Oops!

I've got a lot of catching up to do! Christmas, birthday parties, and the first of the year!

My guys

I beeg helper :)

TWO YEARS OLD!!!

Eek! The boy turned two a few days ago. I cannot believe how quickly life goes with an toddler! It amazes me everyday when I sit and think about how different he was last year. Heck, how different he was just a few months ago! My loud little boy. I love him! Coen is so much personality in a toddler size package. He is the entertainment in our house :) Big on adventure and curious about how things work. He is a little kid!

Last month we decided to go diaper free the week before we had an away game (and could stay home). Well...we never looked back! We had been "playing" with going potty for a few months now. He would sit on it fully clothed, and sometimes he would sit without a diaper and go. It took 2 days of using a timer, and running around nekkid, before he quickly got the concept of what we were doing. By day 3, we were more on a schedule of reminders (before brkfst/nap/going outside). By week 1, he only had an accident those first days! However, while he totally gets the concept...its the mechanics we are working on. He can almost get his pants down himself, but hardly in time to go :) I hadn't factored in potty training when buying him pants and jeans. Zippers and buttons suck for little chubby fingers. Luckily he'd rather run around in his little boxers at home. Haha. He still wears a pull-up for naps/nighttime,. I figured night training would require us moving him into a toddler bed and out of the crib. I am not really a fan of that yet, since he sleeps so well and doesn't have any problems being in it. Its been a month now and he is doing so well! He has recently discovered peeing standing up outside and is a big fan. Hahahaha, he had his first emergency pull the car over to pee and was so proud of himself. "Tonan pee pee outside!" I heard this the entire car ride home.

His language skills have really come in. He definitely needs a translator at times, but he is clearly trying to put his thoughts into words. He will babble and then will clearly spout out a full sentence. Pronunciation is something we are working on! He loves to list off all the things he sees when we are on a walk or in the car. When he gets bored of that he lists off all the people in our families. Seems most of the older men are all Papa "so-and-so". Only Brodie's dad is just Papa. He is full of funny toddler perceptions and is so fun to "talk" with. He isn't always using his pronouns yet and still refers to himself in 3rd person. It sure is cute to hear though!

For his birthday we got him a bunch of new puzzles (which he loves to do), my playgroup and I made him a quiet book, and he got lots and lots of cars. LOTS OF CARS. Previously he had 8 that I could keep track of, since he knew each one. He opened up his present and there were 30 new ones. He has a case with slots to put them in. This has already proved to be hours of fun for our budding ocd toddler. Hahaha. I know he doesn't really have ocd. Coen loves to "play" by sorting and stacking. He gets pleasure out of seeing everything in its proper place. The boy is a big fan of lining things up and does it all around the house. I asked him to pick up his room before nap time and I go in to all his big trucks lined up in front of his toy box and every book in a big stack. After opening all his presents HE picked up all the trash and then lined up his balloons. I know its partly just good habits he is learning, but partly maybe his own personality coming out.

Aaaa-chooooo!

LOVES walking Jackson. Jackson has been so good with it too.

We've been playing at home a lot and running around getting ready for the rest of the holidays coming up. He hasn't had a big chance to play with his friends in our playgroup. The times he has he has been so excited to see and play with his "frens" (friends). Coen is about 6 or so months younger than most of the "bigger" kids. He has a few friends with birthdays around his time, but most of the kids are older or 6+ months younger. This has never been a issue for him, and has proved to be a great help in his development. With our limited outings, I've been watching him grow in his "playing with others". The 2 1/2 and 3 yr olds are big into imaginary play and Coen is right there trying to figure it out too. The girls had a tea party going on and Coen sat and just watched what they were doing. After they moved on to something else, he went around to all the moms serving them "hot foffy" in little cups. Bringing around the teapot for more. Hahaha. 

I'm a big boy wearing Daddy's shoes :) 

all in a row

Make a wish!

He knows all his #s, letters, colors and shapes. So far he recognizes only his first name written out, but I think Mama and Dad aren't far behind. He wears 3T and size 8 shoe. He sleeps 12hrs a night and takes a 2-3hr nap during the day. I never have to fight him to eat or drink water/milk, he is a stud in that department. Coen loves different flavors and will usually try anything we are eating at least once.

He has been such a blessing to us, and I can't imagine a life without my crazy, affectionate and loving little monster!

Weight: 34lbs 93%
Height: 35.5-36 inches (couldn't get an accurate reading with the new standing up way) 90%

Coen's Favorites at age 2:

Favorite foods: Pesto pizza, spinach quesadillas, strawberries and grapes. 

Favorite toys: Anything with wheels, his "duck" family, playing with his "monies"

Favorite buddy: Sleeps with Jacksy Puppy, and alternates Elmo/Abbie/Ernie/Bert

Favorite words: NOT! :)

Favorite songs: Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City" and Wheels on the Bus-

Coen last year :)

November Update

Camel's Back Park with the boys

Loving fall and loving playing outside in the cool afternoons before Dad gets home. We take our early morning strolls all bundled up, but by 4-5pm we can shed our layers and play in some sun! The weather has been gorgeous and we have seen our fair share of pretty nights. 

Loves his "bike"

A few weeks ago Coen came down with a double ear infection to our surprise. This is the first time he has really been sick and needed medication. After 10 days of antibiotics he still wasn't himself so we took him back. Apparently one side healed, and the other was worse. He is 5 days in on his second round of stronger antibiotics and we are hoping for the best. If this doesn't heal this time, we are looking at possibly needing to get his ears drained/tubes put in. He is a rock-star at taking medication usually, but this new stuff he tried it the first time and promptly told me it was "YUTCHY" and spit it in my face. Bleh! He has since been taking it well, though he does refer to it as the "yutchy medsin". 

Mostly we have been hanging around the house and playing at home while his ears heal, and he is not so clingy and grumpy. I am not sure if this is helping or not, since he has the personality to get out and about with his friends and play! I've started using my Pinterest addiction and making a lot of learning toys for him to play and experience. He LOVES it! Part of the fun is making these things with me, part it figuring out how they work, and playing! So far we've made some sensory balloons, piggy bank, color sorter and have been playing "hide and seek" with his cars in the sand. He is a big fan of getting down and dirty, though he needs some talking through it at first. He constantly reminds me that his hands are dirty and that he needs a napkin. Hahahaha. 

Soo tall!

Robot for Halloween, though we missed festivities :(

The boy is ever repeating everything. Its hilarious! He has been talking in near full sentences for a few weeks now. I love that he can communicate with me. In fact I had no idea he had an ear infection in the first place until one morning he told me his ears hurt! Little did I know that the excess drool and mucus from teething can encourage/cause ear infections. We are trying to get our belly sleeper to sleep on his back on a pillow to encourage drainage. He does however remind me every night that he "sleep on belly". 

Showing off his "beeeg bewy"

Not only does he repeat things easily, but he also follows directions well. He cleans up after himself, will come back when he is too far (we have no side walks to keep him in the front yard), and is continually being encouraged to use his words instead of getting frustrated and being rude. Its a hard lesson to learn for a wee little almost 2 year old, but I know he is not only capable but finds confidence in it as well. 

Best Buds!

The times we have been able to play with friends he is active in "playing games" with them. Chasing each other around, sharing in toys (reading books, drawing, making towers, puzzles, zooming cars), and LOTS of pretend games. The other day Coen told me he was "Tonan Puppy" and went around the rest of the morning barking and crawling. Oh yeah, he refers to himself as Tonan. Its so hard to keep from calling him Conan for that very reason, though Brodie and I do find ourselves saying it often.  He knows shapes, all his ABC's and #s and I love to hear him count!

We haven't been aggressive in potty training, but allowing him to set his own pace in this new adventure. He tells me when he is going #2, and we ask if he'd like to go on the potty. So far we are 75% on it, though we had some backtracking when he was sick/grumpy/medicine giving him belly problems. Since watching Declan (3yrs old) every Monday he has begun an interest in standing up for peeing so we are going to see how the weekend goes with a timer and a little potty.

Snuggling with all his buddies.

He had some 'wanting to eat' issues while he was feeling under the weather, and I stopped milk almost completely until his belly was used to these new antibiotics. But he seems to be back in the eating/growing business so I am keeping up and trying to be healthy and not allowing snacking as much. He does eat better when he gets a real meal instead of being encouraged to have little bits here and there. 

I refuse to believe in the terrible twos. Yes he is very independent, yes he is very vocal about it...but its all a learning experience for both him and Brodie and I! We can figure this out together while he continues his  budding communication and emotional handling skills. He is such an incredibly funny boy. He LOVES to make people laugh and is constantly trying to be silly and crack a smile. He is affectionate, loving and snuggly. We are so grateful for such a good kid!

No Stats to report really. He wears a 3T, 8 shoe, and is in 4T for jammies. He sleeps well for the most part. He has been waking once during the night/early morning, but just needs to be rolled on his belly and kissed back to sleep. 

So far we are 1 tooth away from his full 20! Whew!!

Teething

YAY!!! Only one more molar left to go, and we are DONE :))

This past week his bottom 2 two year molars came in, and just yesterday I felt his top right one came in. I am SOOOOO done with teething and all the little issues that come with it. I can only imagine he is also. Whew! 

Dancing Mach-ine

October Update

What do you mean its too small??

Such a busy little boy I've got. Go Go GO! I love these cool days, and we have been outside all the time. Grandma found some really fun trucks at the consignment fair, and Coen has been outside playing as much as he can. We also got a little baby/toddler swing put up in the front yard. He sits in that thing for nearly an hour at a time. He loves it! Especially when Dad is home and can give him "underdogs". 

Zama and boy at Payette Lake

He talks ALL.THE.TIME! I have nooooo idea where he got it from (heavy sarcasm). Hahaha. I love it, but it can be tedious to hear "mama" 30x in a row (in 5 second), turn around and ask yes...only to have him say "hi" and run off. He cracks me up with his silly antics and I love to laugh with him. Coen is our little parrot right now. It is so funny the little sayings that he has picked up from Brodie and I. Hearing him say oops, 'scuse' me, awesome and "fo sho" are just some of the many things that make him seem older than he is. He can put together words in sentences, ask questions and give answers. All I need is a little translation book for his words, hah. 

loves to "read"

He is starting to love puzzles, puzzle boards and activities that require some thinking and dexterity. He used to get frustrated when his hands couldn't do what he wanted. Now it seems he can slow down and try until he can figure it out. Yes he can slow down...but it is rare :) Actually I am making him a quiet book in a playgroup and I am very excited to show it to him. He loved his friends' that we borrowed. I just wish I had the sewing skills that matched my imagination. Hmmm, seems he and I have that in common. 

Hi Jacksy!

He still points out letters and loves to read books. He knows most of his numbers, but still is iffy on repeating them when prompted. He does love to count too. He counts everything, rocks, fingers, cars, food on his plate. Adorable! Coen is also recently wanting to draw more, and asks to draw often. He still sometimes would rather chew on the crayon or chalk, but at least he gets some on the paper/sidewalk. 

Still and eating/drinking machine as always. He has such a variety of tastes and preferences. I love to try new foods with him. I couldn't keep him away from Uncle John's cherry tomato plants or grape vines. He was a sticky mess in just a few minutes! He sure does love his "may-toes". His favorite foods right now are omelets, pizza with lots of veggies and no red sauce (he prefers just olive oil or pesto), and fruit. He likes to make his own toast too, which he is very insistent on doing every step including putting butter/pb on. Of course he will drink water all day long, but add in ice cubes and its gone in minutes. Coen still calls milk "ootz" and water "agua". 

I love my happy little boy. He loves being out and about, playing with his friends, and just running around. Every night he has "ootz" with dad, which he often tells US when its time. After that its bed time and he sleeps with his little Jackson puppy, Elmo and Abby dolls, a blanket and a pillow. He has to have all these things in his bed with him, and lists them off while we put him down. Coen still won't let us put a blanket on him, but wants one in there to cuddle with. 

He is mostly in 3T on top, and still squeezing him into his 2T pants. The 3T fits his waist, but are probably 2-3 inches too long. I thought about hemming them, but is it worth it when I will probably take them out in 4 or so months? I don't know. I guess he will just have to go through the winter with rolled up pants. 

1 2yr molar cutting and another showing white.

Eek only one more monthly update and then he is TWO!!!

This guy!!

September Update

Declan's new ride (we got to take a quick pic while someone was inside going potty!).

Yes! It's really September. Finally my favorite time of year. I love the dark, cooler mornings. Yet I am reluctant to see the sun set earlier and earlier. Football season is here though! Coen seems just as exited as Brodie...or he just likes to yell "yaaaaay" often. We've been playing a lot and generally just having a good time all together. Last month we went to the Tour de Fat and the Fair, and the next few weekends will be filled with Art in the Park and Hyde Park St Fair. I love stuff like this, so I am super excited.  Also neither festival last month did we have the use of a stroller (first only on bikes, second just forgot). I am eager to plan ahead (lol) and remember to bring something to restrain this little tornado. :)

Nothing has changed, and everything has changed. I can't pinpoint when it happened, but somewhere in the past few weeks I have lost my little baby! Here is a real deal toddler with emotions, intelligence, humor and energy! He communicates effectively, loudly, and we have had little conversations. Its so funny. 

 Coen: WHOA! Beeg truck Mama! Didyouseeit? Didyouseeit?

Me: Yes!

Coen: Didyouseeit? Didyou?

Me: Yes, I saw the big truck. Wow big truck!

Coen: (looks out the window) Nope, I don't see it.

Lines up his blueberries before eating them.

Coen went to Gma's and Gpa's this past weekend while Brodie and I celebrated our 5th anniversary. This was the first time away for the whole night. Dun dun duuuuunnn, right? Sigh...the boy didn't even want to go when we came back to pick him up. I wish he would have complained a little louder that he missed me, sniff sniff! Hahaha. Apparently he was on his best behavior too, because Zama commented on everything being "please and thank you". Wha? Who? My little monster has manners??

waiting for toast and eggs

Yay for interactive play and less banging on things :) I love this phase in his development of imagination and experimentation. He wants to play! Anything that has wheels is a plus, anything that could get you dirty/wet is another hit. We went to the Discovery Center and did not want to stop playing with the kids size sink. He finally stopped after leaving his entire front side wet, pants included. 

He also has these funny little quirks and habits, and I love them! I could go on and on really, hahaha. 

washing hands for the 4th time in 45 minutes

swiiiiiiiing!

Stats: 

Weight: 33.3 (home scale)

Height: guessing around 35 from the rides measuring signs at the fair

Wearing the rest of his 2T shirts/shorts and anticipating the bulk of his 3T around the corner (ie. pants). He has the habit of growing overnight I believe. The jammies that fit one night are high waters in the morning. Size 8 shoe. 

Warm Lake with Papa and Zama

What a gorgeous couple of days we got to spend again in the mountains. I love it up here so much! We played, got dirty, got clean in the lake, got dirty again and ate every time in between. Hikes, walks, 4wheeler rides, climbing big rocks, jumps off the dock...the works! Here are some of the pics from the time up there. 

He looks bored, but he LOVED IT!

Put our initials on "the bench".

A cowboy cookie to go and he fell asleep before we  were down the mountain....but not before he ate every last bite :)

Coen's first trip to the Fair

We met up with Papa (and Zama was very jealous) and went to have some fun at the Fair. This was the first year Coen was tall enough (well mostly, they didn't really check) to ride some of the rides. His favorite were the kiddo swings. He got to go once with Papa and once with Dad. It was very hard to get pictures of them on the swings though. I could hear him yelling "yaaaaaaay" when he rode with Papa.

He also loved the Flying Elephants. The entire time Coen and I rode them he kept saying "Airplane Elephants!" 

We ate corn dogs and french fries, but stayed away from most of the other fair food. He looks grumpy in this pic, but don't let that fool you. He was having the crazy overstimulated time of his life.

We also visited the petting area. He called them all goats and moo-cows. By this time, he was running on just his crazy toddler energy (which usually means its time to go to bed). It was all we could do to get him back in the car for the ride home. Silly mama forgot his stroller, so we all took turns letting him ride on our shoulders or run around holding our hands. I think this added to his being tired, but also his excitement in being a "big boy".

As we were leaving Papa showed him the moon and taught him that word. Now every time we are outside he looks for the "moop" and asking for Papa.