Beach Baby

Finally an update! Dylan's had to put up with a mom that's been super tired, and a dad that was recovering from a sinus cold. We didn't take many pictures this past week.

Dylan's verbal skills are continuing to develop. It is so funny to hear him repeat things we've said to him. When he's hungry he does one of two things: sometimes he says "eat, eat, eat" over and over. He's also started holding out his hand, rubbing his fingers back and forth and says "please."

Today I sneezed 3 times, and after that Dylan kept repeating "ah-choo" and laughing. He's also started asking "Why?" At this point he isn't expecting an answer, I think he just likes to say the word. He also loves to say "ball" and he's starting to put words together, and says things like "big ball."

We decided it was time to put curtains up in the kitchen. They arrived Saturday, and Brian went right to work putting them up. I still need to hem them, but at least we can have breakfast without the sun shining in our eyes. You can see Dylan was very anxious to help with the process.

As of Saturday, Dylan no longer uses a high-chair. We've officially moved on to the booster, and along with that eating off of a plate and with silverware. We've been working on a plate for some time, but with the high-chair tray he didn't seem to take the plate too seriously. Don't let me fool you in to believing his plate always stays right side up now that he eats right at the table, but he's getting better.

This afternoon we went to Olsen Beach at Rock Cut State Park. Who knew we had this little treasure just 7 minutes from driveway to beach? Well, we did...but had never gone there before. Dylan absolutely loved it. He has no fear of the water, and even the chilly water temperature didn't deter him.

I often tell Dylan "the zoo called, they want their monkey back," and now you can see why. His curiosity is growing in leaps and bounds, and his body follows right behind. He climbs on everything! Yes, we told him to get down, but we had to take a picture first!

One Busy Weekend

We've had one busy weekend!
We went to Cedar Rapids to celebrate Great-Grandma Luther's 80th Birthday. We arrived in town early Friday afternoon, and Grandma Luther immediately put Dylan on a weight-lifting program. He's up to 5 lbs already! What a strong little boy...

Friday evening we headed out to Donna and Kermit's for the birthday dinner. We took family pictures. Everyone was there except for Brian's cousin Abby, who had to work. We partied late into the night (well, later than the Luther family usually hangs out!). Dylan got to bed after 10p.m. and only slept until 6:45 the next morning. It's a good thing he sleeps in Grandma and Grandpa's room when we visit.

Me, Brian, Richard, Dylan and Diane

Saturday morning we went to Old MacDonald's Farm in Bever Park in Cedar Rapids. It is a little barnyard type zoo, perfect for toddlers. Dylan loved watching the pigs - he was trying to figure out how he could crawl in there with them.

After lunch Dylan kept cool by swimming. Grandpa and Grandma Luther and Daddy set up the pool and filled it in the morning. It warmed in the sun all day and when Dylan got in mid-afternoon it was the perfect temperature. He kept throwing his ball out into the shrubs. Grandpa kindly offered to retrieve it the first 3 times. After that it was "all gone."

And to top off a busy day we headed to the playground after dinner. The very first thing Dylan did was climb in a tube. He was attempting to go up, and I decided to give him a little help by pushing his rump. Well I pushed his rump and his face went straight into the base of the tube. Dylan ended up with a split lip and plenty of blood, tears for a few minutes and was ready to keep playing. What a champ.

He's not been a fan of swings. He'll ride, and say out loud "Wee", as if he's trying to convince himself, meanwhile he's cringing and clenching his stomach muscles. I guess the G-forces of those neighborhood swings are too much for him!

Today, for Father's Day, we drove back to IL. We got home just in time for Brian to sit on the sofa with a few beers to watch the final pair tee off at the U.S. Open. What a bummer that Tiger didn't pull it off!

Bath Time Fun

Dylan loves bath time, or at least he used to. Lately he's refusing to sit down, I think it may have something to do with a fear of being washed down the drain. These pictures were taken after I finally convinced him to sit down and play in the water. Here he is with a little soapy mohawk.

Look at those curls and the big blue eyes! If you click on the picture you will be able to see his long eyelashes. Too cute!

Pouring water over himself!

Dylan isn't feeling very well today. His 4th one-year molar has been a tough one for him, and he was up last night moaning. I gave him some tylenol at 4:30 this morning, and he slept until 8:30! I had to go make sure he was still breathing at 7:30. He's never in his life slept in so late!

Mid-morning we went for a 10-mile bike ride, with a break halfway for a picnic lunch. Dylan enjoyed waving at the other bike riders from our picnic table. Poor little guy fell asleep in the bike trailer on the way back to the car. It didn't look comfortable, but he didn't seem to mind.

This evening we had dinner at Nate and Erin Berry's, for our Cooking Light dinner club. PJ, Christa and Mia Titone were also there. Dylan and Mia played so nicely together, and they even had their very own kids table tonight. I bought this picnic table on e-bay (along with a slide) for only $10. Yay bargain!!!

Dylan fell asleep in the car on the way home. Poor little guy was tuckered out. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully a happier Dylan!

Earning his keep

We've decided Dylan needs to help with the house work. No more free meals around here now that he has the proper tools to do his share of the work. Here he is working on his first load of laundry.

Moving the wash into the dryer

Putting the groceries away

Multi-tasking

Preparing the broiler rack for dinner

Lollipop, Lollipop

What a day! This morning Brian discovered about $3000 in charges against our bank account. NO, I didn't go on a crazy shopping spree, we're officially the victims of identity theft. The charges were made yesterday at various stores. Brian spent most of his day dealing with that, putting in a police report, working with the bank. It's not over yet, but we're hopeful it will be resolved quickly and painlessly.

Dylan got to enjoy a banana flavored lollipop after dinner tonight. One of the many remaining prizes from the first parade he went to.
Life with Dylan is so funny. His latest thing is to announce "all done" when he's tired of something. It's often heard when changing his diaper or applying sun screen.

We've recently started using the 'naughty spot' at our house. He's been in it twice, both times for dumping the cats' water bowl. I know he's just being curious, but a kid's got to learn there are rules! After we explain why he's being punished, he has to sit in the naughty spot for 1 minute (1 minute per year old). Obviously he doesn't entirely understand the concept, but he knows he's not supposed to touch the cat water. If I can catch him before it's completely dumped he moves his hands away pretty fast. Yesterday I caught him with his hands in the cat food. I told him "no, we don't touch the kitty food" and he marched his little butt over to the naughty spot and sat down! I couldn't help but laugh. He's obviously willing to do the time for the crime!

The REAL Baby Einstein

We went for a bike ride this afternoon. We went a little over 9 miles in about 50 minute, up lots of BIG hills. Whew...mommy was tired! Dylan seemed to enjoy riding in his trailer, but when we got back his little head was sweaty under his helmet. Do you see a resemblance to Mr. Einstein? We do!
During dinner we were treated to a full rainbow to the East. This happens quite often here!

Milk Days Parade

This Saturday we went to the Milk Days Parade in Harvard, IL. Here's a little history on the event: It all began in the spring of 1942 when people got together to honor the area farmers for their "War Effort" of increasing milk and food production for the servicemen. At that time there were seven dairy companies within a 15-mile radius of Harvard and more milk was being produced than anywhere in the United States. Harvard became the self-proclaimed "Milk Center of the World!"

Dylan got to enjoy the parade on top of Brian's shoulders for awhile. We finally decided to leave after two hours. The parade was still going, but Dylan was ready for a nap. The thumb sucking is a big clue.