14 months

Dearest loo-loo,

14 months?!? Really?? My, what a difference a month makes. In a matter of weeks you have gone from baby to full-blown toddler. I am trying to wrap my head around all of the latest developments.

Two months ago in London, you could barely pull yourself up and still needed our help to walk. You weren't even crawling...you just wanted to be propped up so you could practice cruising the furniture. Now you are practically running around the house, squatting to pick things up and doing the "triangle" to get yourself from sitting to standing.

You have a lot to say, but no new words yet. You can say dada and mama and I think you said apple ("abbuh") when I was feeding you applesauce on June 3, but I'm not sure because you haven't said it again. You've started to point at things and do a half cry when you want something...this is not good. So we're attempting to teach you a bit of sign language so you can communicate your needs. You're catching on very quickly...so far you can do "more" and "please."

You're so smart. You know where your belly, knees, toes, ears and fingers are. If I ask you to go get a certain object, you usually come back with the right thing. Your favorite new activity is reading. You love to sit in my lap, turn the page and point at the words. I might go insane if I have to read "Where's Elmo?" one more time, but I know it will pay off in the long run.

You love to give kisses and hugs upon request. They're always open-mouth, slobbery kisses but we love them nonetheless!! I love to do "nosey-nosey" with you too!

I love to make you laugh. Things like silly faces and sounds tickle your funny bone and it comes out of nowhere. In the mornings you help me make the bed and you squeal with delight when I do the "parachute" with the duvet. You've also started covering your face with your hands or hiding behind the curtains to play peek-a-boo. It's so adorable.

You love to be outside. Lately Christiana has been taking you out in the afternoon so I can get some packing done. You make the rounds around the compound, say hi to the guards, dance for them, play on the tennis court and touch all of the trees. You love to practice walking up and down the stairs when you're outside too. I can't wait to have our own yard in South Africa where you can run free.

You're such a barrel of fun. I can't wait to do all sorts of fun summer activities with you when we get back to VA...only a week now!

Your #1 fan,

Mommy

13 months

Dearest CW,

I have to admit that this is my favorite age so far! You are doing so many new things and are such a barrel of fun lately! You started walking on May 6 and nothing can stop you now. There are cabinets to open, rooms to be explored, plugs to pull, shoes to eat...you are a little man with an agenda! Your current favorite objects include keys, phones, shoes and balloons. We had a little party for you and your friends on May 8 and two weeks later, you are still playing with the balloons (I don't know how they've stayed inflated).

You have very strong legs and are extremely flexible. You have this trick you do where you balance things on your toes while laying on your back. It's hysterical and you know it, so you do it often for me...sometimes we even do it together! :)

You're very smart. When I say "where's my nose?" you point right to it. When I say "where's your lion?" you go right to him, bury your face in his fur and squeal with delight. It's the cutest thing. You are starting to understand cause & effect now and how most of your toys work. It's fascinating to watch you figure things out. My current favorite thing you do started within the past couple of days. You retrieve a book from "your" shelf on the bookcase, climb into my lap and put the book in my hand. When I'm done reading, you put the book right back in my hand. I think I read "Who am I: Insects" about 20 times today. That's ok though...it thrills me to pieces that you love books! I will read to you for as long as you want.

You are such a good eater! We usually do cheese toast and applesauce for breakfast during the week and pancakes on the weekends. I have a feeling you're going to love Grammie's oatmeal pancakes...maybe she will make them for you this summer! Lunch is usually pasta and veggies or a chicken & cheese quesadilla with a banana or peaches. You love vegetables and the green ones are your favorite. If I give you mixed veggies, you will literally sit there and pick out all of the peas and butter beans first. I wish I could be like you!

You're very good at sharing. All day you offer your toys to me and you even try to feed me during mealtimes. I hope this continues!

It's amazing to me that a baby can go from completely helpless to walking around in one year! You've turned into a little boy in just a matter of weeks. I just love to watch you and your chubby little legs toddle around the house, picking things up and exploring. If only I could know what's going on in that little head of yours. But my favorite thing is when you turn around and give me that precious smile. It lights up my world.

All my love,

Mommy

12 months

Dearest CW,

I'm sorry I missed your 11 month letter. Things have been quite hectic lately. You and I decided to go to the States on a whim for 3 weeks in March. Then we were home in Africa for a week when Daddy decided to bust a lung. So we packed up again and followed him to London for 5 weeks to help him get better.

As a result, you got to spend your first birthday in London! What a lucky fella you are! It was a pretty emotional day for me...I kept looking back at your newborn pics wondering where the year had gone. It's been a whirlwind of diapers, feedings, sleeplessness and the sound of your little lion cub cry...but totally worth it.

You are such a sweet boy. The other day you started giving me kisses! I've been asking for them for awhile and you finally gave me a big wet one. It completely melted my heart. Your smile lights up a room. I'm not sure if it's London or just your personality blooming, but you are the most outgoing baby I've ever seen. You smile and wave at EVERYone. I'm not kidding. No stranger anxiety here. You charm them and manage to reciprocate a smile almost every time...especially with the ladies. It's borderline ridiculous, but so endearing to watch. You definitely don't get that from me...when Daddy was a little older than you, he would walk up to strangers and introduce himself.

You're almost walking, but have yet to crawl. You still do the belly crawl and haven't gotten up on all fours yet. But you're very good at walking. You beg to be propped up on a piece of furniture every chance you get. Then you inch your way around it as far as you can go. In the past week you've become more brave and have made a couple "leaps" onto the closest piece of furniture. You've also figured out how to reach down to get something and today (4/22) you finally pulled up! It's very clear that you have your own agenda and that you're going to do things your way. Hmm...wonder where you get that strong will from??

You're testing your boundaries big-time. As soon as I say "no" to something, you go straight for it again. You're very curious and want to touch EVERYthing, but (hopefully) soon you'll learn that some things are off-limits...you definitely test my patience!

You're very talkative lately, especially in the morning. You babble away and entertain yourself for a good half-hr before I get you. You finally said "mama!" I don't remember what exact day it was...it was sort of a gradual thing. But it is a sweet sound indeed!

You still love music and will bang on anything. You also love cooking utensils. Grammie gave you a bunch of spatulas when we were home and taught you how to "stir the pot." You won't even let me feed you anymore because you want to hold the spoon so badly. Perhaps you're going to be a chef?

Your birthday wasn't exactly what I had planned, but we had a great time anyway. Grammie and Pop flew all the way to London to be with you! We went to our favorite brunch spot here and Daddy helped you blow out the candle on your cake while we sang happy birthday. You finally got your first taste of sugar in the form of a chocolate cupcake with blue buttercream icing from the fabulous Hummingbird Bakery! To be honest, I'm not sure if you liked it all that much..I think you would prefer to suck on a lemon! You were pretty worn out after all that commotion and fell asleep before we even got home! After a long nap, we rode the London Eye...a giant ferris wheel overlooking the city. It was a beautiful day.

I can't believe you are 1. You're no longer a baby and turning into a toddler. It's a bittersweet day...I'm so happy that you are growing so well, but sad that it's happening so fast.

Every day you take another little piece of my heart.

Happy 1st birthday, Calderloo. I love you.

Mommy

10 months

Dearest CW,

I cannot believe you are 10 months today. It's all happening way too fast. You have grown leaps and bounds this month and are doing so many new things.

You are on the move. Nothing is out of your reach...if you want something, you do the army belly crawl or climb into my lap to persuade me to prop you against the couch so you can cruise along the edge or go for something you shouldn't touch (Blackberry, remote, hot coffee, cords, cell phone, water bottle, etc.) You love to hold onto Mommy or Daddy's hands and practice walking. You are fearless...you're not afraid to let go and move to the next piece of furniture and falling doesn't phase you much. 

You're such a good little eater (see evidence above). You pretty much eat anything I offer you, unless it's that weird eggplant dinner I made the other night (sorry, I don't blame you). You're getting very good at eating table food. You love bread & cheese and even tried a pretzel today! 

It makes me kind of sad, but you don't need me to hold your bottle anymore. I prop you up on a pillow and you just go for it. Such a little man. I guess starting you on the sippy cup early payed off!

You're very easy going and full of energy. It doesn't bother you when someone takes your toy...you just look for another. And unless you're tired, you're always game for a fun activity like swimming. I'm so glad you love to swim because I do too! I can't wait for us to discover fun things we like to do together. I hope you like art as much as I do...I can't wait to finger paint with you, teach you how to draw and create whatever your imagination dreams up! I'm busy designing your new "big boy" room and it will most certainly include an art table with lots of fun materials!

Your smile and laugh are contagious. That toothy grin just makes me melt. I think you look like your Grammie when you smile...she has a beautiful, infectious smile as well! Sometimes things are only funny once to you, but the one thing that always makes you laugh is when I hide and bounce up out of nowhere like Tigger. It gives me a workout, but it makes you laugh hysterically and that puts a smile on my face!

Your little personality is starting to shine through and you're such a great kid. We just love you to pieces.

Love,

Mommy

gulp

I love how he goes from laughing hysterically to completely serious...

9 months

Dearest CW

(bugger, baby buggins, chicky, chicken-loo, Gerbz)

I love this picture of you...you're such a goofball and always up for some fun (mind you I was mid-plank position when I saw this). 

You have 6 teeth so far and are a voracious eater. You weight around 22 lbs right now, but you are also very long so it's starting to even out. You love green beans and applesauce. You use to like bananas but have since started gagging when I give them to you. 

You are desperately trying to crawl. You are an expert at standing and rolling, but haven't figured out how to get that leg out from underneath you. Don't worry though...you'll get there. Besides, who needs to crawl when you can get everything by rolling? Silly people.

You are a little scientist and extremely smart. You love to study things, poke them with your pointer finger and flip them over. You don't miss a trick. You know when something is gone or is suppose to be there. But the simplest things amuse you...like hoodie strings or bottle tops.

You love to laugh. You jump at the opportunity to wrestle with Daddy or splash around in the bath and you're always a good sport when we tickle you or blow on your tummy. 

You started waving bye-bye last Sunday. We were at a restaurant and you just randomly started doing it. I'm not sure you know what it means yet but you're very good at it.

You love to talk. Ba, Da, Mm, Yee and various other intonations are all part of your current vocabulary. You also like to growl and occasionally sound like Darth Vader. We think it's just a different sound that you like and you've figured out that it makes people laugh. You're friend John does it too and it's referred to as a "man cry." 

You're an expert traveller now. So far you've been on 6 international flights and were a trooper for each one! I know it wasn't easy and we expected a lot of you, but you did great. Besides, what other baby has as many stamps in their passport as you?? Pretty cool! 

You're growing up so quickly and I don't want to miss a thing. I try to freeze frame moments in my mind so that I'll remember them forever. My love for you grows stronger every day.

Love,

Mommy

gangsta

There have been so many "firsts" lately that I feel I need to write them down before I forget. This week CW has been babbling up a storm with a "dee dee" and a "ma" thrown in there. Not sure if this counts as a first word or not, but it certainly puts a smile on my face!

He's also been teething for the past two weeks (teething baby= verrry long day)  A tube of Orajel later, two little choppers have finally popped up on the bottom. They're very cute.

He's also decided to become a stomach sleeper and I think it's safe to say we're done with the swaddle. The past couple of mornings I've found him on his tummy, up against the bumper with the swaddle around his knees.

Two weeks ago was his first Halloween. I was thisclose to buying him a duck costume, but aside from the thought of him roasting in the african heat, I'm not sure he would ever forgive me for the incriminating photos. So instead we decided to use the retro track suit Kennon brought back from London. I finally convinced K to join in the fun, so we piled on the bling and busted a sag.

That same day CW tried peas for the first time (not so much...but I don't blame him) and got his first haircut. It made me sad, but he was starting to look a bit fraggle-ish...it was time. K did the honors and I must say he did a great job!  I saved every last strand though...

go go gadget stroller

CW & I will be flying back to the States in just 4 weeks without K (he will follow later). In coach, no less. I know that sounds snooty, but flying to DC from Africa is bad enough in business class with a fully reclining seat.

The very thought of traveling 20+ hours with a 6 mo-old by myself sends shivers down my spine, but I have a plan. I am going on the offensive and I am fully prepared for any disaster that may strike. Disposable bibs...check. Bag of Lamaze toys...check. Car seat that morphs into stroller...??

Check. 

This is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. I didn't know about this contraption until my friend Michele walked into my office last year with her adorable little girl nestled inside one. Trust me, she said. You need this. Yeah right, I thought in my head...wouldn't be caught dead. 

But after much research I concluded that this lazyboy of a stroller is the only alternative to strapping a 20 lb car seat to my back in addition to schlepping all the other baby gear (not to mention the baby). I don't like to schlep. As much traveling as we do, I have learned that traveling light is the way to go. 

All I have to do is lift this out of the airplane seat, pop the wheels out and go go gadget handle! Just let that stewardess TRY to tell me it won't fit down the aisle...I'm a Mom on a mission.

6 months

Dearest CW,

(aka baby bird, pumpkin-loo, mr. turtle, bug, mr. squirm the worm)

Today you are 6 months and my, what a difference a month makes! 

I have been counting by weeks, but the Health Unit counts by month, so we'll go with that. Today you weighed in at 20.5 lbs...you are a big boy! But the nurse said that your weight is proportionate to your height so maybe you're going to be tall...but I doubt it ;) Sorry!

You were so tough when you got your shots today...you hardly even cried! Daddy said you were more angry that someone was messing with you. He was so impressed by you (Mommy had to leave the room). 

You are very strong. You can almost sit by yourself and you like to stand in the crib (with a little assistance, of course). You are all boy and I can already tell you are going to have tons of energy...good thing you have a Daddy who will help you burn it!

You are very curious and observant. You like to grab at anything and everything, especially things with texture like the side of the pack n play or a piece of paper. We like to call you velcro because you reach for and grab onto everything. This reaching has also given way to rolling both ways!

You are starting to babble and blow bubbles. I swear I head "ma" today. But it's mostly been "ba" and "da."

You love sweet potatoes (just like Mommy!) You are eating rice cereal two times a day and sweet potatoes for lunch, in addition to your milk. You're doing great! 

You are so fun and such a joy. We are crazy about you. 

Love,

Mommy

laugh-in

I just adore him...

real meal

CW had his first bite of rice cereal today! I think he seemed more interested in the spoon though...

5 months

Dearest CW, 

It's hard to believe another month has gone by. Today is a special day...exactly one year ago today it was confirmed that I was pregnant with you! It was a different kind of "Labor Day" for Mommy!

You are getting more active and curious by the day. Your little personality is starting to come out and you are extremely funny.

You giggle and squeal whenever I do "Cookie Monster" or "Donald Duck." You have also figured out that this makes US laugh so you have started doing it unprompted and you are quite loud...oh boy! Let's hope the neighbors don't mind!

You are a big boy, but you are also very long so I think you're going to be tall (you might be getting that from Daddy's side).  At last weigh-in you were right around 18.5 lbs and you are already wearing 6-9 mos. size.I'm afraid I'm going to have to order the next car seat soon...your infant seat only goes up to 22 lbs!

You have also pretty much outgrown the bouncer and moved on to the Exersaucer. It's hideous but you love it. So much for Mommy's "pretty" wooden toys!

You and Daddy have this fun trick where he balances you in

 the palm of his hand. It makes me a nervous wreck but you absolutely love it! 

You rolled over for the first time 2 days ago! 

You help Mommy hold the bottle. You can hold a 4 oz-er by yourself and almost the 9 oz-er...Mr Independent!

You continue to be an excellent sleeper. You don't even take the paci or cry anymore when we put you to sleep. Somehow after bathtime you just know it's bedtime...yay for Babywise! So far you are not a morning person (like me, I'm afraid)...you like to take a 2-hr nap after being up for only an hour and snuggling with me.

I'm going to get you tested again this week to make sure the salmonella is gone. You are such a fighter and a trooper!

Every Mommy has given me the advice "Enjoy it because it goes by so fast" and I am learning that this is true! I am trying to savor every moment with you because you are already growing into a little boy.

I love you!

Mommy

  

lord of the firefly

There's a new spa in town and today I took a much-need baby-free day to get a pedi...BLISS!

It was actually a very nice spa for Abuja and in typical African fashion, they scrubbed the crap out of my feet until they were buttery smooth. 

The best part of the day though was what I came home to...CW in diapers, sans shirt and slathered in sunscreen (K couldn't find his hat so he thought that putting sunscreen in his hair would be a good idea). Somehow this always happens when he's with Daddy. K says he needs to "air out" and "breathe." I try to explain to him that babies are suppose to have one more layer than us and it's pretty chilly in the house when the AC is on full blast...but alas. I have no idea what goes on between the two of them when I'm gone, but I'm sure it's some sort of secret male bonding possibly involving conch shells and running around naked...they won't tell me.

the worst birthday present ever

Last year was a great birthday. We had just moved to Africa and my sweet hubby threw me a surprise party with all of our new friends. However, the whole night I was feeling extremely nauseous and couldn't figure out why. Our next door neighbor suggested taking a pregnancy test and sure enough, the next day I found out I was pregnant with CW. 

This year started out great. K invited me to have lunch with him on Friday at work and surprised me with a cake from the Embassy cafeteria (hey, you have to get creative here). Later that night we went to my favorite Indian restaurant, Wakkis, for dinner. Things were looking good...

Saturday (my actual birthday) started out even better. My two men let me sleep in and I woke up to chocolate chip waffles and signs all around the house. But then I got a call from the Embassy nurse (I had taken CW in earlier that week because his diapers were not looking right) saying that he has salmonella. WHAT?!?! 

I have no idea how he got it because we are extremely careful with his bottles, washing hands, etc., but EVERYTHING goes in his mouth these days and Nigerians are not privy to the unspoken "ask before touching" rule. UGH. Through blurry eyes and pangs of guilt I frantically emailed my pediatrician in the States and he assured me that this is completely normal and plenty of kids get it. I believe his exact words were "Really, get used to it because this is what kids do and things like this will be repeated in different ways many times over his lifetime."

Apparently he is ok if he doesn't develop a fever or become overly fussy and I guess something like this was bound to happen living in a place like this without dishwashers and Moms whipping out their antibac every 5 minutes, but still...I feel just awful. 

I have really tried to be chill about this whole Mom thing. I never wanted to be the type of Mom that never let her kids play in the dirt or touch door handles. But 3 bottles of Lysol later, I am feeling a bit different. I know I can't put him in a glass box, but this is my baby. I guess this is only the beginning of the worry bug that all Moms eventually catch...

4 months

Dearest CW,

Today you are 4 months old and I can hardly believe it. You are growing so well and we are so proud of you. I haven't weighed you yet but my guess is that you're right at 15.5 lbs. You are a chunker monker, but we don't mind because your weight gain was an issue at first. We're just glad you're healthy and strong...you can eat as much as you like :) 

You have discovered your hands and thoroughly inspected every inch of your tiny fist. You are able to grasp a toy now and bring it to your mouth (everything goes in your mouth). Your favorite toy is Freddie the Firefly...you love to hear his wings crunch and chomp on his head. You're such a happy baby. My favorite part of the day is when I go to get you from your crib in the morning...you give me the biggest gummy grin that just makes me melt. You're the funniest person I know...you make the craziest facial expressions. 

You luuuuv the bath. We've started blowing in your face and splashing water on you so you're not afraid of the water. Since your name means "from the wild water," this is only fitting. We took you in the pool for the first time yesterday. You weren't sure at first, but you didn't cry and by the end you were smiling...you're so brave. 

You have found your voice. Sometimes I can't tell if you're crying, but I think you just like to hear yourself shriek. 

You're a wonderful sleeper. This weekend you slept from 7:30 pm-7:30 am. Then you slept for another 2 hrs after an hr of being up. It was very nice of you to let Mommy and Daddy get some extra sleep! 

You love music. Anything from Michael Jackson to Chris Tomlin, you love it all. You perk up and start kicking your feet. And you give me the most beautiful smile whenever I sing to you.

I love you more than you know and it is a joy to spend each day with you and watch you grow.

Love,

Mommy