Two-riffic!

Gabriel turning 2 was a big event for us. He could very likely be the last child in our family so for right now he's our baby. He is loving and affectionate, continues to be a charmer and mischievous all at once.  This is the stage of toddlerhood often referred to as the 'terrible 2s' but honestly there isn't much of that. By child #3 we know what is age appropriate behavior for a tot and it makes it easier on all of us to remember that 'this too shall pass'.

He continues to amaze us with his physical abilities and hand-eye coordination. His gross motor skills continue to develop rapidly. He has followed his big brother's footsteps and started gymnastics. Right now we're doing the Mommy and Me class until he matures a bit more and can follow the coach around without needing my extra supervision.

We've also seen growth with his language and in turn also seen a decrease in his frustration and aggression. He loves to sing and will pick up the lyrics to songs he hears very quickly. He has these motor-mouthlike moments where he is just nonstop and you have to wonder if he even stops to take a breath. He speaks in full sentences and I've noticed others are understanding him better. I still have those moments where I have to wonder what he is saying. He'll just keep repeating it until I get it. I've noticed he is starting to identify colors, identify letters and has started counting. We continue to just include these things in our every day interactions--no need for formality. He loves blocks and anything he can manipulate, drill, pound etc.

Socially, like his older siblings, he seeks out other kids to play with. He is learning that at his age his peers are sometimes less interested in playing with him and would prefer to still play alongside him.

He continues to be a fan of walking and does not appreciate it when others try to force him into strollers or to hold hands. We're working on safety lessons so he can relish in his independence but still keep safe.

He loves to do everything for himself. He brushes his teeth (10 times a day if you let him), wash and dry his hands, helps get himself dressed and undressed and tells us when he needs a diaper change. He is more than ready to be diaper-free and at home he usually is. We'll likely go completely diaper-free in the next month or so.

Mastered Skills (most children can do)
Can name at least six body parts on a doll
Half of speech is understandable
Can make short sentences

Emerging Skills (half of children can do)
Starts talking about self
Can arrange things in categories
Can walk down stairs

Advanced Skills (a few children can do)
Begins to understand abstract concepts like sooner and later
Becomes attuned to gender differences

Learns to jump

How to eat a cupcake

I love watching Gabriel eat. He eats with gusto. No talking, just gets down to the job at hand. Watching him eat a cupcake is different. He takes his time to get the icing off little by little with his finger. He ate most of the icing and left the rest. He told me "tired". Eating dessert is hard work.

Lil Bookworm

We own a lot of books and they have never come to waste. Lately Gabriel has taken to sitting on his own and looking through them. He doesn't want help and will ask to be left alone.

Mr. Chatterbox?

Gabriel has never been much of a talker. As a baby he rarely babbled. He is the independent type. He wants something? He is more likely to get up and attempt to get it than ask you for it. Walking at 8 months and pulling/pushing whatever he can to climb to. He only verbalized when he couldn't get what he wanted or you got in his way.

With 2 years around the corner we get a lot of questions about his speech, or should I say lack thereof. He's right where he needs to be and I haven't worried too much about it. Each child is different and will always be. I know he will and does talk when he feels the need and more often than not? He finds no need to communicate verbally. He signs or he gestures.  I knew eventually he'd come along and surprise us.

Over the past month his verbal vocabulary has increased considerably and his use of phrases has exploded. They mostly fall in the assertive categories of speech, what he wants, when he wants it. I noticed his level of aggression has lessened and he is less likely to hit or bite out of frustration. Louis likes to point to things and ask Gabriel what they are. Or he'll tell Gabriel the name of an object and have Gabriel repeat it.

Gabriel has started to sit by Louis while we work on phonics and he seems to enjoy the process. I noticed the other day while we were playing with some pattern blocks that Gabriel can now identify a few shapes. He seems to enjoy his growth with communication but I notice he's still mostly the silent type, like his dad.

Happy 21 Months!

Words most often attributed to Gabriel: monster, hyper, speedy, strong, stubborn, lovable, independent, bulldozer

Some of the latter sound much worse than they are but I can assure you are all said with affection. It is just that Gabriel is growing into a very strong willed child or I should say he always has been. His toddler years will no doubt continue to be formidable. It is a good thing we aren't opponents in life or else I'd be a little worried. I find that our more gentle parenting practices that worked quite well with our oldest children are not always the easiest things to put into action with Gabriel but we are steadfast and eventually we make some headway. 

The past few weeks have been challenging as Gabriel has been biting more and also hitting. I know it is partly due to a developmental growth he is challenged and frustrated with. I've been working with him on signing more and using some verbal cues. He isn't a big talker so I know it is a challenge for him to get adults to understand him. I imagine it makes seemingly trivial, easy actions for him much harder. Leah and Louis are great with working on it with him and while they do not appreciate being bitten or hit they continue to find patience in dealing with his tantrums. The past week or so he has begun to enjoy naming objects around the house and is sitting for longer periods of time to read. Already I've started to notice a decrease in his level of frustration and angst. 

He loves sports, not necessarily watching them but playing them. He is active and loves to be as rough and tumble as possible. He'll tackle you to the floor and smother you with hugs and kisses. Then do it all over again. Louis started gymnastics and Gabriel loves to copy all the things he sees his older brother doing. The more physical the play the happier Gabriel is. 

He is a cuddly, lovable guy too. He still wants to nurse and relax with me a few times during the day. He will climb out of his bed and lay with us at night, though most days he prefers his own space. 

Overall I can tell this past month that he is less of our baby and trying to assert himself as one of the tots in the house. He wants what his big brother and big sister have. Just like them. The 'big kid' fork and wants to sit with us at the table, not in his highchair. It isn't always easy to meet his desires/demands but we are making an effort. 

He LOVES Dora. I don't get it but it is currently his favorite show to watch with Matt at night. 

21 Month Milestones

Mastered Skills (most children can do)
Can walk up steps
Enjoys helping around the house
Can set simple goals (e.g. deciding to put a toy in a certain place)

Emerging Skills (half of children can do)
Can throw a ball overhand
Can kick a ball
Can make building brick towers

Advanced Skills (A few children can do)
Can name a cat or dog when you show a picture
Can make a short sentence (me go)
Can walk down stairs

Happy 20 Months!

Gabriel has made a few cognitive leaps as of late especially in his use of language. He has started to use simple phrases and I've seen him more at ease when frustrated now that he is choosing to express himself more. He is still mostly all business though and only chooses to speak when he absolutely must. He loves to sing and knows a lot of songs by heart. He continues to love shape sorting and playing games with hidden objects.

We've had some our first bouts of tantrums and unlike his big bother and big sister Gabriel is not easily soothed by any means at all. Even if he gets what he was crying about in the first place. We are working on playful parenting and gentle discipline methods in order to best meet his needs. Not always easy but I've noticed each subsequent tantrum has been a little easier for him to calm down from and for me to deal with. He isn't happy to sit still for very long after he's done with whatever it is he is doing so going out to eat is kept at a minimum with him right now. He is all business when it comes to food and will happily sit and eat his meal but once it is done? He is done and wants out. He continues to be the most assertive in nature of our three children. It is great to see him hold his own. We've been working on him on being a bit more gentle and patient. Slow going but I know eventually he'll get there.

He is our lil cuddle bug and as of recently has grown closer to Daddy. They have their own evening ritual of sharing some popcorn and heading to bed together.  He runs to the door and with a big ole smile yelling "Daddy!" as soon as Matt is through the door. On the rare occasion it doesn't happen rest assured Matt will ask him "No Daddy!?" It is the cutest thing ever.

Gabriel physical abilities continue to grow. I'm astounded and often surprised at what he is capable of doing. He is almost fearless in his pursuits and attempts to do everything the older kids can do. I don't stray too far from him but I try to give him enough space to figure it all out himself. More often than not he accomplishes what he set his mind to doing and without much trouble. He LOVES sports. He enjoys watching them on tv and if kids are playing at the playground he wants in on the game.

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)
Feeds doll - Gabriel loves to play pretend with dolls and stuffed animals. He cares for them by changing their diapers or bringing them to me to feed them or with his sippy cups.
Curious about his body parts, and may be touching his genitals.- Like all kids we've been there, done that. We have started to talk about body parts, privacy and appropriate touch and so forth.
Takes off own clothes - Rest assured if it can be removed without much effort Gabriel will take it off.
Dumps an object in imitation, such as throwing garbage away - A few months ago we bought a new kitchen trash can and made sure it had a way to lock it down. Good thing too because for a few months Gabriel has enjoyed throwing everything and anything into the trash can. Fortunately he has learned to ask us if something is trash now and it isn't a big deal.
Know when something is wrong
Able to handle/use a spoon or fork but more often prefers to use hands to feed himself.- Gabriel will alternate between hands and fork. Even if he eats his entire meal using his hands he insists on having his fork.

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Say 20 to 50 words - Gabriel has a good solid vocabulary that he uses often and then some other words that we know he can say but doesn't unless he must.
Learns words at a rate of ten or more a day - Gabriel has started to point to objects for me to name and is starting to repeat them. He tends to remember them for future use but mostly enjoys being quiet.
Enjoy helping with things around the house - I have the best lil helpers. Gabriel will follow Louis around as Louis follows me around to help me.
Can walk up stairs (but probably not down) - Gabriel has had the stairs mastered for months. Up and down. Lately he's been favoring walking down the stairs versus scooting down them.
Tries to find objects that are hidden  -  A few times a day we will hide some of Gabriel's fave objects and he'll search them out. He loves finding them and then having us hide them again.

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Draws a straight line - Gabriel tries to write the same way Leah and Louis do and attempts to draw straight lines. He has some ways to go but it is great to see him try.
Names several body parts - When I change Gabriel's diaper I usually ask him where various body parts are to distract him and get him to lay still. Over the past two weeks he has started to name them on his own.
Show better signs of bladder control - we don't potty train but we do have various potty seats available and a ECing family the kids have all used them long before showing signs of bladder control. Over the past two months Gabriel has taken to being diaper free and going on the potty many times throughout the day.
Walk up and possible down stairs with some assistance
Points out pictures in a book - We spend a lot of time reading in our house. Gabriel especially loves animal books--specifically farm animals and jungle animals. He will point to them and say their sound and have me read the stories over and over again.
Throw a ball overhand - Gabriel has good hand-eye coordination and has been throwing a ball overhand for a while now. The past month we've been working on targeting his throws.

Happy 19 Months!

Life with Gabriel continues as it has been all his life--energetic. Nearly nonstop from morning till night. He needs his naps times as much as I do. Hard to do with Louis around as he just wants his baby brother to be there to play with him.

He has taken a real interest in books. I put stacks of books within his reach in our family room and he likes to sit and sort through them. Then finds what he wants and goes through it page by page. He will sit and have me read them to him over and over again. Gabriel doesn't sit long to do most activities but he seems to enjoy the books. He also liked painting lately or scribbling. He LOVES playing pat-a-cake.

His appetite over the past month has increased considerably. He hit a huge growth spurt and shot up an inch or so and some weight was gained. He's still our baby though. Loves to cuddle.

Much needed nap 

19 Month Milestones

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)
Uses a spoon and fork - Gabriel can use both and wants them to eat but still prefers to use his hands.
Runs - nonstop
Throws a ball underhand - loves playing catch
Enjoys helping around the house - now has chores he does like helping Louis put dishes in/out of the dishwasher, clean up their toys, helps with laundry or vacuuming

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Understands as many as 200 words - he understands plenty but no idea on how many words. I haven't come to a moment where I feel he doesn't understand me. He surprises me with what he knows all the time.
Recognizes when something is wrong (e.g., calling a dog a cat) - he cracks me up with the cat/dog thing. He KNOWS dogs go 'woof' and knows dogs are not cats but still calls them cats. Even though he knows its wrong. 

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Washes and dries own hands with help - he is working on this
Points to picture or object when you call it by name - he isn't the most verbal child but there are items he recognizes and will label-- like a ball or light
May know when she needs to pee - will get his potty when he needs to go

Happy 18 Months!

Gabriel is at a fun and lovable stage right now. He likes to hug, give kisses and sing songs with "I love you" in them like Louis' favorite son "Skidamarink." He has started to play pretend. He will "cook" and serve us cake. He likes to put stuffed animals and baby dolls to bed.

He has started to talk a lot more and say more two word phrases. Today after finishing his yogurt he said "No more" and he continues to master all the phrases that help him assert himself like "go away". He has started to ask me to identify things for him. He'll point to our letter posters on the wall and ask me to tell him what the pictures are and the letters that go with them. He also likes to point at body parts and have me name them. Depending on his mood if asked he can identify his belly, nose, ears, mouth, feet and eyes.

He continues to be curious about everything around him and I've noticed over the past few weeks this has increased. He wants to investigate (usually by finding a way to climb) and figure things out for himself. As Louis has become more independent Gabriel has tried to do the same even if his abilities aren't where Louis' are. He is a total copy cat. Will copy your movements in games or any face his siblings make. He tries to say what they say with the same inflection and tone.  He knows the names of many more things than I realized. When we read books together I will ask him to point out objects for me and he knows them. It has given us another activity to do together.

Physically Gabriel continues to strengthen his skills. He is bold and there are very few activities he isn't willing to try. If it looks like you can climb it? He's on it. He loves to run, jump and hop. Lately he has been stacking whatever he can in order to balance and walk across it. We have a balance beam type curb outside our house and he likes to balance on it as much as possible. He walks up and down the stairs with ease but still prefers to scoot down the stairs.

Gabriel likes to help. He wants to vacuum and clean. He wants to get things for you. I often forget this and go to do things myself and he becomes upset. I am trying to give him opportunities to help out more.

Just getting over the flu here...about a week being sick but all better now. 

Mastered Skills (most kids can do)
Will "read" board books on his own - loves to read and will sit with books multiple times a day and read them on his own
Scribbles well - enjoys scribbling alongside Louis for short periods of time

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)
Strings two words together in phrases - Says "No More", "More please", "Go away" and few other phrases
Brushes teeth with help - will brush his teeth every morning and evening with Leah and Louis--and any other time he's in the bathroom.
Stacks four blocks

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
Throws a ball overhand - at the moment throwing balls is his favorite activity--overhand and underhand
Takes toys apart and puts them back together - loves to take apart the Melissa & Doug Cutting Food and put it back together.
Shows signs of toilet training readiness - I've noticed a few signs he is starting to do more than just go on the potty when I take him. He has no interest in going independently but if he's wearing a diaper he will bring me one to change him before he goes. Right now this typically means I take him over to the potty to go. He does follow Louis in and sits on the small one every now and then while Louis sits on the toilet. He'll be ready when he's ready. 

Grumpy G

Gabriel was a bit on the grumpy side today, not feeling his best. But still cute as ever.

2Brothers 2gether

Had baths together, followed by band time.

Then naps together!

Late night snacks

Having a ball

Gabriel is always on the move. Climbing, playing, running---nearly nonstop. He will occasionally stop to eat, hydrate and play with blocks.

He also enjoys people watching. Our next door neighbors moved out this week and Gabriel spent most of the day watching the moving guys. Then proceeded to stalk the door for the new neighbors.

Lately he has enjoyed playing catch. He has a good arm and aims well. He has also enjoyed kicking around the balls.

While Louis and Leah hated the vacuum cleaner (and still are not big fans) Gabriel loves to help me vacuum. He will sometimes take his mower and pretend to vacuum too.