Helpful

I am sick, and Daniel has come to me twice today to ask if he can get me anything at all to help, because he likes to help and he just loves me oh so much. 

(So sweet!!)

Brother, Sister, Mother Time.

These photos are from the first weekend of March, when Dan was busy doing urban search and rescue training.  The kids and I had a lot of time together, and it was one of the first times I felt as if we were a threesome enjoying each other's company. 

We had such a pleasant Saturday that I took the kids to their first restaurant experience with me - Taco Store aka El Jimador.  They both enjoyed the food, and we split ONE meal the three of us! 

Great Stuff from Dee Dee's Morning, Sept 12

This morning after our breakfast together, Daniel looked at me and said, "Dee Dee SOO happy."  What a heart melter.  Its true he got cream cheese AND almond butter AND jelly on his waffle and that we had a dark chocolate square for breakfast-dessert.  But I think maybe he was so happy because we were sitting together for breakfast and having great conversation.

We did dry undies all morning and he was so proud of this.  He beamed as he told me they were dry!

We discussed getting some new construction tractor toys.  He wants them and seemed like he would go for "selling binkies to buy new tractor toys".  He actually SAID THOSE WORDS!

He also keeps getting after me to watch him play.  I do a little chore here and there and have to go back in and watch for a few minutes.  Its great he wants the extra attention, I think.  Especially while sister is asleep!

Photographic Proof That Your Mama Loves You

Dear son,  We don't have too many photos of us cuddling these days, but here are a few taken during your 23rd month of life.  We have just finished up swimming and splashing at the Tiger Shark Swim Park, so we are wet and exhausted, but so happy.  You were being silly (as usual) and I was feeling especially happy that you are mine.  Ayhan is checking his phone, Daddy is getting things ready to pack into the car, and Aunt Rachie is taking the photo.  I want you to be sure without a doubt that I loved you and cared about you while you were a rascally toddler.  Love, Mama.

Making Cup Cakes with Mama

After Daniel came home from his Douglas grandparents, he needed some Mama alone time.  Without the baby.  So we did one of his favorite things... cooking!  And also sprinkles... and eating...

Watch and Learn! and Play Time with Puffy Coat Photos

Daniel is learning so much from us.  Sometimes it takes us a while to pick up on what he is doing, but usually it is just copying what he has seen us do.

For example, today when I was taking some potatoes out of the oven, I told him it was hot and to back away.  A few seconds later he was at the (closed) oven door wearing oven mitts.  He rapped on the oven window.  I didn't even know he knew about oven mitts!  I think he's seen his dad use them in the morning when they make biscuits!

He has learned how to fold his hands to pray before bed. Dan has done this with him for awhile, but tonight he said, "Let's pray, Daniel!" and he had his hands ready automatically!

He has learned how to copy his father's fake snore and sometimes lays down and pretends to sleep with a fake snore.  This is really funny to me.

He also has learned how to make moooooing noises.  I usually say MOO, but his dad does a more authentic cow bray.  Daniel copies his father with a long Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm noise anytime he sees a cow (or an animal that looks like a cow, as many cartoon animals do, apparently).

He also has learned how to brush his teeth more effectively by watching me do mine.  He wants me to wet it several times, like I do, and also tries to spit at the sink.

He has tried to use my hair straightener and face lotion, too.

These are just a few of the examples of Daniel's body language and actions that he has picked up from his parents.  I am so curious to see what he learns from other kids and what is DHH Original Material!

Below are photos taken of Daniel last Friday before his 15 month well child check up.  It was chilly this morning, and it was the first time he had worn his winter coat!  What a marshmallow!

46 Weeks

 To My Moody 10.8 Month Old.

It was an emotional roller coaster this week!  Happy, sad, desperate,  silly, furious, confused, and joyful.  I think you may have inherited a touch more of my genes than your even-keeled father!

You displayed your first signs of jealousy this week.  Our friend Julia brought her newborn daughter Juni over for a visit.  I held off holding her for a long time, though it was difficult, because I knew you'd want to sit in my lap and poke at her.  I haven't taught you to be gentle yet.  While I admired her tiny features and delicate skin, you grunted at me and clamored at my legs.  You wanted me!  Later when your father fed the baby and you bounced for his attention and made a high pitched hum noise to voice your confusion.  You wanted to drink that bottle, too!  You took Juni's pacifiers, her bottle, and tried to get into her car seat to play with her toys.   I bet you would be relieved to know that you are not going to be a big brother any time soon.

One of your favorite activities this week has been clapping your hands.  You learned to do it the previous weekend and you go on jags of clapping when you will clap and clap for several minutes, and then hours will pass and it is like you have forgotten how to do it.  Then a song will come on the radio or you will see a toy you like and you'll re-discover that you know how to clap.  You look joyous and puzzled that you actually can do it.  It is SO cute.  I wonder how many videos we will have of you clapping?

New foods - waffle, graham crackers, juice

I let you play in your baby pool this week.  You seemed excited at first, but them you hesitated. I had to lure you into it with kitchen spoons.  So you crouched in the pool and knocked two spoons together.  Then you concentrated on chewing the spoons.  Then you beat the spoons against the ground.  You never did splash the spoons or really play in the water.  Later in the week your dad discovered that you like to play with the garden hose in the pool.   You change the nozzle to different sprays and act surprised.  You try to drink from the stream of water like a water fountain. When the water gets in your eyes, you make a surprised expression and get frustrated. It is very funny.

You did play at the indoor city pool this week with your dad while I did water exercise class.  I would do my exercises and then occasionally catch the two of you out of the corner of my eye.  You would be beaming and being silly and your dad would be laughing at you.  All of the old ladies in the fitness class just mooned over you.  They couldn't believe how happy you were and how you waved at them.

I've loved your sleep patterns this week.  You play in your crib with a few toys for fifteen minutes and then you are conked out, cradling a blanket, for an hour and a half to longer than two hours.  You also slept from 8  PM (we heard you playing alone in your room an hour after you went down) until 5 AM when you were hungry for a snack and then again until 7 AM. Great job, kiddo!  I loved the consecutive sleep I got and the chance to work around the house without your cute face to distract me.  I also was able to watch A WHOLE MOVIE during one of your naps this week.  It was amazing.  I felt like a part time mom as compared to when you were a newborn and you needed SO MUCH ATTENTION.  Your naps just weren't that long back then.  Now, don't be sad and think that I prefer a slumbering Daniel to an awake Daniel.  I much prefer an awake, well rested Daniel!  You are in such a good mood when you wake from a "long enough" nap and you are fussy when you skip a nap and often cannot fall asleep properly at night.  Our house just works better with a baby who is a good napper.

You started to try to help out around the house this week.  You have been using a rag to wipe up spills on your high chair tray for a few days now, but when I started to clean the shower using a similar towel and wiping manner, you pitched in!  You wiped and wiped and looked so proud of yourself.  You have also helped me wipe up spills on the floor.  You are SO interested in the vacuum, dishwasher, and the broom.  You cannot use these things properly, but anytime one of us is cleaning with these things you come and try to help.  When we leave these things accessible to you, you explore them and work at them for a long period of time.

This week you started to indicate which book you wanted me to read to you.  Often you selected Are You My Mother? and The Best Nest.  You would pick up the book and open it in your lap.  You would also climb into my lap, carrying the book in your mouth because you needed both hands to climb up.  I think this is so neat.  On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday you did this and we read books four to six times a day instead of your normal twice a day or so.  I love that you love to read!

We had a scheduled photo shoot in Berger this weekend with your grandfather and dad at the historic home that bears your same name on its front step.  The second generation of Daniel Haids built the home in 1910, and though a Dan Haid hasn't live in it for a half century or better, it is still owned by relatives of your grandfather (more distant and someone I haven't met).  It was pretty neat to see how proud your grandpa was.  Usually he is gruff and very disinterested when it comes to being photographed, but he actually suggested this one!  I can tell that you mean a lot to him.  This three generation photo is very special to him.  It was a neat experience.

As always, I love you so much and I am delighted to be your mother.

40 Weeks

Dear Daniel,

You tried a few new foods this week, including watermelon and Colby cheese.  You didn't appear to enjoy either of them for the first few bites, but you quickly acclimated to the taste and gobbled them.

This week I heard you say Mom-mom several times.  You usually say it after you've woken up and want me to come get you.  This is really neat for me!  I knock on your door and say, "Mama is here, baby!".  You shriek in delight.  This is such a wonderful welcome into your room.  You could not do this a few months ago.  I like it so much!

We visited the library to check out a developmental play kit. I didn't realize that you hadn't been there in recent months.   The last time I went with you, I was looking for a book on infant sleep solutions.  You howled.  People seemed miffed until they noticed I was in the "Self Help Baby Section". You really enjoyed playing in the library. You crawled all around the children's section.  You were interested in the book shelves and all of the doors and windows.  One day I hope you will love the books, too!

This week you started to be a bit cling-y.  When you are tired, you want me to hold you.  I cannot put you down to do a few quick errands because you want to be on my hip, resting your head.  At morning nap on Wednesday, you wanted more cuddling.  I put you down in the crib and your lip quivered and you began to sob.  When I picked you up, you threw your arms around my neck. I gave you five more minutes of rocking and cuddles.  It made me feel warm and fuzzy that you like me this much, since its obvious I love YOU so much.  It is affirming to see outward affection. 

 You have started to have favorite things.  Like your toothbrush.  You love it.  You love us brushing your teeth. You like to try to brush your teeth.  You like to lick the bristles.  You like to hold your toothbrush and look at it.  When we take it away, you sob as if the world has ended and it is your parents who are at fault.  Good grief, baby.

We went to an auction in Hermann this week.  You were calm and stayed in a baby back carrier I wore during the morning.  Then we went to Great Grandma Landolt's house for a little while.  You surprised her by crawling up her stairs at lightening speed!  She did not realize you were such a fast crawler or stair climber! Grandma Becky took you for a tour of her flower garden, which amused you.  You tried to eat many of the blossoms! You did not like it when we sat you up in a patch of Columbine plants. I guess it was too scratchy for you.  You played at Grandma Becky's house and were so active that she said she needed a nap after you left!  You had so many things to explore.

I took a lot of photos of you this week, baby.  You were so patient during these times.  Often you want to grab for the camera, and you do not sit still like you used to.  It is difficult to get a good smiling shot.  As you can see from these photos, you are quite active and have a mind of your own!  You don't like me to tell you to sit still!

We went to Hermann another time this week for a special surprise birthday party for Great Grandma Landolt.  You were her only great grandchild present (well, you are the ONLY one).  Lots of your family was there, including your grandparents, Uncle Wes, cousins, and great aunts and uncles.  You were so popular, of course.  Everyone passed you around, which probably wasn't the best idea, since you started to get fussy.  It was a little bit chilly that day, so you wore a sweater that Grandma Landolt had knitted for your father (or your uncle) some twenty five years before.  You got a bit over heated and started to cry.  You rarely cry, so I thought that something was wrong.  When we got home and fed you, I noticed you were hot, so we took your temperature.  You were well over 100 degrees!  103!  We cooled you off in a lukewarm bath and with some cool water.  You were so unhappy and uncomfortable! the rest of the weekend you were miserable, but your fever lessened.  We cuddled you on the couch and gave you a lot of extra rest.  Two days later, your top teeth started to appear.

This week was a great week, son.  I love you, your father loves you, your family loves you, and your God loves you.

From Mama

Sharing Affection

Daniel, you have been so affectionate to me lately.

I appreciate when you make eye contact with me and smile.
It makes me feel good to know you are appreciating me and recognizing me.
Its okay that you often pull my hair or poke my eyes if its okay that I often wipe off excess slobber from you super wet kisses.

Love,
Mama Bethany

A Scenic View

Photo taken on Saturday, October 25 during a short strech break on a car ride to visit Douglas grandparents.

Mom and Baby In Their Second Weeks of Life

Bethany Lynn Douglas's 2 week photo                                                Daniel Henry Haid's 10 day old photo