Noah's 21 Month Update
Noah,
We sure do love the little boy that you’re growing into. Your hair is getting so long and in your eyes that I finally decided to give it a little trim. I think I cut too much off, oops! You still look stinking cute though. You now weigh 23 pounds and are getting taller ever day.
Every color is called “yellow,” most snacks are called “crackers”, and all condiments are called “hot sauce.” Whenever I finish singing the “ABC” song, you end by saying “yay!” and clapping your hands. You’re trying to sing the song with me and can even get some of the correct inflections. I’m impressed!
It’s very interesting seeing how you learn things and need to be disciplined, compared with Sophia. You both are so different. For example, I’ve started letting you color with crayons at home. You’re more interested in dumping the crayons out and then putting them back in the jar than you are with actual coloring. Rarely do you put the crayons in your mouth (and when you do, you look right at me to see my reaction). Sophia would always put the crayons in her mouth or not color on the paper, so we’d be done pretty quickly. When out in the yard, you’re content to go off and do your own thing whle I sit on the porch. Sophia usually wants me involved with her. I love that you’re both different, yet the same in other ways.
You are getting really good at following directions, like “go give Daddy a hug.” So sweet! You know exactly where to find your shoes and that you have to sit down to put them on. You can also put your shoes away on the shelf. You get so sad when you think it is time to go outside but it isn’t; you love the outdoors. Since you don’t like getting your diaper changed, I’ll sing “if you’re happy and you know it,” and it cheers you right up. You’re so good at clapping and stomping your feet.
One of your favorite things to do at this age is putting the hot wheel cars in the organizer and taking them out to drive them around. We find cars all over the house from you playing, specifically in the corner underneath your desk. All of your stuffies are actually called babies and you frequently ask for them. If even the slightest bit of music comes on, your body starts moving. You like to stomp one foot as your preferred dance move; I call it your party trick. Your love of books has developed! We often find you looking through a book or pointing to the bookshelf and saying “book.” I especially love when you grab a book and then say “lap” and come sit in my lap.
We started a new tradition this year: leading up to Valentine’s day, we put a heart for both you and Sophia on your day with a reason we love you. By Valentine’s Day, you each have 14 hearts. My intention is to save these every year so you can look back and see all the different reasons you are loved.
On Valentine’s Day, you had a little party at daycare and then we had Pizza with Nana Chris and Papa Roger. You look so cute in your new Valentine’s pajamas, despite them not being Valentine’s themed.
You really love banana peppers. If you see a jar that looks like the banana pepper jar, you’ll ask for it. You also love drinking the juice. You’re gettig a little bit better at puttibng the food you don’t want on the side of the table instead of throwing it on the floor, but this is still a work in progress You’re really good at telling us when you’re all done.
We signed you up for swimming lessons. Daddy takes you on Mondays and I take you on Wednesdays. It’s so cute seeing you splash around in the water. The instructors encouraged us to get your head under water so you can become accustomed to what that feels like. They encouraged us to give praise and a positive response afterwares so you can develope positive associations with getting your face wet. I felt bad purposely letting you jump and get your head under, but you did so well!
Grandpa Danny came to visit for a few days and then our Utah friend, Matt, was in town for a few hours on St. Patrick’s Day. We had green waffles to celebrate. It was really great getting to see both Grandpa and Matt. Other activities we did recently were go to the Science Museum and swim for a friends birthday.
When Sophia was first walking, we coined the term “Sophia walk,” which is where we’d go for a walk but at Sophia’s pace. She loved to stop and observe every little thing. It took a long time to make it only one block. We’ve done a few “Noah walks” and they are so different. You like to walk fast and with a purpose, rarely stopping to look at things. We’ve also started going on walks while Sophia rides her little bike.
You also love being pushed on the bike since you can’t reach the pedals yet. This is what my parenting dreams are made of!
The week before Spring Break (3/19), Daycare let us know that you had a low-grade fever and didn’t seem to be feeling well. We picked you up and all you wanted was to snuggle in my lap. The next few days we spent snuggling and watching “shows” as you hated whenever I set you on the ground. It worked out well since I also got sick with something; we both were able to lay low and recover. It took about 5 days for you to be back to your normal, happy self.
On 3/22, we packed the car, picked up Sophia from school, and left Oregon for our Spring Break Road Trip to Utah. It was a long drive, but we broke it up by spending the night in Boise. We got to see Daddy’s friend Chris for breakfast and then finished the journey to Grandma and Grandpa Groves’ house.
You and Sophia attended “Grandpa Daycare” while Daddy and I worked. Unfortunately, Sophia caught what you had, so she was sick the entire trip. We spent a lot of time snugging, watching movies, and playing cars.
Auntie Shelby was able to spend almost the entire visit with us, which was such a treat. She was a huge help with caring for you and Sophia. The dogs helped too. ;)
Grandma Karen made cute Easter baskets for the both of you with crafts, chalk, and lots of candy. We also took you and Sophia to the South Mountain Easter Egg Hunt. I don’t know who had more fun, you or Auntie Shelby. On Easter Day, after church, Grammy and Grandpa Kittelsrud drove up for Easter Lunch and a quick visit. We love when we get to celebrate holidays with our families.
We were hoping Grammy Penny or Grandma Karen would be able to drive back to Oregon with us, but it didn’t work out. Good thing they have their visits already figured out, and Grammy’s is in just a few short weeks.
Upon returning home, we got back into our normal rhythm of school, daycare,and work. Before we knew it, Grammy was flying in to Portland right before you turned 21 months old. More to come in the next update.
Love,
Mom and Dad
