear about that - - - though the big one ain't too bad neither! hehehehehehe)

Tess @ Pro-tography 101 said...

beautiful photos!!

Michelle said...

He is way too adorable!! I love the photo on the slide into the pool, SO CUTE!

Melanie said...

What fun! And such clear images. Great job! I especially like the one of him holding the "flower" in front of his face. Too cute!

Tamar SB said...

He is so adorable!! I love the pics of him walking in the grass and the one in the pool!! He must have loved that!

texasmacks said...

Those are some super adorable pics of little guy with your husband. Some that you will treasure always. Fabulous!

Amanda said...

Bennett is such a toddler now! Love hearing all about him! Love all the summer photos. Looks like you all are having fun!

Tiffany said...

Oh he is so cute! I just love this age, always something new to learn and do....enjoy:) Thanks for following our journey and visiting June Makes Six.

Tiffany

Olivia Grace said...

What an absolutely precious boy!! That shot of him flying through the air is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Adorable photos. He is getting so big. Sweet post.