Milestone update
Movement: Bruce is on the move and into everything now. He walks without any help and can quickly get from one side of the playground to the other. He has also started to run and likes to play chase (even when he is not being chased ;). Bruce is now able to get up the stairs on his own and climb up on the couches, much to Dada's chagrin. Unfortunately, he has not yet learned how to go down the stairs and how to get down from the couches, so there have been a few falls here and there. For those of you who have been to our home during the Bruce realm, we've been able to get rid of most of the gates. The only ones remaining are around the TV/DVD stand and between the living room and dining room (since the dining room is not yet child proofed). Bruce is allowed to venture to the front door and kitchen and likes to explore those areas. Bruce also has developed some pretty great dance moves and will sway from side to side, bounce to the beat, and stomp his feet whenever he hears a tune.
Oral/Vocal: Bruce is up to 12 teeth, having welcomed his first molars (4 in total now), and he loves to brush his teeth (let's see how long that lasts). Bruce is now officially talking. His first (and most frequently uttered) word was "cracker" (referring to the goldfish snacks we give him). He has also expanded his vocabulary to include "shoes", "puppy" (which is the word for his stuffed animal puppy), mama, dada, and our favorite: "all done" (which he sweetly says when he wants to tell us he is done eating, very helpful). He also says either dog or Duke for our doggie Duke. He is making a lot of associations beyond these words, including knowing Mickey Mouse, ball, blocks, bedtime, sit down and "back up" (referring to backing away from the TV). He definitely is understanding a lot more of what we are saying.
Eating: Bruce eats everything and anything when he is hungry. I can't think of many foods that he hasn't liked. We were afraid he didn't like tomatoes (Pop Pop's favorite food), but he will eat them now. For breakfast he will eat a full container of yogurt, some baby food fruit (pears, prunes, applesauce), scrambled eggs on Fridays, and his latest favorite, cheerios. For lunch, usually baby food fruit and/or veggies, wheat bread, grapes, crackers, and cheese. He'll also eat deli meats (turkey and ham). And for dinner he pretty much eats whatever we are having, some favorites include ham steak, corn (of course), and shells and cheese. He has also started ordering his own kids meal when we are out to dinner (usually grilled cheese). Shortly after his first birthday, we switched from formula to whole milk with no issue. It took a while for Bruce to give up the bottle, but he has now fully transitioned to the sippy cup. (Mama was very happy to clear out the bottle station and get her kitchen counter back) He switches back and forth between milk and water from the sippy. No juice yet.
Sleeping and General Health: In the last month, Bruce has transitioned from 2 naps to 1 nap (poor Dada), but somedays he'll still go for 2 naps and when he has 1 nap it can be up to 3-4 hrs. He continues to sleep well through the night, about 11-12 hours overnight. Bedtime routine has gotten much more efficient. We go in, change into his pajamas, sing a lullabye prayer and put him into the crib awake. He then falls asleep on his own without a fuss. So much better than the struggles we used to have where we'd rock him to sleep for an hour and then put him down and he'd cry himself to sleep some nights. Bruce did experience his first fever this past month, but it passed quickly (within hours he was up and running again). At his last doctor's visit (June 7th), Bruce weighed 20 lbs 14 oz and was 31.25 inches tall.
Social/Emotional: Bruce is now spending more time out and about, taking trips to the grocery store with Dada, going to the big kid playgrounds, and having playdates with his friends (though there is not much playing together yet, just playing independently in the same room). Bruce has also started expressing his emotions, good and bad. Bruce loves to blow kisses (it's adorable) and waves hello and goodbye. He motions to be picked up and gives really sweet hugs. Bruce has become attached to a few of his stuffed animals: a light blue beany puppy and another puppy blanket. He will snuggle with them when he gets sleepy. He's thrown a tantrum here and there, but after seeing that it doesn't get him anything we've quickly moved through that stage. He'll still throw a fit from time to time if you take something away or if he is generally unhappy about something, but it lasts less than a few seconds and he moves on. He also likes to play games and can stack his blocks up to 5 blocks already. He likes to think he is being naughty by hiding behind a chair, playing chase, pulling out the tupperware, or trying to stand on his play table. He has such a great little personality. So lovable and yet independent and curious to explore things on his own. He's got a little of mama and dada in him that is already coming out.
Well, that's a long update, but it covers a good chunk of time. Below are some pictures from the last month of just everyday Bruce moments (postings in 2 parts):
Bruce showing off his pearly whites
Bruce exploring new areas of the house:
He likes to welcome us at the front door. A very nice way to come home :)
The tupperware cabinet, of course
Spending time with Dada in the Gym
Shopping for groceries! B-A-N-A-N-A-S
