Hallelujah! Spring has arrived at least for today… Otty and Gram are so happy to be able to play outdoors finally. The walls were closing in and the indoor toys were getting b.o.r.i.n.g!
Grandpa built a sandbox for Ot and we now have a Gramma Daycare outdoor area with climber, swing, mower, rakes, sandbox, sand toys…etc. Otty and Gram could not be happier:)
The look Gram gets when I ask Otty to keep the sand inside the sandbox
Grandpa had a little accident with his foot so Otty has been working on the yard to get it ready for him!
Otto had his one year check-up this week. He is 22 pounds and 30" tall, which measures 50% for each on the chart. He is definitely growing taller and becoming his own little person.
We started to see a glimpse of toddlerhood when we were in Mexico. He was very clear on what he wanted to do, or not do…and what he wanted the adults in the room to do. Often my hand was taken by Otto to pick up something, put something back, or move something. He would grab my hand if he wanted to hold hands while walking, but don't try to grab his hand…nope, not if it's not his idea. I think this first born toddler raised by first borns is going to be in management;) Otto wants to make the decisions.
Ot shows up to Gramma Daycare with something in his hand(s) almost everyday. Usually something small like a rake or a broom. The other day he got out of the car carrying both, one in each hand. Yes, he is at that stage of "this needs to come with." Fortunately, Momma has a good sense of humor and lets him pile things into the car to bring over.
Now that we are back home, it is becoming more evident that our baby Otto has grown up. There is still some snuggle time when he wakes up or goes to bed or thankfully book time, but otherwise he is on the move, opening, closing, bringing things from one spot to the next. Gramma Daycare often looks like a hurricane blew through by the afternoon.
Otty has become a big fan of dramatic play. I love watching this stage. Everything is interesting and has a purpose. He grabbed the lint roller from my bathroom drawer and started rolling it on his pants. He'll take sunscreen spray and pretend to spray and rub your leg, pours pretend juice into a cup and drinks it, and my favorite…feeding the baby a bottle.
As he becomes his own little person I see the gentleness he has. He is a boy that loves balls, and outside and making loud noises and playing with dirt, but he is also this sweet little boy who will pile on your lap and put his head in the crook of your neck to read.
I was showing him his "Otto" photo album book from when momma was pregnant and he was first born. When he saw the picture of Momma and Daddy kissing he blew the photo a kiss. How cute is that!
Ot is also getting quite a sense of humor. "Otto, no, no" results in a sly look and a grin…"Otto, mama's here" results in him running towards her then making a quick U turn before he gets to her, leaving Mama in the dust with arms held out wide for a hug. Otty is a turkey, but a funny turkey.
Otto knows what he wants and he's going to let you know if you are not cooperating. He spotted my computer and was trying to get up to the chair to play with it (Momma had brought him to the library that morning and he got to play with the computer keyboards there). I tried to distract Otto, but he was having none of that. Head back, crying and back to the chair trying to climb up. So what does Gram do? Gram who has a Masters in Child Development and Early Childhood? I put him up on the chair and turned on the computer so he could watch 'Barney with Friends Play Ball.' I am a rock!
I know, I know…we reap what we sow. But I'm the Gram and spoiling's my job:)
Otto had his one year check-up this week. He is 22 pounds and 30" tall, which measures 50% for each on the chart. He is definitely growing taller and becoming his own little person.
Now that we are back home, it is becoming more evident that our baby Otto has grown up. There is still some snuggle time when he wakes up or goes to bed or thankfully book time, but otherwise he is on the move, opening, closing, bringing things from one spot to the next. Gramma Daycare often looks like a hurricane blew through by the afternoon.