Updates

It's been a very busy couple of weeks. Our last health fair of the season was held this past Saturday and I'm happy to have that behind me. Now I can tackle the mounds of other work piling up on my desk!

After the fair, I rushed home to prep Boyd for the Baby & Toddler Fair downtown. I signed him up for a photo session for a chance at the cover of AK Baby & Child magazine. Our time slot was at the beginning of his naptime, but D managed to get him to sleep early. D dropped us off at the convention center and we hustled in for our scheduled shoot. It was quick but Boyd wasn't having any of it! No freak outs or anything, but he just wasn't his smiley self. So I don't think we'll be making the cover this time, but at least we'll get mock-up cover of the magazine in the mail in a few weeks.

Still waiting for all of our snow to melt and spring to really arrive. It snowed again this week - although the dusting was a light one. The blue skies are back and temps are getting up to the mid-40's during the day. I'm really looking forward to this summer and hope to get out more. Last summer was tough for me - back to working full time with a baby who wouldn't sleep at night. My goal is to enjoy myself this year!

Video: Whirling dervish - 14 months

This kid is a bundle of energy - almost always moving and getting into things. As is evidenced by this video, he is part Godzilla, part cheetah.

Video: Sticky fingers - 14.25 months

Boyd gives us the biggest grins when he gets a hold of what we call "contraband" - things he isn't really supposed to have. Like a jar of Vaseline...

Video: Bedtime giggles - 14 months

Boyd - 14 months

Our boy is a joy, and I love him more everyday. He really has brought so much happiness into our lives. Of course, he drives me batty sometimes too. It's not all rainbows, cotton candy, and unicorns around here every day (just most of them time!)

• I am totally crossing my fingers on this, but it seems as if we have finally made it over the 6-week hump of teething and colds. SIX VERY LONG WEEKS. Somehow bedtime has shifted later - to 8 p.m. - even with a new nap schedule (down to 1 per day). But actually that's fine with us because hopefully we don't have to rush home before 7 p.m. anymore to get Boyd home. I think my family is getting pretty tired of having to meet at restaurants by 5 p.m. to accommodate our baby's bedtime.
• I got a little teary-eyed at Boyd's last music class, watching him bop and sway to the beat. I can tell he really enjoys it and I love that it's giving him an opportunity to express himself and interact with other people. He loves crawling over to people and giving them a big smile during the sessions.  He's probably the friendliest kid in there. This is totally true, you can even ask my sister. :-)
  
• Knows more words: ears, eyes, nose, mouth, feet, hat, jacket, etc. 
• I tend to fret (just slightly) when Boyd hasn't yet hit a milestone, but invariably he reaches it right on schedule. The latest thing is talking - he isn't saying anything intelligible yet, although I could have SWORN that he said "hat" this morning when I dropped him at my mom's house.
• Sleep update: I start bedtime at 8 p.m. and he's been going down around 8:15. Usually sleeps through until 7 a.m. or so. Last night he just wouldn't settle and after going in to check on him, I smelled the problem: big time dirty diaper. After that he was just really upset and finally calmed down to sleep around 9:30. 

Boyd - 13.75 months

Boyd updates:

• Most of his communication with us occurs through pointing and grunting. We're trying to focus on sign language again so he won't be so frustrated.
• Always has to grab his two comfort animals before going down for a nap
• WALKING!!! I think we can officially decree that our son has hit the walking milestone. The longest stretch may have been 16 steps. He still prefers to crawl if speed is involved.
• After our Monday music class, Boyd usually falls asleep in the car as we go run errands. If he is at my mom's or at home, he's down to one 60-90 minute nap a day (usually between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.).
• The last couple days we've heard the Chewbaca noise coming from Boyd when he's especially happy or excited about something, e.g. chasing the cat around the dining room floor.
• I've been hiding treats in my hands and having him pick one - he always picks my left hand. Every single time!
• Easter was laid back - just a quiet dinner with family

Risha & Gabe have moved in with my mom while the two of them look for a home to buy. Our local market is VERY tight in the price range they are considering. Houses with competitive asking prices have offers within a few days of their listing. So, we're all crossing our fingers that R & G will find something before the wedding!

A couple weeks ago the temps were in the high 30's-40's, with an abundance of sunshine and almost everything melted. Then last week we were hit with another spring snowstorm. It's a lot of back and forth with our weather.

This summer is shaping up to be a busy one. I have 3 weddings to attend, although I may miss one of them because one of my all time favorite people is coming to Alaska this summer! One of my college roommates will be visiting from Washington state and I'm super excited.

Easter basket - personalized basket, plastic eggs, bunny ears, snake toy and yogurt treats from me and D; socks from Grandma Ann; and a fishy Carhartt onesie from Auntie Risha and Uncle Gabe.

Anchorage Museum

On the first Saturday of every month, our local museum (Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center) opens its doors for free to all Bank of America cardholders. Since D needed some time for home improvement projects, I took Boyd for a quick visit to the Imaginarium Discovery Center, which is inside the museum. It was surprisingly uncrowded and I suspect that the blizzard warning kept many of the other families away. Not us - I wasn't going to miss a free day! Plus I scored with a free primo parking space outside of the building, which was fortuitous because it was quite the trek pushing Boyd in his stroller through a sidewalk with 5 inches of fresh snow. 

Inside, I loved that there was plenty of space for Boyd to crawl around in, without the threat of other kids mowing him down in a frenzy of excitement. We visited the 5-and-under area and he was able to climb a foam mini-mountain and come halfway down a small slide. Then we scooted over to a dollhouse where he played for about 15 minutes (amazing!). We also looked at puzzles, used a crayon to color on a plastic wall, and took time out for snacks.

In another section, staff had two small python snakes on display that we were able to pet. I also showed Boyd a live turtle and little bearded dragon (behind glass, of course!) We quickly walked through the kinetic space (he's still too young for that exhibit) and marveled at the bubble exhibit where older kids were playing.

Earlier that day Boyd and I met my mom and sister for lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe'. It's sort of a nostalgic place for me and Risha. We remember enjoying cups of clam chowder and yummy sandwiches after shopping with my mom. Neat to come full circle with my son.

Easter bunny

Boyd - 13.5 months

• OMG baby molars are the worst! The teething seemed to stretch on and on and on.... Boyd wasn't able to settle at night because of the pain and discomfort. I'd give him Hyland's teething tablets and then Tylenol if the tablets didn't work. I was resorting to holding him before bed because otherwise he wouldn't sleep. There was one day when he had at least 8 poopy diapers in a 24-hour period. That's crazy, right? And every time I tried to put him down to sleep he'd just cry. Culprit: dirty diaper. And then when I turned off his lamp at night, Boyd would freak out. 
• Naps have been challenging lately as well. I'm pretty sure the disruption was due to teething, but that doesn't make it any easier. I just repeat to myself - "it won't last forever!"
• We may be over teething (for now) but Boyd just picked up a cold from somewhere. I'm thinking it is a consequence of our music class.
• When we say "kisses," Boyd will be still and let the person kiss him on the lips. No participation, but at least he's cooperating. 
• D taught him to bite down on foods and get chunks with his teeth.We're still practicing.
• This is probably a coincidence but after our first music class a couple weeks ago, Boyd seemed to be more into his toys and interact with me more during our nighttime reading session. 
• When we encourage him to hug something, we'll say "I love you [dog, cat, toy, etc]" and Boyd will lay his head down on whatever it is.  
• He's continuing to help us "clean up" by putting things back into bins and drawers when we're done playing.
• Other milestones: sorting toys, handing us items out of a drawer.
• I think the most steps he has taken unassisted is 6. Many times he'll walk and then stop, keep his balance, and then take a couple more steps before falling down.
• Most of the sounds coming out of his mouth are just babbling with a few "mamas" and lots of "dadas." It's pretty adorable to see him flipping through a magazine/book or intently playing with toys while quietly talking to himself.
• Boyd's new favorite activity is to have us place his lamb blanket over his eyes and afterwards he'll stumble around giggling and falling on the ground. Such a goof.
  

Boyd did this all by himself! I noticed it after I put him to bed last week - he had placed an item in each empty box.

Snowpocalypse 2013

D and Gabe left town this past weekend to fish the Homer Winter King Tournament. Although they didn't win the top prize ($40,000!!!) a nice white king was brought home and we all enjoyed a lovely family dinner last night. I don't think there is anything better than fresh king salmon - it just melts in your mouth with each bite.

While the boys were fishing hard in Kachemak Bay, Boyd and I had a busy weekend around town. On Saturday, he and I joined my mom and Risha for brunch at Simon & Seafort's downtown. Our table overlooked the Coastal Trail, Cook Inlet and Sleeping Lady (mountain). Even saw the AK Railroad train go by - Boyd got a kick out of that. Boyd did really well that day - two naps and I was even able to organize his clothes and closet. He is mostly wearing 18 month sizes now!

Sunday I attended another mama brunch at a friend's house. Our third mama and baby decided to stay home due to sickness, which I'm happy about. I don't need an illness on top of an already teething and nap-refusing baby. Monday was our first official Music Together class. Boyd was totally into it and I'm looking forward to a fun semester. The classes run through May 13th, so we'll be done well in advance of Memorial Day.

Oh and we also had an epic snow dump beginning Sunday and continuing on into Monday evening. Over a foot of snow at our house. I cleared a few inches late Sunday afternoon and D did the rest on Monday. Boyd had a fun time hanging out in the sled and then crawling around while watching me shovel. Even got a few giggles out of him as I showed off my snow-removal techniques.

Another new hat! I got it on super sale from the Gap for around $8. I do love it, but need to affix some sort of ribbon to the flaps so it stays put and snug on Boyd's little head.

Our back deck was almost completely bare in some places. Not anymore.

Since diabetes has robbed our dog of sight, he makes his way around by memory. The snow really messed with his paths around the deck and backyard.

Winter gear

Craigslist is perfect for kid outdoor gear - I have found some awesome deals over the last year, including lots of clothing and K'Boom skis for Boyd. This pair was barely used and I snagged them for $20! They retail around $60 and are a good starter pair of skis for very little kiddos. We'll save them for next winter when he's old enough to stomp around with them.

So until he can ski or snowshoe on his own, we'll be pulling him around in the chariot or one of his sleds. I purchased a little blue plastic toddler sled at a garage sale for $3 (yeah, love garage sales!) which you've seen in previous photos. And my mom has this L.L. Bean sled at her house, which was generously gifted to Boyd by my boss and her daughter. It works out perfectly to have a sled in both locations. 

For some reason he doesn't mind wearing sunglasses outside. Once we're inside he'll pull them off lickety split! The retro pair (above) was a garage sale find by Uncle Gabe. The pair below (BabyBanz) were a baby shower gift from my friend Susie.

A few weeks ago I bought a Skhoop for myself. They were all 50% off at REI, although most were sold out by them time I got on the site. Mine is a mid-length down skirt in grey. It keeps me so warm - I usually wear it to and from work on blustery days - and I throw it on whether I'm wearing a skirt or pants. There are zips on each side to allow for increased movement, e.g. using the Skhoop while skiing.

 Have any great gear recommendations?

In the news

Boyd, Risha, the little girl Risha nannys and I attended a free music class demonstration on Monday. Channel 2 News was also there to film a story about the class and we all ended up getting some brief screen time.

Video link here: KTUU Music Canvas story

Boyd LOVED this class! I think he was fascinated by the sounds, plus he also wanted to move around and look at the other kids.We had a great time so I signed us both up for the Monday sessions. Risha's employer signed up his youngest so she and Risha will be in the class as well. They're not cheap - $165 for 8 sessions - but I had a free $25 credit so that took each class down to $17.50 each. $15.50 if you factor in the demo.

I think we'll have fun - I'm just hoping Boyd's nap schedule cooperates!

Iditarod 2013

Although we are in Boyd's 2nd year, I feel like he is really getting to experience things this time around. A couple weekends ago, D and I bundled Boyd up to watch the Iditarod teams run through town. Our house is very close to the Campbell Creek Science Center, which serves as the end point for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod.

It's a little over a mile to the CCSC and we started out late because of a wonky nap schedule. It was a lovely day though - blue skies and sunshine. We arrived and took a spot next to the trail to watch the teams breeze through. Those dogs live to run - don't let anyone tell you otherwise - and love pulling sleds. We managed to see 3 teams before a man on a very old snowmachine rode down the trail with a flag saying, "Race is Over." LOL - we arrived at the very end!

It was still fun - I've seen the official start downtown a couple times and there is an amazing energy in the air. I'd like to take Boyd down there next year.

Boyd - 13 months

My sweet boy is 13 months old.

I had a dream last night that someone was threatening Boyd and I totally went into crazy protective mode. Like have you ever seen a mama moose stomp something in order to defend her offspring? That's how I felt during this dream. And that's how I feel in real life. If someone or something ever tried to hurt Boyd, I would lose it. I'm like that with Risha too. Years ago, some guy yelled at her when we were in a bar - I got up in his face and yelled right back. The look on his face was priceless. I'm pretty easy going and sweet, but get on my bad side and suffer the consequences.

Anyways, the updates...

• Boyd is walking a few steps by himself. Very wobbly but we're practicing. And he's so excited to walk! Lots of giggles and laughs when stumbling into our arms. I also love seeing him slowly make his way along the coffee table or kitchen wall - one or both hands providing balance.
• Loves sledding and is very good about wearing his sunglasses - possibly because he knows it means we're going outside? Did you know that most of the sun damage to eyes happens when we are kids? So I'm glad he's patient with wearing eye protection. 
• He'll place items into containers when I ask him to. Would much prefer to knock things over and drop them on the ground though.
• A couple times per week he's been napping only once per day. I wonder if he's moving towards dropping one nap. On one-nap days, he is exhausted by 6:15 or 6:30 p.m. (bedtime usually begins at 7 p.m., with sleep by 7:25). On the whole, nighttime sleep is excellent.
• We all make sure to say "please" and "thank you" to Boyd so he learns good manners.
• His stranger danger is diminishing but still prefers women to men. 
• We continue to name things and increase his comprehension of objects. He knows certain words really well, e.g. book, feet, mama, dada, grandma, kitty, puppy, etc. - all the basics. 
• Two baby molars have arrived. He's starting to bite me again at the end of nursing sessions.
• We called the doctor this weekend after noticing a quarter-sized red spot and little raised bump on Boyd's thigh. It is going away and the doc says it was most likely a localized reaction to the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
• I read books every night to Boyd before bed and he has taken to holding the books himself and flipping through the pages.
• On Monday, Boyd and I will attend a Music Together demo class with Risha and one of the girls she nannys for. It's a local music program that offers 6-8 week classes for children. It's great that they offer these demos to figure out if it's something that will work for your kid, especially since the package runs something like $150. 

I'm experimenting with a new iPhone app - PicFrame - which lets me consolidate similar photos into one frame and add captions. I'm liking it so far...

This weekend was absolutely breathtaking - blue skies, warm temperatures, minimal wind. I went out twice with Boyd to stroll around our neighborhood. He's wearing a new hat from the Gap, warm layers, a snowsuit and a Tuffo Muddy Buddy. The Muddy Buddy is waterproof so I don't have to worry about snow melting all over him.

We had to go through security at some place last weekend and D placed Boyd in one of the bins after we gathered our stuff. The security guards were so nice and didn't even mind when we took a few moments to take photos.

Baby loves bath time.

Da plane!

Last week I (and some of my coworkers) headed up to the roof of my building, 7 stories up, to watch a FedEx Boeing 727 land at Merrill Field. Merrill is technically a small plane airport, which is why everyone made a big deal of this event. KTUU Channel 2 story here.

FedEx donated two 727's to the University of Alaska aviation department (one to the Anchorage campus, the other to Fairbanks) and since the plane is so huge, it couldn't be trucked/hauled from the International Airport to Merrill Field. The landing had to be done while the ground was frozen to avoid damage to the runway.

The 727 flew over Cook Inlet, then Ship Creek and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. It turned to pass over the Northway Mall and land on runway 25, which runs parallel to 5th Avenue.

It was definitely an experience, watching the huge plane fly low over the city and make two passes over the runway before landing on the 3rd attempt! I'm mildly afraid of heights, so I didn't get too close to the edge of the roof. Still, it was AWESOME to see my city from up there, at a 360 degree angle. 

Looking south, and towards our house. Waiting for the takeoff from Ted Stevens Int'l Airport, which is more to the right (west) in this photo.

Merrill Field there in the background.

I think this was the first pass-through.

It got so low we thought it would land...

Taking off again.

Landing.

View of downtown Anchorage.