SNOEDEL

I never had a “lovey” when I was a kid. I had stuffed animals I liked a lot, but no “blankie” or anything like that. I was pretty sure my stuffed animals had feelings though, and some nights, after loading them all (and there were MANY) into my bed, I would sleep on the floor so they would be more comfortable.

“The books” say kids should have “lovies.” This was one of the things I had decided to concern myself with a few months back. I thought it was nice that Harry was so confidant he didn’t need one. I thought it was super that we wouldn’t have to worry about losing anything. But the books said.

I suppose I grew a bit more at ease when he decided he liked to sleep with a washcloth every night. It didn’t matter which one. It also helped to ease me into letting him sleep with potential suffocation hazards (SIDS occupied my mind for the first 6 months of his life. Blankets still make me nervous).

The thing is, most kids don’t get attached to things until they are about a year old. Enter Snoedel. I guess I was still obsessed with the idea of a lovey, so I ordered this “unique sleeping and bonding aid” with his name printed on it. The parents are supposed to sleep with it first, so it picks up your scent, but that seemed rather unhygienic. We just tossed Snoedel in the crib with Blue Bear (a similar lovey) and Baby’s First Snoopy (it rattles). Harry seemed to like them all, but Snoedel has jumped to the head of the pack. The times I have checked on him this evening, Snoedel was either clutched in his hand, underneath his belly while he slept face down with his butt in the air, or touching his cheek.

Snoedel comes to breakfast with us most mornings. Some days Harry snags Snoedel during diaper changes. He’s even made it in the car a few times. Harry doesn’t seem overly attached, but he brightens up when he sees Snoedel.

On a side note, Kevin says Snoedel dives well. He looks like a swan when you toss him up in the air. We spend an hour or so of downtime in Harry’s room before bed each night. Usually only one person can tickle Harry at any given time, so you have to find unique ways to entertain yourself.

8 Mile

First, let me say my prediction for Harry sleeping in on Saturday was not too far off! He actually did sing in his crib until about 6:45!

Today he slept until 6:02. Kevin and I hopped out of bed to get us all ready to hit the trail by 7. Kevin went biking towards Old Town. Harry and I headed with the baby jogger to Mt. Vernon to meet Lola and the SeeMommyRun.com group. I ran 8 miles today with a sprained ankle and a baby jogger at a 14 minute pace. I decided I am not that discouraged. I ran my first marathon at that pace, and I’d have to sleep the whole day after a long run. I did take off almost 2 years! I need to get one of those “Be All You Used To Be” shirts that the old army guys wear.

Harry hung out quietly with the group pre-run. He started to get antsy mid-way, but then napped for an hour. After, he sat on a bench happily eating his organic wheat peanut butter filled pretzels and organic Puffins and watching the bike dudes. He looked very cool in the Townsend Kids T Kevin got him and his red sneaks.

A lot of our stuff, and Harry’s, is packed now, not to mention he has outgrown most of his toys. AC was off and Kevin was getting grumpy, so we headed to the zoo. Harry wondered around, literally, aimlessly. He crashed into a couple people but they were more apologetic than I was, claiming “This is his place, not ours!” Cool!

Sadly/Happily he’s still a momma’s boy at this point. The right ankle was not too happy about carrying him, but we have a blast. He is a good giggler. Kevin says he reminds him of the little kid Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It. This is Kevin’s favorite book, and movie. Kevin really only reads books that have movies made about them. Guess he figures, if they are going to make a movie about it, a must be a good book. I will have to pass along The Orchid Thief.

Stick and Stones

Like any young Wiccan, Harry’s new fascination is sticks, but stones are cool too. He holds the stick up to the sky like a wand. He also drags it along the ground.

I don’t want to discourage his love of nature, but I do worry he will poke someone’s eye out.

I especially worry that the eyes poked out will be mine, as they were very expensive.

Harry also likes to cross the street by himself. I am usually next to him. Actually, I am ALWAYS next to him.

He likes to go back and forth to visit his best friend Dan. And then back home to Bailey when he is at Dan’s. I am using this as an opportunity to teach him to look both ways. So far, he refuses.

Dan apparently saved the day at the barber shop this morning. Harry was cranky because he is 15 months old. Dan was there to make faces while Harry got his hair cut. I was at Krav, so I missed it.

I have to say, working out with Aidan was getting discouraging. She’s gotten so much stronger while I was playing hooky. Today we did defensive moves in groups of 4. Turns out I don’t suck. The other two people in my group did (and one was a guy). Aidan is just THAT much stronger! Harry needs to do some heavy duty friend recruiting so that I can catch up!

Back to Harry, he also enjoys taking Bailey for a walk. It started Friday when he decided pushing his bike by the handle would be more fun than riding it. (My back disagreed). Shortly after, he decided he should walk Bailey. It is not too difficult. Kevin and I use a “Buddy System” to walk her. It is a waist belt I found at a running store. We just attach another leash so that Harry thinks he is in control. I don’t know that anyone is actually in control at this point. I am pretty sure, though, that these do not make up Bailey’s dream walks! Luckily, it doesn’t take long for him to find a good stick, and then Bailey is forgotten about.

We found a second park by our house. It is across the street about three blocks, but it is a tot lot. It is nicer and more suitable for Harry. We took him by today, but he was sleeping. Silly boy. We ended up waking him up at Pentagon Row, where we went to soak up some AC. Harry got to try out the escalators. He also fell in love with automatic doors. We closed the trip with a Tall Soy Milk from Starbuck’s in a straw cup. Money well spent.

Bailey seems to be doing a lot better. No puking since before the vet on Friday. Labs looked good. The air is back on. Kevin is less grumpy. He’s baking a cake and updating photos. I am running at 7 am tomorrow with Lola, maybe Lance and Harry, and the seeMOMMYrun group. I am hoping they will get me back in marathon shape. Or at least work off Kevin’s cake!

Lastly, but certainly not least, Arwen Mei Downum has arrived! A little competition for Mackenzie? I dunno….she loves almost as far away! Mackenzie may live in

Ohio, but little Arwen lives in Fredericksburg, VA. Quite a hike, but nonetheless, we hope to see a lot of her. Welcome Arwen! We plan to have you Baby-Jogging in no time!

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of Dr. Sears. Perhaps, some people who do not know me are also aware of this.

Anyway, I ended up at this website.

Interesting is what I found below: one of the Sears docs not fully supporting nursing!

This is like the Taliban allowing bikinis in some situations!

Don’t be surprised if Osama’s next video discusses why he admires Dubya, because apparently hell is freezing over!

BREASTMILK QUESTION
"I found your site very informative in connection with breastfeeding. I have 5 children; fifth one is 10-month-old baby girl. I breastfed all my four children and they are healthy. I am breastfeeding my baby girl. I have been advised to switch to give her formula milk as my daughter's growth is slow and is on the same percentile. I have been told that the quality of breast milk reduces day by day. Is it true? Kindly enlighten me. I am 35.”

Your baby might be small, but if she is staying on the same percentile on the growth charts, that means she is gaining the normal amount of weight from month to month.

Usually, breastmilk will provide adequate nutrition to about this age (10 months) – after this it is debatable (but I don’t feel like debating now). At this point, inadequate breast milk is probably NOT the reason she is small now, but it could be the reason she doesn’t gain well as she gets older. If she is eating a good amount of food, then the milk or formula will be a smaller percentage of her overall nutrition and probably won’t make much of a difference in her growth. If she is not eating much food yet, then you should look carefully at your milk supply (a lactation consultant can help here).

There are some reasons that mom’s milk could become less effective sooner than this, such as mom getting pregnant. I recently had a patient that just wasn’t thriving even though mom thought she was making enough milk. After a month or two of metabolic testing on the baby, mom finally realized that she was pregnant, and a switch to formula was what this baby needed. Be sure to check our breastfeeding section for ways to improve your milk supply.

Dr Jim, July 05

It seems the verdict is still out on my new drug of choice.

I was speaking with an old friend today, obviously chatting about what we’ve been up to.

It seems I have had a busy month.

10 business trips, Harry’s new 5 AM wake up time, lots of overdue trip reports, exercise, friends, a sick dog – oh, and buying and selling a house. I forgot about that.

I don’t know, is that a lot? Today it forced me to cancel my play date with Dana. Combined with my trip to the vet, I didn’t see it happening. We will try again next week.

I can tell you that I am kind of tired (hence, the overdue reports).

The sick dog is a bit more than I can handle, but we went to the vet today and will have some test results back tomorrow.

The lump on her neck we have to follow. The hip issue, we’ll wait and see if it hurts. The mania created by her nausea meds…we’ll let Harry chase her (just kidding).

No food or water for Bailey for 12 hours, let’s see if we can get Bailey and Harry to comprehend this!

I am hoping Harry might decide to sleep in tomorrow. Of course, if he does, Kevin and I will both be up wondering if he is still breathing. Instead, maybe he will sing quietly in his crib for 3 hours. IT COULD HAPPEN!

If it doesn’t, I am sure I will turn to my new companion, Red Bull. Today I enjoyed Kombucha Wonder Drink. Senor Bull is easier to obtain. It is at 7-11. It’s loaded with B vitamins. It’s got to be good for you, right?

Peas and Tank You

It seems young Master Harrison has begun minding his manners!

Menike told me that when she asked Suzanna and Isa (?) to say please before taking a cookie,

Harry chimed in with a little, tiny “Peas?”

Draco Malfoy

Okay, obviously it is Harry Potter season, and I have become engrossed.

To be honest though, I have read some classics that are not as adult oriented as the more recent Potter books.

And even though they are Fantasy, they are so true to life.

Last night I was reading a little more about how Potter is obsessed with Malfoy and his comings and goings. It hit a little too close to home!

Both of us are aware of our obsessiosn though, and feel we are on the side of good.

I was chatting with a guy on my 10 hour plane ride from Boston. He’d also read them, though had not started the new one yet.

Anyway, after the extended conversation about our fictional hero, I felt like such a dork when I called Kevin to see how Harry was. I really felt the need to explain that Harry is not named after Harry Potter, but my grandfather, Harry Hans---and maybe Han Solo…

Friends

Whenever I am alone in a city, they seem to always be there. Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler and Joey. It’s comforting.

The old episodes are truly a trip down memory lane. Back before Ross & Rachel were a couple. Back before Kevin and I were a couple. Back when my secret code name for him was Bob. Now we are all all grown up. It’s all good, but it’s nice to remember what it was like to be young.

I had a lot of that going on tonight- that is, memories of what it was like to be young. I am up in Boston, playing the single girl. Got to go to check out Claudia’s cool bachlorette pad. Spent some time at the pool, albeit bikini-less. Enjoyed a fabulous dinner and some good un-interrupted conversation. (Of course, the restaurant was across from what was obviously the coolest playground in the city. These are the things I notice these days. But, Claudia’s brother brings his kids in to it from the suburbs, so obviously I was right).

Strangely, this new, warmer, more user friendly Boston reminds me of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. We used to hang out there before we moved to the fun side of the Potomac. We used to hang out with Nicole…and I got back to my email tonight to find an Evite to her “It’s Not A House Warming” party. Neat coincidence!

Since it seems to be old friend week, I am also getting together with Dana Friday. Harry and I have a play date with Dana and his son Gary, who I think is 3. Joey may be there as well if he decides to hang out with dad and play hooky from camp. He is 5. I still have not met him! I cannot believe 5 years can go by so fast!

Growing up is fascinating. It’s amazing how your perspectives can change. I wouldn’t even know where to begin this discussion. Or I might, but it’s late. Time for night night.

Stats!

Harrison had his 15 month check up today with Dr. Liu (who is due to have her second child in November!). Dr. Liu is who first saw Harry when he was a newborn in the hospital. She is very nice.

We arrived at Pediatric Associates at 10:35, exactly 5 minutes early. Harry had 5 minutes to play at the activity table before the nurse took Harry to the back. She could see that he was walking so she checked that box off. He was weighed and came in at 25# 11oz. This is the 60-65%. Next, she did his height. He is 30 ½ inches. This is in the 30%. Is anyone surprised by this?

Dr. Liu checked him over. She had heard him chatting away from the next room, so she didn’t have to ask about his verbal skills. He smiled every time she put the ophthalmolscope up to his face. I think he thought it was a camera. He didn’t like any of the other poking or prodding so much. His ears are clear, his skin looks good, his boy parts are in order and he is otherwise healthy. Tooth brushing is on track. We don’t have to brush to get them clean at this point. Brushing is mostly for practice, so he is in good shape. He likes the brushing, but I cannot claim that we clean every tooth thoroughly.

The phlebotomist came back afterwards to give him his 3 shots. He is set now until he is 4! I can hear Kevin volunteering now to take him to his next check up! Kevin doesn’t like Harry’s reaction to the shots. He cries, naturally. He does not flip out though, which is almost sadder. He gets that ‘Et tu, Brute?” expression on his face instead. In contrast, Harry was on the floor, red-faced and screaming when phlebotomist came back. I was sitting in a chair reading a magazine. Harry was upset that he could not sit at the doctor’s desk and use her phone, or go for a stroller ride, or leave the room. I guess I had my three strikes. Anyway, phlebotomist said this is definitely “Terrible 2” behavior, a little early. A little early? It’s been at least 4 months now! I had hoped it would be ending soon! I am so glad we get all of the fun stuff early (teething, tantrums, etc)! Although, I understand what is behind the tantrums, and can totally respect them. Harry has all of these new abilities, and he wants to go with it. He wants to use them. He just can’t yet. It would bug me too!

Phlebotomist said the only thing you can do when this happens is stay calm. I thought I was pretty calm reading my magazine, but a cup of tea would have been nice, too! She said, as we all know, you cannot avoid tantrums. They are programmed into our DNA. It has nothing to do with parenting. I wasn’t concerned, but it was still nice to hear. Speaking of DNA, apparently cats have a forgotten receptor for tasting sweet. They are natural Atkins followers, since carbs do nothing for them. This is why dogs are better.

Moving on, the fact sheet from the doctor was a little longer this month.

Normal Development

Your toddler:

• Communicates happiness, anger, sadness, protests, warmth (√ - all in about a 3 minuite span!)
• Points to 2 body parts; gives and takes a toy, pats a picture in a book (almost √- I think he points to body parts. I mean, he does know feet, definitely. And hands…eyes…head…only not if you say “Harry, point to your elbow.” He doesn’t do that yet. If you tell him to put shoes on his feet, he does. If you tell him “arms up!” the arms go up. I guess that all counts. He definetely gives stuff, and then immediately takes it back! And he touches the hair, whiskers, tails, etc in his animal books).
• Shows functional understanding of objects such as comb, phone, pans, etc. (√ - Did I mention the phone? He can also comb his hair, put a wallet in his “pocket,” use pots and pans and whisks appropriately, put shoes on his feet, drink from cups…he’s got that down.)
• Begins to accept limits (√ - I’d have to say yes to this one. We have taught him to stop throwing his food on the floor most of the time. He knows when he has to count down to bedtime. He knows when we cannot ride his bike all night. He doesn’t always agree with the limits, but sometiems he cooperates).
• Says 4-10 words; uses jargon and gestures while conversing. Indicates wants by pulling, pushing, pointing, grunting and vocalizing. (√ -He knows 25 or more words at this point. The jargon and gesturing is a definite, especially when he is on the phone! He’s also begun putting his hands up as if to say “I don’t know,” covering his face McCauley Culkin style, etc. He pulls and pushes especially when someone is on his exexutive chair or in the driver’s seat. He points. I don’t like the grunting at all. We try to make him use basic words instead. Up. Down. Out. Cup. Eat. He seems to be starting to use simple sentences now. “Hi, PopPop.” Tonight he said “Night, night, Mommy!” I could have sworn he said “I love you” on the phone to Kevin a couple of weeks ago.)

Nutrition

• Choking hazards such as nuts, hot dog slices, raw carrots, whole grapes, large pieces of oranges, popcorn should be given cautiously. (√! Editors' Note: take heed Magoo!)
• Should be eating table foods the remainder of the family is eating. (almost √- he doesn’t like all of it, plus we try to give him healthier things, but we are moving towards it).
• Should be seated while eating (√.)

Stimulation/Toys

• Toddlers may begin “parallel play” which is playing alongside but not necessarily with children. (√- Harry does this. He is used to the kids at daycare. He like sto “pretend share” with other kids. I guess basically he just shows them what he has, and then takes it back. He does this with me too.Sometimes he offers up things a little bit to close, thereby clocking people in the head. Poor Lance got a black eye. I have had a fat lip. A coulel of times.)
• Playground, sandbox, wading pools are favorite past times; foot-powered riding toys, rocking horse, doll carriages, shopping carts are fun. (√).
• Limit TV watching to less than 1-2 hours per day. (√. Harry does not like TV, except, like me, a little bit of the weather channel. Kevin has also reduced his TV watching so that it is rarely even on around Harry. Still, I hope we can get him to watch DVDs on the way to Duck.)
• Read to child each day. (√.)

Harry appears to be right on track. He’s a little bit short, but he is so cute little!

After Harry’s appointment, he looked so dejected. I took a conference call in the car as I drove to the park. We had a picnic lunch but he still didn’t brighten much. He played on the playground equiptment and smiled, but he had obviously been very drained. It was easy to get him past the swings on the way out.

It was not easy to drop him off at Menike’s. Once again, “Et tu, Brute?”

This is why I am the picker-upper!

Wouldn't it suck to go to IKEA every time you moved?

Oh wait! We do go to IKEA every time we move!
But, it's so cheap! We can furnish the whole house and still afford to send Harry to college!
What a deal!

IKEA was PACKED today. I think everyone else was doing what we were: stealing the free AC!

We almost weren't able to leave, though. Harry found a desk with a keyboard and a phone and set up shop, oblivious to the people shopping around him. I blame Kevin.

Your 15 Month Old, from babycenter.com

Guess who turned 15 months old today? I confess, not paying any attention to the date, I thought this “big milestone” was to occur on Monday. That is when his check up with the pediatrician is. Oops! Well, I guess we’ll have his vital stats on Monday, for now, let’s see where he stacks up developmentally…

New this month: Moving forward
Every day you watch your toddler attempt and accomplish something new, but the 15th month is one that pediatricians and developmental experts consider a "milestone" period. Most babies (around 90 percent) are walking now, and it may seem like with her first steps your baby walked right out of babyhood. (I think Kevin would agree with me, Harry never seemed like a baby. He was born a little kid.) Suddenly she wants to sit at the dinner table (please refer to Harry’s World photo of him in his throne) — or stand on a chair at the table — instead of in her highchair (he is so far very happy in his high chair. I think it makes him feel like a big kid, actually), she wants to talk on the telephone (as anyone who has ever met him knows! - but it’s been that way for MANY months now), push the vacuum cleaner (I don’t think Harry has ever seen a vacuum cleaner), anything she can do to help you. Even if she's not totally confident on her feet, she's still very keen to experiment with different ways of moving: climbing, trotting, running, jumping, and ... dawdling. Harry kicks butt on the stairs! I have big rock climbing ambitions for him. Menike refers these happenings as “monkey see, monkey do,” but as of late, Sponge Harry has really started copying everything we do. He tries to put Kevin’s wallet in his usually non-existent back pocket. After a couple of days of watching me put make-up on, he decided coloring his face with marker was a good idea. And I am going to positively dehydrate if he takes one more water bottle away from me!

Shopping and marketing can be challenging during these early stages of toddlerhood, since your mini-explorer is much too curious to be strapped into a grocery cart or stroller (Harry didn’t like his stroller when he was little. He loves it now. I would go so far as to say he is obsessed. But he also enjoys exploring. This behavior is usually reinforced by the free gifts salespeople give him) — she'd much rather stand or walk. (Some babies this age are more content to ride in a backpack.) She also wants to pull things off of shelves and then try to carry the objects while she walks around. While this can be frustrating for you, she's not intentionally trying to cause trouble — she's just putting her new physical skills to the test. (Luckily, Harry is at school playing with his friends during the day, so he is not usually stuck running errands and food shopping).

What you can do
If your baby is walking with confidence, it won't take much encouragement from you to get her to take some bigger steps. For a safe, fun outing, get a large lightweight ball, like a beach ball, and head to a grassy place where there's a gentle slope. Toss the ball up the hill and then when it rolls back toward you, show your toddler how to catch it. She may not catch it very often, but she will have a great time trying to chase it down. (Harry is a fairly good catcher. This sounds like a fun activity though. No idea where we will find a hill in Alexandria though).

If your toddler is still wobbly on her feet, she may enjoy pushing around an activity walker toy. She'll soon build up the confidence to walk freely on her own.

Other developments: Busy hands
Keys, pencils, lipsticks, a watch, anything you have in your wallet: All are likely to be fascinating to your toddler. (OH YEAH!!!) Not just because they're fun to look at, but because she sees you using such objects and she wants to do the same. The problem is, you might not want her trying on your lipstick! (Hence, the marker). Your challenge is to find ways to satisfy her need to mimic the things she sees you do, but safely. Consider getting her a set of plastic keys all her own. (Oh, okay! What kid does that work for?) You can also give her an old purse of yours and put in a hairbrush and comb, and maybe an old wallet. (He’s already got the old cell phones).

There are plenty of other ways to keep your toddler's hands occupied for more than a minute or two. For example, fill a laundry basket with odds and ends, such as plastic containers and lids, paper towel or toilet paper cores, empty cereal boxes (with plastic liners removed), and so on. She'll love getting her hands on — and trying to figure out how to use — objects that look like they have a purpose. (Nah, I prefer expensive toys that serve the same purpose. I think they are nicer for me to look at. Who wants to look at garbage tossed around their living room?)

New this month: Pay attention to meeeee!
(That’s new?) Whirlwind. It's a word that aptly describes a typical 15-month-old, and life with a toddler this age is never dull. His attention is equally divided between his toys and you. Children thrive on their parents' attention, and if you happen to leave the area where he's playing, he'll come looking for you within a few minutes (if we are lucky) because he wants to know that you're paying attention to him. "See! See!" is probably a common refrain in your house as your child tries to balance his drive to be more independent with his need to know he can depend on you.

Until now, your toddler has been preoccupied with checking out his surroundings and the objects in his world. Now he's just as curious about the effects of his behavior on other people (Harry has always been more interested in people than things…of course, now he is into reactions, such as what happens if he clocks you in the head with a cordless phone. He is usually very pleased with the response. Dimples and everything. I am told that there is not an emotional connection here. He is not happy to have hurt you, he is happy that he caused an effect), and his connection with you is vital to his confidence. During this period of social exploration you may see him trying to get your attention anyway he can. He'll shout, imitate gestures he sees you and other adults making, pinch, poke, shove, whine, and cry, all in an attempt to see how you react, and what it takes for him to get what he wants. He will quickly realize that various behaviors get different results from the adults who surround him. He may learn that he gets what he wants faster if he laughs instead of whines. Or that whining will get him what he wants from his grandfather (PopPop, are you listening???), but not from his mom or dad. This experimentation is all part of socialization, and if you are consistent with enforcing limits, he'll soon learn which behaviors are acceptable and which aren't. (I am a sucker for the dimples though. Luckily, I am not the bad cop).

What you can do
The wilder things your child does to maintain his connection with you and your attention on him may be more annoying and frustrating for you than for your toddler. Really listening when your toddler is trying to tell you something and giving him as much attention as you can may head off a great deal of whining and screaming, but when you've reached your limit you may simply need to remove yourself from the room. Put your toddler in his crib or playpen and step out for a few minutes, take a few deep breaths, and take a moment to remind yourself that he's going through a phase.

Consider getting involved in a playgroup that includes some children who are slightly older than yours. Preschool-age children are capable of engaging their younger friends in pretend play, and yours may enjoy being with kids who are willing to take a "leadership" role in play (Harry much prefers older kids, aged 3-5. I do too. They play very well together. Playing with 1 or 2 year olds can be challenging, especially when those kids are, um, not the best behaved. Luckily, the ones he plays with the most usually are. Those kids don’t push him off of his slide or throw sand in his face. His favorite kids are probably the nephew at daycare, Solan, and Dominic and Isabella. Isabella is only two, but she is used to older kids. I think she is also intrigue by Harry. He’s her pet). Playing with a mixed-age group can also be a great way for the younger ones to learn about cooperation.

If your child is reluctant to let you out of his sight, a small group of two or three children who are your child's same age will probably suit your toddler best, and once he's gotten used to "playing" with one or two other children his own age, it will be easier for him to be away from you.

Other developments: A budding sense of humor, Mom vs. Dad, and nightmares
Everyone loves a clown, and your 15-month-old already realizes this. Once he recognizes that a certain behavior — dancing, crawling like a baby, doing somersaults — gets a positive response from you, he'll do it over and over not just because he can, but because he loves to be the center of attention. After a silly dance performance, for instance, he'll look around the room just to see what kind of effect his moves have had on the audience, and if he has everyone's attention, he'll offer an encore.

Don't be surprised if your toddler already seems to treat you and your spouse differently. Whichever parent he spends the most time with will be the one he demands more of and is hardest on. (I think this must be Kevin. Poor Kevin doesn’t get as many grins and giggles…but I think that Kevin is who Harry goes to when he is sleepy or if he falls and gets hurt). If Mom's around more, Dad will be treated like someone special, and vice versa. While this may make one of you feel jealous, know that it's normal and is your child's way of testing out his relationship with each of you. Family dynamics, and your child's shifting loyalties (they totally shift! He’s very fair weather, not unlike Bailey), will be more and more evident during the next few months as he becomes increasingly independent.

Finally, as toddlers begin to experiment with imaginative play, they also sometimes start to have nightmares. A 15-month-old is reaching an age where he can start to think on a symbolic level and is able to transform reality into fantasy (not that he could explain this to you!). It will be several years before your child can distinguish between dreams and reality. Since he probably can't use words to tell you about his dreams, you'll have to rely on unusual behaviors to alert you. Children who are stressed or anxious (usually related to tension in the family or problems with daycare or preschool) are prone to nightmares (Isabella had several nightmares about snakes after coming in contact with a plastic one. Harry wakes up at the end of his REM cycles. I am convinced it is because of bad dreams). If your usually sound sleeper awakens crying in the night and can't tell you why he's upset, try talking to him in a soothing voice and rubbing his back until he settles down (thanks for the advice, she says sarcastically).

At this age, all you can do is comfort your child and perhaps establish some sort of routine to banish the "monsters" from his room. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests reading your toddler some stories about dreams and sleep, such as In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak, to help him understand that they're nothing to be afraid of. (I think we’ll just watch Monsters, Inc, and do lots of Scary Feet to get rid of them…and get a quad workout in the process!).

Sometimes these things are useful. This one, not so much. Ah well.

I am not as competitive about Harry’s milestones as I used to be. I guess I can say that, since he is usually textbook on so many of them. Anything he is advanced on, I’d have to say is most likely just from being around the other kids at daycare. Solan, of course, is the coolest. He is three, and Harry is so excited on the days he is there. He goes to pre-school now, so it is usually just afternoons or off days. Reenie and the other little girl are just part timers. They seem to get along well. Both are two. They usually hang out with Susanna. She is also two. The girls are very cute these days. They hang out together in their little dresses and swing. Interesting that the boys and girls already seem to have segregated themselves to some extent. Sid/Sage/whatever his name is (I really should email someone about what these kids names are. It is hard to understand Menike’s accent sometimes.) and Susanna are full timers like Harry. They seem comfortable being the regulars. This also means that they either seem to be kind of ignoring each other or annoying each other. I figure it is because they are always together. The boys seem to do more active things, while the girls can stay in one place. Now that I am writing this, I am only just realizing it. For the short periods of time that I am there with them, it seems like the boys cover more area.

Harry is still working on his coloring. He also uses paper, not just his face. He likes to climb around on the playground equipment at Menike’s. He likes to hang out in the blanket cabinet in his room and play peekabo. And he loves long rides in his stroller or on his bike. And straw cups.

He dislikes cottage cheese. He dislikes being told “No.” He dislikes having to play inside during the day. And he hates being stuck in his car seat for more than 2.5 hours. I hope we can convince him to like DVDs again before our 6 hour drive to Duck!

This is what happens when Kim travels, and I get to make dinner...

Well now!

Before adding a The End to my contributions on Harry’s World, I decided to go for a run. Running reminded me of a time when I was “less intense.”

I thought back to that time when I exercised with friends for several hours each day, followed a proper yeast-free zone diet day, burned sage, only read People at the dentist’s office, enjoyed the company of neighbors, and had time to sleep. I didn’t worry so much about being fired, being fat or being unfriendly. I didn’t worry so much about failing. I suppose I didn’t have as far to fall. If I did, I had the energy to climb back up. And the time.

Unbeknownst to me, or perhaps not so much, I have let “The Negatives” slip in and affect me.

At work, it’s easy to think I am not doing a good job. After all, I work in a vacuum. I’ve been too busy to check in with others to find out what obstacles they are dealing with.

Physically, I weigh what I did pre-Harry, but I do not feel “in shape.” My chiropractor swears I am, and I am told by certain instructors I am a “star pupil” but I seem to be butting heads with my fitness regime, and acquiring injuries in the process. My advice to others would be “slow and sure” but that method is frustrating. Marathoners shouldn’t struggle to run a mile.

I’ve been letting the foods I eat fatigue me (yeast and dairy). I eat what I tell others not to. I’ve almost given Harry fries on several occasions (thank you, Kevin, for stepping in and guiding me in my moment of weakness!).

Worst of all, in my weakened state, I’ve let “The Negatives” get to me. These are the people who obviously are not as comfortable in their own shoes as they would like to be. These are the people who like to bring others down. J.K. Rowling might call them “Dementors.”

I’ve decided to be rid of them once more. Healthy foods for Harry. Healthy thoughts for me. Warm fuzzies all around. So, don’t talk to me if you are going to be glum, unless you want a hand up. Don’t question my beliefs, unless you want an explanation. Don’t offer me pizza, because it is kryptonite to my body and soul.

Kevin, Harry and I had a blast at Disney World last February. With all of the busy-ness in our lives, we need more quiet time together. I was sober for my 30^th birthday, and stuck in a car all day at the close of it. This year I plan to be on a beach when the winter solstice rolls around and leads me to the year 32. Keeping Harry’s needs in mind, I think I will check out Beaches Resorts. This won’t be the first December I’ve spent with Elmo.

We also plan to be home for Christmas.

Cookie Monster!

With the recent addition of Mushu, their one month old bearded dragon, the Brockways are looking for new homes for their other pets. Victoria (bunny) gets to stay, but the birds have to go.

Anyone looking for a parakeet?

Harry was the lucky recipient of their goldfish, Cookie, newly named Cookie Monster McDermott.

As hard as you try...
Blog's almost always become misinterpreted by someone.
I guess you can't please everyone.

I think it is very important to have differing opinions. I just get annoyed that there are one or two people out there that really bring me down. One of them, I have to see nearly every day.
This person is just very rude about her own views, making me dislike evrything that she represents.
I guess I should take a lesson from her about what not to do. And pass THAT lesson on to Harrison.

***This blog is not intended to offend, in any way, any friends or relatives who may happen to be Democrats. This does not necessarily make you a freak. Although, if you are a friend or relative of ours, THAT may make you a freak, but in a different way. The freaks in question are those who sit cross-legged at the student union, in the path of those of us using sidewalks.

Random Thoughts for a Person Named Kelly

While I have often been accused of thinking in loopy/twirly/Phoebe-like circles, I am a huge fan of the outline and believe I actually think in straight lines. Very FAST straight lines. I tend to speak in highlights, leaving out some of the dialogue. It works great when you don’t have a lot of time, which I never seem to have, but it’s not so good when you are giving presentations, or speaking to folks who value a good story. I know it is rude to finish people’s sentences, but lots of things are rude these days and people seem to overlook them. Wearing flip flops at the airport has got to be up there.

I am in Atlanta at the moment. Many of you may recall Atlanta is my least favorite airport. I like the African Art between the concourses. There is always good shopping (you can buy ipods from vending machines!). Plenty of flights if you miss yours. But, of course, that is the problem. Lots of missed flights from Atlanta.

I actually was at the Medical College of Georgia today, in Augusta. I drove. It is over 2 and a half hours, but flights into Atlanta never fail to be delayed. I like to get home.

Along those lines, I applied for a new position in my company at 2 AM this morning. I don’t know exactly how long the position would be for, but it is advertised as a home based position reviewing reports (primarily). May sound dull, but I entered Maryland as a Journalism major, switched to English…I actually LOVE this kind of stuff! And I would still have the flexibility of being home based, and also keep ALL of my PTO time. PLEASE do whatever you can to get me this job. I may have to work some Wiccan Magick. Or maybe schedule a time where everyone can think white thoughts and stomp out the other candidates. How about July 21, 9 AM. Is everybody free? This would mean I could see my little Bug, and my big Muffin, every single day! And Bailey.

If this doesn’t work out, perhaps we can open a B&B at our house. We can call it “The Dulles Inn” and maintain an open door policy for all friends and relatives trapped without a flight! Yes, we had the pleasure of entertaining yet another who was stuck in the area. This time, Meg’s boyfriend Ian from Seattle by way of South Carolina en route to Philly. This was the first time Kevin got to meet them. I got to say hey, and then grabbed a cab to DCA, conveniently giving the boys some alone time to bond.

Apparently sister in law Meghan made it to town by 7:15 AM this morning. Seattle time, she must have woken up at midnight to get to our house. I missed her, but if all goes well we will all be meeting up on Sunday in PA before they head home. And after a trip to Point Pleasant. No swimming in Creeks there though. Too close to Matawan Shark attacks.

Browsed the book store again…found yet another intriguing Boynton book: Yay, you! It reads like Oh, the places you’ll go and is obviously a book for grads. I don’t seem to know any at the moment though. Maybe I can stash a copy for CJ? I still may pick up a copy for the little bug. It is also a story about how people choose different paths. It kind of tells a story about how it is okay to be a freak if that is what you want to be, and it is also okay if you choose to be successful.

I think success is a choice. I also think freaks are mean. Here are my thoughts on freaks: They tend to be very judgmental, and subtly nasty. There is so much talk about Mean Girls and Queen Bees and Frat Guys and Jocks…I think it is the freaks who make the world a bad place. They are usually the ones complaining about the president, complaining about Americans wearing shorts, complaining about cheerleaders and complaining about moms who work…but know what? It’s never the football team that blows up a high school (I am sure any freaks reading this are probably thinking the football team could not build a bomb). As far as I can tell, there aren’t many prom queens who grow up to be suicide bombers. I am not interested in creating some brave new world where everyone thinks the same, but I think maybe there should be socialization camps for freaks. Start them early. Teach people it is okay to be happy.

Maybe it is the Republican in me. I have two cows, my neighbor has none. So what? I worked hard for those cows, and feeling guilty about it will only shorten my life span. Eating strawberries and blueberries and spinach will improve it, and also help ward off Alzheimer’s. So will exercise. Both physical and mental. So, the title of this blog is to get your brain working and keep your brain strong. And because Kelly was complaining it’s been a while since I’d posted ;-)

In case you didn't see the link, check out Harry in the sprinkler

Quicktime Required... 2.3 MB File, so it may take a while on a slow connection.

New Stuff

Harry can now kick/dribble a beach ball.

Did I mention he can clap his hands and say “Yaaay!”? It’s been a while for that one.

He can remind me to “Go” when the light turns green.

He also says “Okey, dokey” and “Okay.”

This is fun!

The Green Towel

It took me a few hours to figure it out, but now that I did, I think it is the cutest thing ever!

There was a green towel lying on the floor by the door.

The towel is usually only used to dry Harry off at the pool.

Today he insisted that this towel be used to dry Bailey off.

I ordered her to cooperate, as Harry was becoming increasingly irritated, and she reluctantly followed suit.

She was already dry, so I could understand her reluctance.

I helped Harry pat her with the towel, and a big grin spread across his face.

I feel like I need to wake him up now and apologize for not realizing his genius at the time, or at least his recollection.

This morning I had used the towel to dry Bailey off while Harry watched.

It was first thing this morning when she usually dashes in for breakfast, so she was not in the mood to be sidetracked.

I had an irritated tone of voice and ordered her to remain still.

This is precisely what Harry did this afternoon!

How cute is that! My little sponge! He’s so smart!

And we are in so much trouble!

If we don’t start being more careful, we may soon be living with an Osbourne!

In other Harry news, he is still able to climb up the back of his slide and go down all by himself, but now he is able to climb into his swing by himself as well!

He’s the greatest!

We also spent some time chasing Bailey in circles, and Harry falling in the grass. He loves it. Makes him giggle.

Hello from BabyCenter!

The folks at Babycenter.com say that "Ball," "dog," and "cat" may be your child's favorite — and only — words at this point, though some early talkers may have as many as 20 words in their vocabulary. This information is for a 14 month old. Obviously, then, Harry is an early talker. Cool! He may have waited to start walking at a textbook age of 13 months, but he definitely knows at least 20 words. If your toddler can use the words she knows at the right time, that's a sure sign she's beginning to articulate what's going on around her. Oh, he knows what’s going on around him. I just hope Kevin and I are smart enough to direct his powers towards the side of good (we’ve not been so lucky with Bailey. She uses her skills primarily to steal pizza). For instance, if you pass a dog on the sidewalk and she points and calls out "Dog!" in delight, cheer her on. Though my dad will not admit it, Kevin and I each heard Harry say “Hi, PopPop” a couple of times while talking to my dad on the phone the other day. He says things like “Milk” for his milk. He’s been saying “Night, night” in association with his crib for some time (usually with a “No” in front of it). He also pointed to the river the other day and the golf course and said “River” and “Golf.” I should think Grandpa Magoo would be please about the latter. Harry usually gets, um, antsy as we go through the construction and traffic delays in Old Town, so I started pointing out familiar spots to show him we were close to home. He then would point to the river and say “river,” and the golf course and say “golf.” I was quite pleased. Don't be discouraged if she sometimes uses the same word for other furry animals with tails. That's an indication that she's learning to group things together. Harry definitely says “Hi” to everyone…he also sometimes says hi to stop signs and trashcans as we pass. Just say the correct word in a matter-of-fact tone ("That's a horse, honey. Horses are bigger than dogs"), and she'll soon pick up on it too. In fact, pointing to an object and saying its name out loud is a great way for you to help build your toddler's vocabulary and comprehension. We are working on this a little bit…but I confess, I don’t see the point in a complete knowledge of farm animals. Having him sit in the executive chair and type on the keyboard seems far more practical. Soon, I can train him on my computer system, and he can do my typing while I lounge on the porch swing with a tasty beverage that may or may not include Kettle One.