Is he one or two?

Alex has begun to express his voice on lots of things these days. He is quite loud and will swat his leg as he cries. He gets himself all worked up. We are trying to teach him baby sign language, but even though I think he understands me, he doesn't quite get how to talk back. This, along with his insatiable need for independence has led me to believe that the "terrible twos" are, for us, beginning a bit early. It is draining to say the least. He is still happy and smiley, but he will get frustrated when he finds out that he can not open the fridge or drag his walker on his back.

Tonight he threw an all out tantrum because I took away his graham cracker. (I am perfectly okay with being the mean mommy sometimes.) This fit lasted for a good ten minutes with him rolling on the floor and screaming at the top of his lungs. When he finally calmed down, we tried dinner again. First bite- good, second bite- fit. We were just about to leave my mother-in-law's house anyway, so we just packed him up still screaming and gave him a sippy of milk. He finally calmed down after about another ten minutes in the car. By that time I doubt he still knew what he was crying for. He finished his dinner at home with no fuss. (thank goodness)

I have spoken to some friends about these fits and they all say it is normal. Talk about testing out the mommy skills early. Good thing I have practice with lots of kids screaming at me all day!

Big Helper

He saw me getting out the hand sweeper and dust pan and decided he needed to be involved. He held the pan while I swept, then cried when I needed to use it. Then the mop came out and he was soooo excited. He "mopped" my floor pretty well. I can't wait until he is old enough to do the real job so I don't have to!

UP & DOWN

Alex was taught by Grandma Franklin how to get down from furniture and Mommy taught him this morning how to use Roman and a box to get up. He has been going up and down all morning!
UP Down

Baby Signing Time

Alex has been watching Baby Signing Time at home. This is my brilliant boy signing "baby" as I sing the beginning song. So sweet.

Three cheers for the Birthday Boy!!

We were all excited to celebrate Alex's first birthday. So much so that we celebrated three times!! On the Sunday before, we went to Grandma Franklin's house for brisket lunch and cupcakes. Alex and Clementine had a blast together in their diapers. Alex wouldn't eat the cupcake, but Clementine definitely loved hers. On his real birthday, poor thing had to go to daycare and didn't get picked up until 6 (bedtime.) Not much excitement that night, but he did get woken up to the birthday song. Then the following Saturday, we had crabfest and bday party at Grandma and Grandpa Ludlow's house. This was a big family get together and Alex decided he liked his chocolate cupcake! Yea!

Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!!!

My angel is officially one year old today at 12:10 this afternoon. My, how time flies when you're having fun!