16 months

"This month, your formerly wobbly walker might just break into a run; he may also be climbing himself into a ton of trouble, so double-check your childproofing efforts — he can reach a lot more stuff than he could just a month ago. And just to confuse parents more than ever, some toddlers this age are terrified of strangers and dogs while other tots are virtually fearless, which could lead to danger. (Good news: There are tactics for dealing with both extremes.) At mealtime, be prepared for erratic eating habits: He gorges himself one day and eats next to nothing the next, rejects foods he used to love, or never slows down enough for a proper meal. Your picky eater might get picky about his high chair as well, clamoring to move to the big table with you and Dad — so consider a booster seat if he seems ready to make the switch. Don’t be surprised if your toddler shows a strong preference for you over everyone else including his father; flattering, yes, but not practical or fun for Daddy. There are several strategies to try to minimize “mommy-itis,” including making yourself scarce sometimes so Dad can step in and showing junior that you think Daddy is competent (“Wow, Daddy makes great pancakes!”) and fun (“Look what Daddy built with your blocks!”) In other news, Mr. Make-Up-His-Own-Mind may decide he suddenly hates the bathtub (you might just have to climb in there with him, armed with soap crayons and a new fleet of plastic boats). Teething may crank up the crank factor, so be ready with simple soothers (a chilled teething ring or a partially defrosted bagel work well; brandy or any type of alcohol is a definite no-no). Finally, bring on the books! You can plant the seeds to grow a love of reading long before your toddler knows his ABC’s."
--whattoexpect.com

Andrew is now:

• easily feeding himself with a spoon
• beginning to be able to drink from a regular cup
• following directions
• climbing
• bouncing to music
• matching all his shapes to the holes they go in
• using his toy screwdriver correctly with the toy screws (no idea how since I don't think we've ever shown him)
• running
• will bring his shoes over to yu and try hard to put them on until you put them on his feet
• brings you your shoes
• Has 12 teeth
• says/ has said "Mama", "Mom", "Dada", "Dee" (for the toy 'D' in his barn set), "Ligh" (Light), "In-Doe" (Window), "Baw" (Ball) and "Lo" for 'Hello'.

He had his 15 month check-up the other day. He is 28.2 lbs and 32". He is doing well, but the pediatrician recommended going to a speech pathologist. At first I was really uncomfortable with it but the more I think about it, the more I want to go. It's obvious Andrew knows HOW to speak, can form some words and is understanding words so I think a bit of instruction and help from someone on how to encourage him to speak more would be really helpful! 

Well, that's about all for now. TTFN! <3

Updates!

Well today was Andrew's six month check-up.

He is in the 90th percentile for head circumference, around 60th for weight, and off the charts for height lol...

Andrew is now just over 18lbs and is 29" long!! He is growing SO FAST.

At this doctor's appointment we got to chat a lot with the doc-- I wasn't sure about him in our pre-baby interview but now I am so glad I went with Jesse's gut because Dr. Shah is fabulous! He is so great with Andrew, very patient and understanding and SO helpful! We got tips on travelling-- the standard bottle or paci during take-off and landing and the benadryl (yes we will test it out beforehand if we decide to go that route).

Not sure if anyone has noticed his slight face rash but it's relentless. It started around 3 or 4 months and gets SO bad sometimes. We began rubbing Aquaphor Eucerin into his cheeks and forehead every night and morning but it still never really goes away, just doesn't get AS bad. So Shah is switching us to soy-based formula. He thinks it may be a reaction to the formula (He started on formula around 3 months). So we will start trying this out today and fingers crossed it takes care of the issue!

Lastly, we have had SUCH a time trying to get Andrew circumcised. At the hospital it got lost in translation so we lost the chance to have my OB do it, then during our stay a nurse said she didn't think our insurance covered it (which we later found out it did), so we lost that chance. We have contacted SO many places and now Andrew's insurance will no longer cover it. So our plan was to use our Care Credit card, but we've been so busy with working, blogging, plans, and baby that we haven't yet looked around for who does it.

Well, turns out Andrew has something called Phimosis, which is a medical condition which allows us to get Andrew circumcised under his current insurance. It's nothing too serious, and in the end it all works out.

We're starting to get things together for our trip to MN next month, it's coming up so fast!!! Thankfully Jesse's parents have a Pack n' Play for us to use while up north which helps SO much. Now it's just a matter of getting the rest of the baby crap into our checked bag haha!

Okay and for real, lastly.... today we introduced Andrew to the Soy formula, sippy cup, and organic rice cereal!! He did great! It took a few bites but then he loved it and it seemed to go down well too. So excited for this new chapter! :)

Leaving you with many rice-cereal-eating photos! TTFN! <3

First bite!