Well, I cannot believe that I am already starting monthly (rather than weekly) blogs for Devin. He has grown so much, and I am so proud of the little boy that he is becoming. This month was a busy month, including Devin's birthday, the Urban Hay Day, Boo at the Zoo, apple picking, my birthday, and Halloween. Devin has been trying a lot of new foods. He loves scrambled eggs (whole eggs now), has started to get used to drinking whole cow milk, and even got to try beets. I am always surprised at how well he seems to do with new foods. Devin has been starting to completely cut out his morning naps, which leads to longer afternoon naps and more time in the morning to try different activities. He continues to roll everywhere and often enjoys getting close to the dog, reaching out to Duncan and smiling when he gets a kiss.
Devin had his one-year check up, and we found out that he is 22 lbs 10 oz (47%), 30.25 inches (63%), and still had a large head at 19.25 inches (97%). He has outgrown his car seat, so we got a new one for his brother, allowing Devin to ride in Kyler's old one. He was not sure about it at first, but he seems to have gotten used to it fairly quickly. Devin still has a bit of a crusty eye, so we are going to have a specialist look at it some time soon. Devin does have a few funny little quirks, such as laughing when other kids cry. I am a little worried that I have a bit of a psychopath on my hands (kidding!), but he also loves to snuggle and gives me big hugs in the morning. It is so great to have such a sweet boy in my life, and I hope that he continues to grow into his awesome little self.
Every month brings so many new things, but it feels like our falls are just so super busy with school starting back up full swing for Ryan and the boys' birthdays. Kyler has been growing up so much, and it has been so much fun to see how his little gears are turning and how he is learning so much. Along with all of this learning, Kyler has started to test limits and throw temper tantrums a lot more, which can be very trying at times. With Devin rolling all over, there is some conflict with toys at times, but Kyler really has such a good heart, and as frustrated as he gets, he does share more often than not. Here are some fun highlights of the month:
Kyler sat in the inflatable tub we got out for Devin and held Olivia in it all by himself--he was so proud!
Kyler loves to do yoga. He gets out my mat and will do poses with me and with Wii Fit on the Wii.
We visited Post Family Farm for donuts, and he had a great time feeding the sheep and chasing the chickens.
He now has nicknames for Grammy (Graham Cracker) and Papa (Poppyseed). He also calls himself Popsicle.
He woke up with blood all over his pillow, and we found a big gash on the back of his head. It was pretty deep, so we took him to the med station, where they said to just keep an eye on it. Fortunately, he did not need stitches.
While coloring a book at the med station, he asked me to "clear it" of color like he does with his coloring app on the iPad.
He said, "Sometimes I do tummy time with Olivia and Devin. They are the best babies ever!"
Both Devin and Kyler had multiple fevers and colds this month, which led to lots of cuddling.
Kyler has been soaking through his cloth diapers and actually pooped on the potty twice!
He has been waking up a lot and can open doors, so he will come upstairs all the time, at any hour. Once I went downstairs with him and was prepared to sleep next to him to help him sleep when he told me, "Mommy, I go to bed now. You leave."
At the front of church, he told his buddy (who did not want to go to class), "We have to go to Bible, Cohen."
We got a clock that changes color when he can get out of bed. At first it scared him, but now it is the best thing ever! He waits for the light to turn green and tells us it is green when he comes upstairs at the proper times!
We had fun going to the Urban Hay Day in Hudsonville, where he had a hay ride, launched rubber chickens with Grandpa, decorated his own cookie, sat on tractors, and had an all-around great time.
After Devin's birthday party, he went with Daddy and family to see the Jenison high school marching band competition and he LOVED it! He kept saying things like, "Here come the tubas!"
He has been able to sit and play a computer game on his own, though he is still not sure about the mouse.
He is getting really good at counting up to 20.
He loves art time and has a great time with finger painting.
He had a wonderful time dressed as a dog for Halloween and loved to spend time dancing with glow sticks with his cousins.
Kyler holding Olivia!
Hanging out in the Seal tub! How much he has grown since we used this for him
Riding the carousel!
Selfie with Daddy!
Having fun at the Urban Hay Day on the tractors!
Finger paint time! Daddy would not have enjoyed the mess...
This kid loves his flashcards
Playing computer games on his own!
Silly boy
Doing some tummy time with his brother--they kind of match too!
We had a great time going to Crane Orchards to pick a few apples. The boys had never picked apples before, and it is something that Ryan and I love doing together. After getting there, we tried a bunch of samples before Kyler helped pick out a wagon. He wanted to pull it all the way to the trees, and he was pretty determined not to have any help. At first, Kyler did not see the apples, but soon after we started to show him where they were, he loved picking them! I was surprised that Kyler did not eat every apple he could, but it was also so much fun to just be outside and enjoy the wonderful scenery. We picked golden delicious, Fuji, cameo, Braeburn and empire apples, and we were surprised to find out that we had over 80 pounds! They have been so good, and I made a ton of applesauce.
Kyler loved to pull the wagon up the hill, but soon it just got too heavy
John Ball Zoo has an event called "Boo at the Zoo," where kids dress up and get treats at various booths. We met up with Lori, KayLynn, Mekinley, Sarah, and birthday girl Josie to walk around with their costumes on. The kiddos looked so cute as a dog (Kyler), raccoon (Devin), Dorothy from Wizard of Oz (KayLynn), U of M cheerleader (Mekinley), and a pink poodle (Josie). There was a lot going on and many other kiddos, but it was a fun time to explore and enjoy the zoo. There were lots of extra stops for music and many decorations.
Hanging out with the big blow-ups at the zoo's entrance
