Timothy set out to meet and visit his family members in August. His trip took him to Connecticut where he met two uncles and an aunt. He spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Etherington. His favorite moments include: being fed in his chair outside at the patio table, walks around the yard with Grandpa and checking out the beach on the east coast.
Although he had a fair amount of trouble readjusting to the time zone when we arrived back in Portland, it has not stopped him from reaching new developmental heights. Three milestones are accomplished as of the last month:
· Pulling himself to a standing position (very dangerous! Too close to full mobility..)
· Taking his first crawl step (8/21)
· Action/reaction, cause/effect relationship (banging a spoon against a metal bowl, etc.)
· Full fledge crawling, standing, and baby steps with my help as of three weeks ago.
He also has developed a few babbles. Uhdudududa, thu thu, and a few other screechy sounds, yet still keeps from the piercing screams. He continues to motor boat, which is highly entertaining!
Timothy officially started on solids. He eats a variety of items that I boil or bake down and puree. I am proficient at the process to make his baby foods and confident he is getting the best available without purchasing expensive, prepackaged foods. His solid food list consists of carrots, butternut squash, green beans, apples, plum, broccoli, cantaloupe and cereal. Juices are a little difficult, but we continue to work with Timothy with what he will drink. I buy regular juices and he turns his nose to most except for some flavors of room temperature Gatorade, Prune, or Apple/Cranberry juices.
My favorite new toy for him is a wooden rattle in the shape of a frog. I have been a frog fan for many years and this bright green wooden rattle jumped out at me. It’s small enough to promote a more exact motor skill for grabbing and loud enough to keep his attention. Yet his favorite toy remains anything that makes noise when he shakes it.
A few toys I have made recently include taking a small canister, similar to a Pringles can, covering it with solid and striped paper, adding dry noodles and plastic caps. Viola! The can rolls across the floor and rattles when he picks it up. This is the perfect item for him! When he misses his reach, it rolls just out of his reach forcing him to move toward the object. What a great inexpensive invention from the Healthy Start counselor that meets with us once per week!
I’m putting together a little video with his stages soon. Expect it within three weeks or so. I uploaded a great amount of video last night.
Love you!
