Saturday, June 30, 2007
Big Boy!
In preparation for the new arrival (in 5 weeks and 6 days... not that we're counting), we decided that we would transition Joshua into a big boy bed so that we can pass the crib down to his little brother. We then decided to take it one step bigger, and give him a whole new room. We had no idea what to expect, but more than anything expected some kind of fight or power struggle. So last week, Brenda put together his new toddler bed (with Joshua's help... and we all know how much help a 2 year old is with those kinds of things!), and got his new room all set up. He has been very interested in his bed all week, but mostly just wanted to jump off of it. But we really tried to get him excited about his new room and bed. So last night was the moment of truth. After a long night of hard play with his buddy Nathaniel, we came home to hit the hay. We couldn't believe it. After reading our stories and saying our prayers, Joshua cliimbed right in his bed all by himself. He was so ready for this! When Brenda left the room, we didn't hear another peep from him until about 7:30 this morning! And to top that off, he stayed in his bed until we came in to get him. At nap time today, it was the same thing. No fighting, no attempts at escape. Just a 2 hour snooze fest. We could not be prouder of our little big boy. He is such an amazing joy in our lives. The fact that he made this transition so well gives us hope for our next big endeavor... little brother!
Big Kid Now
A few tidbits from the last couple weeks. Joshua had his 2 year checkup and measured in at a whopping 38 inches, which is above 97% on the growth chart. That means he grew another 3 inches in the past 6 months. Unfortunately he only decided to add 1 pound in that 6 months and he weighed in at 26 pounds. Apparently he wants to be a stringbean like daddy =) The doctor wasn't concerned and we certainly aren't either, so no worries there. He also got his last shot until he is 4 (woohoo!). As far as his talking... he is still amazing us every day. He is now putting together the occasional 4 to 5 word sentence, and I think we have lost track of how many words he knows. Our concerns about that are definitely gone.
The big news for Joshua is that he moved out of his crib this weekend! We were anticipating a bit of a struggle, but so far he hasn't had a problem with it. No crying, no trying to get out of his room, no wandering out of his bed... we are amazed! We've been playing up the "big boy now" theme, and it seems to be working. He has been very excited about the whole thing.
The big news for Joshua is that he moved out of his crib this weekend! We were anticipating a bit of a struggle, but so far he hasn't had a problem with it. No crying, no trying to get out of his room, no wandering out of his bed... we are amazed! We've been playing up the "big boy now" theme, and it seems to be working. He has been very excited about the whole thing.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Two Years Old!
(Note: This came from Brenda's Myspace blog)
Wednesday was a very special day in the Maple household. Our little Joshua is 2 years old today. It has been so amazing to watch him grow and develop over the last year. This time last year, he couldn't talk and couldn't walk. He was probably about a foot shorter (okay, maybe not that much, but he's grown a lot), and was still so dependant upon us for everything.
My, what a difference a year makes! He is such a little man now. He decided to give walking a try right around the 4th of July last year, and has become increasingly agile since that time. He's running everywhere, and he loves to do somersaults and "jump" off of things. He is talking constantly, and about 99% are actual words that can be easily understood. He's even puttting together sentences.
There have been some struggles over the last year. I remember that 18 months was probably the hardest time we've had so far. We were dealing with an increased ability to understand, but not being able to communicate it, which brought a lot of frustration for everyone. Our Christmas tree stood naked this year, as he was unable to control the impulses of playing with the ornaments. He also began asserting his own decisions, and when he didn't want to do something, he certainly would let you know. But that's all part of growing up.
We just couldn't be prouder of our little man, and look forward to what this next year will bring. A new baby brother, a new bedroom, a big boy bed, and potty training (Lord willing!). We especiallly look forward to those "Kids Say the Darndest Things" moments as his verbal skills continue to develop.
To celebrate the big day, we had his name read on the radio in the morning, and brought cookies to share with his friends at school. We had dinner at McDonalds, and play with our special birthday presents from Mommy and Daddy... a sandbox, sandbox toys, a dump truck and a rocket launcher. It is turning out to be a great day! Then this weekend is the big and much anticipated puppy party!
Happy birthday, J-Man. We love you!!!!
Wednesday was a very special day in the Maple household. Our little Joshua is 2 years old today. It has been so amazing to watch him grow and develop over the last year. This time last year, he couldn't talk and couldn't walk. He was probably about a foot shorter (okay, maybe not that much, but he's grown a lot), and was still so dependant upon us for everything.
My, what a difference a year makes! He is such a little man now. He decided to give walking a try right around the 4th of July last year, and has become increasingly agile since that time. He's running everywhere, and he loves to do somersaults and "jump" off of things. He is talking constantly, and about 99% are actual words that can be easily understood. He's even puttting together sentences.
There have been some struggles over the last year. I remember that 18 months was probably the hardest time we've had so far. We were dealing with an increased ability to understand, but not being able to communicate it, which brought a lot of frustration for everyone. Our Christmas tree stood naked this year, as he was unable to control the impulses of playing with the ornaments. He also began asserting his own decisions, and when he didn't want to do something, he certainly would let you know. But that's all part of growing up.
We just couldn't be prouder of our little man, and look forward to what this next year will bring. A new baby brother, a new bedroom, a big boy bed, and potty training (Lord willing!). We especiallly look forward to those "Kids Say the Darndest Things" moments as his verbal skills continue to develop.
To celebrate the big day, we had his name read on the radio in the morning, and brought cookies to share with his friends at school. We had dinner at McDonalds, and play with our special birthday presents from Mommy and Daddy... a sandbox, sandbox toys, a dump truck and a rocket launcher. It is turning out to be a great day! Then this weekend is the big and much anticipated puppy party!
Happy birthday, J-Man. We love you!!!!
From Silent Bob to Verbal Diarrhea
(Note: This was originally posted on Brenda's Myspace blog)
Just about 6 weeks ago, I was at my wits end, very concerned that Joshua was not talking. I was convinced we were going to need to get him evaluated, and all that. Then, he just exploded. He's got probably about 50-60 words now, most of which can be understood pretty clearly. I am the happiest mommy in the world, now that I can verbally communicate with my kiddo. What is funny is that he was so quiet for so long, now he's making up for lost time. We really can't shut the kid up! He narrates everything that he does.. "I sit!" "Go to da store" "Up-ey Steps", and is mimicking everything. It is hilarious, but also a little unnerving. We are now to the point where we REALLY need to watch what comes out of our mouths. It really makes you stop and think what appropriate language really is. Obviously we shouldn't be saying the major offenses (little one in the house or not)... but what about calling someone an idiot on the road? Do I want to hear my son calling someone an idiot? Absoultely not. Or even just saying that something "sucks". We're really trying to G-rate our language and behavior. Then, what about shows that are on the TV? He is always paying attention to everything, so it stands to reason that the old boob tube can be an influence on him, even at this young age. I know he is going to be exposed to this stuff, especially as he begins to gain more and more independence over the next few years (can we say, elementary school???), but there is a big difference between being exposed to it, and condoning it. I feel that if these things commonly happen in our home, we are saying that they are okay, which I am not okay with. Just another sacrifice of parenting! But it is SO worth it!!!
Just about 6 weeks ago, I was at my wits end, very concerned that Joshua was not talking. I was convinced we were going to need to get him evaluated, and all that. Then, he just exploded. He's got probably about 50-60 words now, most of which can be understood pretty clearly. I am the happiest mommy in the world, now that I can verbally communicate with my kiddo. What is funny is that he was so quiet for so long, now he's making up for lost time. We really can't shut the kid up! He narrates everything that he does.. "I sit!" "Go to da store" "Up-ey Steps", and is mimicking everything. It is hilarious, but also a little unnerving. We are now to the point where we REALLY need to watch what comes out of our mouths. It really makes you stop and think what appropriate language really is. Obviously we shouldn't be saying the major offenses (little one in the house or not)... but what about calling someone an idiot on the road? Do I want to hear my son calling someone an idiot? Absoultely not. Or even just saying that something "sucks". We're really trying to G-rate our language and behavior. Then, what about shows that are on the TV? He is always paying attention to everything, so it stands to reason that the old boob tube can be an influence on him, even at this young age. I know he is going to be exposed to this stuff, especially as he begins to gain more and more independence over the next few years (can we say, elementary school???), but there is a big difference between being exposed to it, and condoning it. I feel that if these things commonly happen in our home, we are saying that they are okay, which I am not okay with. Just another sacrifice of parenting! But it is SO worth it!!!
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