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.
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