Making Daddy Pretty

Alex 17 Months, Boy Oh Boy!

What is Alex like at 17 months?

In the last few weeks, Alex has definitely grown into a little boy.  Not just in physical appearance, but in personality. Since birth, Alex has been surrounded by everything stereotypically girl: jewelery, tea sets, pink, princesses, dolls, etc  Despite that, Alex seemed to be naturally drawn to books and toys about cars, trucks, airplanes, and rockets.  Everything that is, well, stereotypically boy.  It is amazing. 

He takes his plane and helicopter and pretends to make them fly through the air, complete with hilarious sounds to match.   He also "vroom vrooms" his cars on the floor, all over the furniture, and even on our faces.  Jimmy got Alex a Ninja Turtle that says "heeee-ya."  Now, Alex slams the turtle into everything (including us) and screams out "heeee-ya!"

While we're in the car, he squeals with delight when he sees any type of large truck, bus, fire truck, or train.  Since we live near post, there are always lots of planes and helicopters flying by our house.  Alex already recognizes the sounds.  He immediately looks up in the sky looking for whatever is flying up there, points, and screams in excitement.

Alex doesn't have too many words at this point.  So far he says mama, dada, hi, bye, this, milk, and cat.  There are probably a few more, but I can't think of them right now.  He knows a few animal sounds and is skilled at pretending to be an animal if you ask him.  He will waddle like a penguin, crawl around and growl like a bear, roar like a lion, etc.  He constantly waves hi and goodbye to strangers and he gives the best high fives.

Although he doesn't talk much, Alex comprehends a lot (if not everything) we tell him.  Even though he can't say the letters, he knows a few.  If you ask him to point them out, he'll do it successfully.  He's able to follow directions, stop when told to do so, and share.  His pretend play is so amazing to me.  He is his own person and I'm sure he'll start talking when he's ready.

Just like Amelia, Alex loves letters.  He always points them out and loves books.  Alex likes puzzle pieces, blocks, and anything squishy.  He also enjoys destroying block towers, throwing, climbing, lift and flap books, and stickers.  Alex could be outside all day if we let him.

Alex is still nursing once a day, in the morning.  He is a cuddly boy who loves to give hugs and kisses.  He also has the cutest dimple on his left cheek.  We love his Asian fro and he only has six teeth.  He loves eating rice, fruit snacks, chocolate, and chicken nuggets.

Alex is also a blankie boy.  He loves his blankie and carries it around with him everywhere!  The teachers at his hourly care call him Linus.  He likes to pinch and rub at the corners.  Sometimes he'll be cranky for no reason, but once you give him his blanket, he'll perk right up. 

 

HEEEE-YA!

Asleep in daddy's arms with blankie

 

After swimming lessons, Alex's favorite thing to do is to climb in and out of the lockers.

 In his car seat, concentrating on his toy

 

Alex loves the riding lawn mower.  Amelia calls it our orange tractor.

Rocking out Amelia's sweater

 

While Amelia is at gymnastics, Alex plays with sticks and cones in the parking lot, ha ha.

"Ken's Turkey"

We spent the day visiting a friend in Kentucky or as Amelia calls it, "Ken's turkey."  Kentucky is only about 20 minutes away, but since we've been working on the states with Amelia, I kept focusing on the fact that we were in a different state.  We went to the library, a bouncy house place area, and went out for lunch.  It was a good day ;0)

I Scream, You Scream (video)

 

Pay close attention to Alex's vein popping out on his neck and the look on his face when he hits the high pitches.  Yikes!

 

Chuck E Cheese

 

 

Princess Mimi

Right now it's all princess, all the time (in both wardrobe AND attitude).  A few weeks ago, Jimmy let Amelia watch one episode of Sophia the First and she was hooked.  One 20 minute show was all it took to open the flood gates of her princess obsession.

 

 

 

Anyone that knows me, know that I'm super strict about the kids' TV exposure and screen time.  Honestly, I wasn't too happy about it at first.  However, she loves it and it's actually a good show, so we let her watch it now on occasion. 

 

She hasn't seen any of the Disney princess movies yet (I know, I know...I'm an evil mom), but we have plans to show her one of the movies soon.  Hmmm, which one do we show her first?  I know it will open up a whole new can of worms, ha ha.

 

When we discipline her, we have been using the following phrases:  Princesses don't do that. Princesses share toys.  Princesses are nice.  Princesses don't yell.  Well, you get the idea.  At least it gives her a new incentive to behave appropriately and most of all, it's effective (at least for now).

 

I have to admit, it's been a fun transition.  Princess play is so fun, girly, and cute. I will note that I always tell Amelia that the best princesses are very smart and kind.  I also mention that all princesses go to college and read lots of books, ha ha. I don't want her to think that life is just about being cute and pretty.  She's only two, but I know kids are little sponges. 

 

 "Look!  I'm a princess!"

 

I don't remember why, but Amelia was mad at me, so decided that she needed to call Nana.

"I'm calling Nana."

Tinkerbell Mimi making chocolate chip pancakes for daddy for Father's Day (which mommy later burned).

Tinkerbell Mimi also hard at work painting Nana's toenails.

A Week with Nana

 

Aquarium with Nana

**These are phone pictures so the quality is terrible.  Sorry!**

 

Alex and Nana amongst the giant crabs

 

Shark cage!

 Giant catfish

Watching the crazy otters

Cavern

Butterfly exhibit

All tuckered out with her new princess penguin from Nana

Alex and his blankie