So, in the 15 minutes in which both of them are sleeping, I will NOT clean up today, but instead take a moment to record some Asher facts since it's so easy to record the Owenisms and skip over Asher sometimes (in no way an indication that he is less loveable or wonderful!).
Asher is 14 months old as of yesterday, and he is now FAST. Everyone comments on how good on his feet he is for his age. It's true...a big brother for a role model tends to accelerate these things. He is a little monkey, and climbs on everything he can. Yesterday I caught him on top of the dining table, having crawled up a chair and then onto the table. Owen never did that :} He climbs up on couches, Owen's bed, rocking chair, stepstool in the kitchen, etc. I have to watch him like a hawk because he is not able enough to not be a danger to himself yet. I debated playpen-training him early on, and knew in the back of my head it would be a good idea, but got lazy and didn't do it. I may yet start with a few minutes at a time and build up in order to be able to do *something* other than full-time toddler-monitoring all day.
Asher is Mr. Personality a lot of the time. He drops everything and starts dancing at the slightest hint of music...even me humming, or an electronic tune from a toy. It's super-cute. Often the dancing is accompanied by belly-laughing that he can turn on and off like a switch. His new trick in groups of people is to run around flailing his arms, dancing, and belly laughing to get everyone to laugh at him. Which they do :) A little ham! I am amazed at how he interacts with us, but especially with Owen. His social skills are waaaaaay beyond where Owen's were at the same age. His eye contact is extraordinary, and he really engages and understands what's going on in a given situation. He knows when something's funny, scary, silly or sad, and knows how to play the room. Along with that, his fussing/tantrum/manipulating skills have gone through the roof, and that is a new challenge that mommy is struggling to rise up to.
Expressive language has stalled...almost to a concerning point...but we may be back on an upswing. Perhaps he's been so physical the speaking has been on the back burner. It has been hard to get him to say anything at all. But just recently I hear more mama's, and a few other words he attempts here and there. He did some animal sounds this morning, and says 'more' now and then. A lot of his cute words from early on seem to be gone. Signing is better...does 'all done' and 'more' pretty consistently and that helps a lot with highchair mini-tantrums. Receptive language is showing itself to be pretty strong. He gets a lot of what's being said around him, and if I say 'It's naptime everybody! Let's go upstairs!' he heads right for the stairs. He DEFINITELY knows 'no' and is about 60/40 with obedience when he is called out about a no-no. He is perfectly awful about crying at my heels in the kitchen whenever I try to get something done. The little emperor wants me at his eye level or lower at all times, so I can be on the floor, or he can be in my arms, otherwise there's a lot of fussing in the kitchen. We've just gotten the pack and play out, and may be starting some time-outs for these tantrums soon. I remember that the time-out doesn't really work on this issue, but at least he is getting the message that mommy's in charge, and I can get a minute's break to take something out of the oven, etc. while he's in the pen. This is our hardest issue. I just don't think carrying him the entire time I'm preparing food is reasonable or smart.
This child loves his daddy! Owen was always mommy-centric, and Asher has his moments, but Asher cries when Daddy leaves in the morning. It is sweet! He LOVES to play with us, and to wrestle on the bed, be tickled, etc. He is truly a joyful little soul, and a sweetheart. His smile lights up the room.
Owen and Asher together are edibly adorable in their best moments. They hug, wrestle, laugh and love each other so much. It turns to violence in the blink of an eye, but it's more than worth the low moments to see the highs. I am so eager to help and encourage them in their lifelong friendship, and always wondering how best to do that. Let them work things out on their own more and come to more self-determined compromises (as long as violence isn't involved)? Intercede, control and teach civility more? Which way will lead to better learning? The jury is out, although at the moment the tendency toward violence is common enough that I need to step in more often than not. My favorite times have got to be when Asher lights up Owen, and gets him laughing. Reminds me of my little sis and I having a laughing attack together!!
Asher loves running around just in his diaper and gives me fits about getting dressed. But once his clothes are on, he's all proud of them and prances around and struts his stuff. He quiets down instantly in the car if music is turned on, and hates nurseries of all types. He is a decent eater if he's hungry, and throws food and skinnies out of his highchair the moment he's done (new highchair with straps on order). Bark mulch is as yummy as it comes, but now at home when he finds little 'yuckies' on the ground, he brings them to me as gifts. If Owen has anything, he wants one.
Asher is a precious member of our family, and has increased the joy factor in our home by a lot. We love that little guy!!
addendum: Nearly forgot the item that initiated posting...when I put Asher down in his crib at bedtime, he lays on his back smiling and waits for me to get Mr. Moo-Cow, and I kiss the cow, then press Mr. Moo-Cow's mouth to Asher's cheek and make kissy noises. And repeat. Asher get's kisses from head to toe and soaks them up while wearing a big smile. Then I lay Mr. Moo-Cow next to Asher and say night-night. The game right now is that Asher picks him up, holds him up in the air and says 'Mo!' (more). So he gets another round. He gets two rounds of 'Mo!' and then I say all done and leave for the night. It's a sweet little ritual we have :)
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