Hula Hands

Funny Girl.  She has a new move.  "Hulla Hands"  About half way through the video.

Dyllan Walking

Well it was only a few steps- but you get the idea!

16 Months and edHelperBaby

Double fisting her colored pencils

Some time ago I subscribed to this weekly email series- edHelperBaby.  Most weeks I read or at least skim through them- and I have been super impressed with all the useful information they share.  Its funny to think that kids tend to go through the same stages around (Dyllan may be a little behind most of these weekly emails..) the same times.  Anyway, I thought I might incorporate a few into my blog- and throw in my comments as to where Dyllan is according to this series (I'm sure most of you wont be interested in this- but if you are- its kind of fun to see- so read on)

Dyllan: 16 months

Your second week with a 16-month-old toddler (Part II of IV)

By Shelley Feldman, edHelperBaby

Let the Show Begin!

If you thought these past 15 months were fun....be prepared to be amazed and truly entertained!  Right around the 16 month mark, so many new and exciting things are beginning to happen. Um, teething?   Your child recently began to understand that he is an independent and separate entity from you, and despite the slight sadness that a parent may feel at this time, you now have a front row seat to the best show in the world.  Your baby has now begun to develop into a little, yet real person, becoming more and more aware of who he is and what he is all about.  Now is the time when you will start to catch glimpses of his funny little personality slowly beginning to emerge, and in front of your very own eyes, you will be witness to your child's own remarkable evolution.  Most importantly, be prepared to laugh more than you've ever laughed before, and love more than you've ever loved before.  Just a word of caution though, from one parent to another...these days you will see your toddler trying to imitate everything you do and say, and it's time to begin watching what you say and do around your little eaves dropper and peeping tom.  Don't heed my warning, and you may be shocked at what he ends up repeating to the clerk at the grocery store checkout!

The Onset of Self-Awareness

As your 16-month-old toddler's skills and abilities continue to flourish, he is beginning to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and independence.  As an infant, he did not have the ability to distinguish himself as separate from you, and was completely and utterly defenseless against the world.  Now, by utilizing his five senses to examine and explore, he has learned that he is his own little person capable of doing amazing things. Your clever little toddler is now able to understand that you are an extension of himself, and will utilize this to his advantage.  You will now feel your child pushing and pulling you towards objects which are out of his reach, and grasping at your hand for guidance when trying to navigate over difficult terrain. Yeah, Dyllan uses my hand and puts it where she wants it- for example if she cant open something- she will grab my hand and put it on the object.        If it hasn't started already, you can now expect to see your child trying to carry objects twice his own size and weight, and be adamant about succeeding at every new challenge. Not yet- shes too busy pushing objects around and using them as her walkers.  Let your 16-month-old make numerous attempts, and allow for some healthy struggling (as long as he's safe) along the way.  Be prepared for a little "frustration" from him when he is unsuccessful, but be right there to help when he's ready to accept it.  Remember the old adage...if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again (and again, and again, and again)?  Well, now is the first time of many for you and your child when it rings true.  You are now beginning to witness the development of problem-solving skills, and it is also a great opportunity to begin building up his self-esteem.            Toddlers at this age also love to help, so it is a perfect opportunity to let him be your little assistant. Yup- she is my PA, my sous chef, my gym buddy, my secretary, my maid- especially loves laundry.  Don't set your hopes too high though, he's not going to help you build an extension on your house tonight, but he may be able to follow simple instructions, like hand something to you when asked, or help out in his own way like handing you a Goldfish or Cheerio for a job well done.  Praise your child for success, and commend him for trying even when he is met with failure.

The Emerging Personality of Your Toddler

By now you've probably noticed that your perfect angel is beginning to develop quite a little personality. Yup.  It's time to lay your mind reading skills to rest for a few years, as his ability to say what's on his mind and express likes and dislikes will increase every day.  Despite being an amazing time in the development of your toddler, be prepared for an increase in tantrums as well.  As I'm sure you already know, toddlers at this age can become very frustrated when things don't go their way.        The question I have recently found myself asking is, when should a parent let go and when should they hold on? I havent really been asking myself this question.. I am fully aware that it seems early to start asking this question, but in desperate search of an answer, I'm starting to believe that once again it's that delicate balancing act that we as parents must continuously perform, allowing our children to develop a sense of independence, while always wanting to protect them a little longer.  When a child's personality begins to emerge, parents should continue to encourage achievement, positively reward him, and show enthusiasm for his accomplishments.  Provide him with ample time to figure things out for himself (as long as safety is not an issue), let him make a few mistakes along the way, and then sit back and watch the new "smile of mastery" spread across your child's face when he finally succeeds. Dyllan loves positive reinforcement- I guess who doesnt.  She is soo proud of herself when she figures something out.  For example- as a way to get her to stop squirming while changing her diaper- I taught her to roll her ankles- and to "point and flex" her feet.  She now knows this skill- and I often catch her sitting down with one foot in the air- rolling her ankle.  It makes me laugh- out loud- and when she sees me laughing- she claps for herself.  Good work, Dyllan, good work.  On a side note- a few months ago when I took Dyllan down to the Dr. to get her all checked out- he informed me that she was "very flexible" he was really surprised to see how flexible she was- and told us that we should watch out- she could roll an ankle and hurt herself pretty easily (which didnt really make sense- because if she is flexible- shouldn't it be harder to injure yourself?! ).  Well maybe working on this skill will help prevent that injury?!        Believe it or not, besides the emergence of your 16-month-old's endearing personality, they may also begin to use those "magic words" we all love to hear.  Now, don't expect miracles overnight, but your toddler is now ready to start learning a little etiquette.  Most likely, you will hear "peas" and "tank oo" but it's a start.  As you already know, your child is watching you ever so closely, and becoming an expert at mimicking.  If you set a good example, your child will most likely follow.

Playtime and Socializing

The precious moments of you being your child's only friend are slowly beginning to dwindle.  As a parent, it was natural for you to be your toddler's first playmate, and because of the beautiful relationship that the two of you have developed, he has learned how to appropriately interact with other people.  Now it is his turn to learn how to play games, communicate, and make friends with other little toddlers his age, and continue to build on the first experiences he has had with you.  At 16 months your toddler is constantly exploring the world around him, and as his ability to communicate increases and improves, he is beginning to understand how fun it can be to interact with others.  Just remember, children have vast personalities and your child may be shy and appear timid, or may be outgoing and boisterous.  Be aware of your toddler's level of comfort and discomfort around people, and teach him how to play with others if he doesn't quite seem to understand.  It can be a scary place outside of the safety zone that the two of you have created over the past 15 months, and it can take time to feel comfortable away from you.        When your child takes a chance and finally leaves the safety of your side, don't be surprised if you see him sitting side-by-side with a new playmate, yet playing entirely on his own.  This type of play, referred to as "parallel play," is actually the very first step you'll see when children actually begin to play together.  Needless to say, don't worry when you see this, within a few months you will begin to notice that your toddler and other toddlers begin to interact together, and stop playing alongside one another in their own little perfect worlds. Its interesting that they point this out- cause Dyllan does just that- she plays in her own little world when she is with other kids her age.  If I play with her- and interact with her- and encourage her to interact with me- she will.  But with kids her age- they totally do this" parallel play" thing.  When kids steal her toys- or food- it usually doesn't bug her too much- except for on Monday- when this kid (20 months ) Freddie came over and stole her frozen peas- she pushed him away.  When he came back in for more- she pushed him harder- and when he just wouldn't leave her alone- she slapped his hand and looked over at me and started crying.  Ha.  Freddie's dad then told Freddie to come get a cookie for Dyllan and give it to her.  Dyllan stopped crying and took the cookie and everything was fine.  Maybe she is learning at an early age- sharing is ok.. but when someone is trying to take advantage of your generosity- its just not ok... unless they give you something in return.

Activity

The Hokey Pokey/Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes/Ring Around the Rosey            As your toddler continues to want to try new things, and his ability to interact and communicate with others improves, it's time to try a few new games.  Here are a few activities, which may actually hold your 16-month-old's attention a little longer than you may expect.  These basic singing games encourage a new level of interaction that your toddler is more able to enjoy and participate in now.  They are also wonderful ways to begin teaching your 16-month-old different body parts and how to begin playing along with others.            The Hokey Pokey (Keep it basic and simple.)        "You put your hands in, you put your hands out, you put your hands in, and you shake them all about, you do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around, that's what it's all about."        Continue to repeat this song but replace lyrics with body parts that they know and are familiar with.            Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Start slowly, then as your little one gets the hang of it, try to speed up.)        "Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes        And eyes and ears and mouth and nose        Head, shoulders, knees and toes."            Ring Around the Rosey(Hold hands with your toddler and walk slowly around in a circle, then at the end fall gently to the ground.)        "Ring around the rosey, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down!" These are good ideas- Dyllan doesnt walk yet- so ring around the Rosey will be a little tricky- but she does enjoy pointing out peoples ears, eyes, nose..  So the first two should be do-able.

Have you begun to wonder....

How do I help to build my child's self-esteem?      Not really.  I think Dyllan's self-esteem is doing fine.  Although she does enjoy a good praise- and often claps for herself.        According to the "experts," parenting styles that are based on respect, empathy, and responsiveness appear to be most effective in fostering a healthy sense of self, and serve as a strong foundation for future relationships.  It's been said that successful parenting involves remaining sensitive to a child's feelings, even when they are in conflict with your own, or expressed at an inconvenient time.  Parents who are able to consistently provide a shoulder to cry on when a child most needs it, and provide the appropriate levels of freedom and structure seem to be playing their cards right.  It always seems to come back to the delicate balancing act of trying to raise a child in this day and age, with the least amount of heartache along the way.        Part of self-esteem is self-confidence.  Praising a child can build them up, but be cautious because if the praise isn't genuine, your child will see right through it, and firm limits can actually do much more to build self-esteem than half hearted compliments.  Instead try to assist your little one in learning to cope with a range of emotions, and to understand that it's alright to feel whatever it is that he is feeling.  A little validation goes a long way, even at the ripe old age of 16 months.        Lastly, and possibly most importantly, respecting your child is an essential part of building self-esteem.  Just like love, giving respect comes full circle eventually.  So, try your best to listen through the babble, focus your attention on the exciting things that he is discovering every day, and find some time in your busy schedule to just sit and be with him in his own little world.  Turn off the television, realize that the laundry isn't going anywhere and the dishwasher can be emptied later.  Life through the eyes of a 16-month-old can be truly refreshing and a lot less complicated than the lives we have created for ourselves.        Don't ever forget that there is no such thing as the "perfect" parent.  Parenting just can not, and does not ever go exactly as planned, and it's best to be prepared for a few little surprises along the way.

16 Months and Counting

Wow- its hard to believe Dyllan is already 16 months old!  I remember thinking it was so silly when people referred to their kids by "months old" after 1.  But now I understand.  Each month is really so different from the one before.  16 months is so much different than 15 months.. I can't believe how quickly they can change.

As I'm sitting here typing this- Like and successful woman- Dyllan is multi- tasking - coloring with her colored pencils in her notebook while playing the keyboard, talking to herself, and watching Hi-5.

This month has definitely been a fun one- with lots of changes and a new sense of independence and freedom.  Dyllan can now push just about any object across the room- using it as her walker.  Some of her favorite objects to push include chairs- her bug scooter, her horse scooter, her walking toy, the laundry basket, her toy box.. She doesn't let carpets or walls get in her way- in fact she has become quite skilled at maneuvering her walking devices around.  Her little abs have to be working on overload!  She cracks us up when she cruises down the driveway- doing little peel-outs to avoid running into things.

Dyllan is learning and talking.  One of her favorite activities is reading- especially when it comes to learning new animals and their sounds.  She now knows what a snake says... "ssssss", a Bear "rarrr", a dog "ufff ufff" (she says this one ALL the time! She loves dogs!)- a tiger also "rarrrr"- She can say "boo", "dog", "dada", "mamma", "whale", "uh-oh", "dis".  She sings herself to sleep most nights.  I can usually hear her chirping away for about a half hour before she drifts off to sleep.  I still give her a bottle (with water and a splash of apple juice) at bedtime- I know I need to stop it.. but its become a big part of her bedtime routine- she grabs for the bottle- and is happily lying down drinking when I turn off the light.  Maybe I should phase out of this habit- starting this month.  She knows how to drink out of a sippy cup- and most of the time she drinks from that during the day.

Dyllan saw herself in the camera- and gave herself a smile.

Dyllan is mommy's little "helper".  She enjoys sitting on the counter "helping" prepare dinner- or just eating whats on the cutting board- and making a mess out of the ingredients.  When she isn't on top of the counter- you can find her in "her cupboard" which is the big corner cupboard with all kinds of neat things- beans, cans, crackers, baby bottles, sippy cups, raisins, pretty much anything thats not breakable- that goes in a pantry.  She enjoys pulling each item out- one by one.. Her other favorite spot in the kitchen is the Tupperware drawer- although she's smashed her fingers one too many times shutting it- and its close to the oven- so I usually try to steer her toward her pantry.

Dyllan wheeled her bug over to her cabinet so she could sit down while playing.  Smart girl.

She will play in her cabinet for a while- then this is what happens....

Climbing up me...

Monkey climbing a tree

This is what I get - a little green bug clinging to my legs.

Back to work.

Busy again.

 Dyllan also loves to "help" with the laundry.  Her favorite is when I dump a whole basket of laundry out- and let her sort the clothes- she usually starts by putting them on her head (her favorite is my underwear)- then transfers them back into the basket.  I am not sure if she's trying to dress herself- or just being silly.  But she does the same thing every time.  Dyllan is also really helpful when we put on her dvd's.  She will press all the buttons on the TV, DVD player, and remote if she can get to them.  I have put up a barricade so that she can't get to them as easily.  She still sometimes worms her way through.


Dyllan is a climber.  Stairs, tables, toys, she climbs them all.  She's gotten pretty fast at climbing the stairs- and if I don't look out- she is half way up them by the time I get to her.  Although she knows how to back down the stairs.. I don't trust her yet.  More often than not- she tries to go face forward down the stairs.  She has no fear.  Yet.  Having said that though- she's been pretty lucky in the way of staying safe.  She'd only had one big fall- and  that was at kids club about 2 weeks ago-  when she climbed up on top of the little picnic table- and fell off face first- landing on her nose.  She got a bloody nose- and had a little cry- but by the time I came to get her she was happy as a clam- so nothing major yet- thank god.

At Monday playgroup- Dyllan surprises everyone with her energy.  Having come from and hour and a half at the kids club straight to playgroup- you'd think she might slow down.. just a little.  Nope.  She doesn't stop.  And lately, she doesn't even want to sit still  long enough to finish her lunch.  She prefers to eat on the go- a fist full of food while driving her mini car- or pushing her walker toy around.  One dad told me something interesting this week at mom's group (well I guess its not mom's group- its playgroup- cause there is oneDyllan is working on that- but she cant purposely put them together.  She kind of accidentally does.  Then claps for herself and fake laughs!  Hah.  Another thing Dyllan has picked up:  fake laughing.  Its soo funny.  Who is she trying to fool?!

Dyllan loves praise and attention.  She looks for praise in everything she does.  And if people are too slow to give her praise- she simply gives it to herself- by clapping her hands and laughing with bright happy eyes.

 I would say her favorite part  of the day is her bath time.  She has learned to put her face in the water and blow bubbles.  Each time she dunks under and blows a bubble- she pops her head straight back up- looks right over at me and smiles with this look in her eyes- as to say "ohmygosh, isn't that the coolest trick ever?!  Aren't I amazing!! "  so I clap and say "yay!!"  and she claps too- so excited she could just squeal!  She loves to splash- and make lots of waves in the tub.  As you can imagine- I don't stay too dry.  We have 3 books (all suuuupppppper boring!!) that go in the bath.  They are each about 6 pages long- and only have 1 word on them.  2 of the books are aquatic animals (that don't make sounds- so I cant really teach her any new animal noises with these:  starfish, seahorse, whale, fish, penguin, etc)  and the third book is some baby bear who goes on a car ride.  She has learned to do "fish lips" though!! I better see if i can find some new tubby toys.  I am getting bored- but Dyllan is not the least bit sick of them.  Ugh- same goes for her books on her book shelf.  She wants to read them over and over and over again... Its time to hit the garage sales in search of some new books (cant really trust her with the library ones anymore- after "the incident".)

Just another Pig - out.

Dyllan's hair is finally starting to come in.  She still gets mistaken for a boy- almost daily.  Even when dressed head to toe in PINK.  Are people really that dumb?!  Just cause she doesn't have much hair- doesn't make her a boy.  haha.  It blows my mind.

Favorite foods:  Pretty much anything she can feed herself.  Avocados are still her favorite.  She loves sweet potato fries, vegetables (any- as long as they are somewhat fresh and/or somewhat warm - or frozen), chickpea burgers, spaghetti, mushrooms, sushi (LOVES sushi!), popcorn, sandwiches (tuna melts, pb and jelly, avocado and Tahini), pizzas (apparently at daycare she asked for seconds! embarrassing.), anything from Yunny and Lozzo's house- cookies, muffins, bread, raisins.. I guess shes a pretty good eater.  Although- when she is full- or done- or doesn't want something- she makes a spitting noise and shakes her head viciously in disgust.  She will NOT eat that.  She is stubborn in that way.

Dancing is one of Dyllan's specialties.  She will pull out her sesame street keyboard and DJ while dancing for quite a while.  Its so funny to watch her.  Dancing doest stop with the keyboard.  Whenever we are driving- and a song she likes comes on- she casually bops her head.. then gets into it- bounding and swaying to the beat in her car seat.  Its so funny- but as soon as I go to take a video of photo- or even if we look at her for too long- she stops and pretends she wasn't doing anything.  Maybe shes a little self conscious.

Although shes close- Dyllan is STILL. NOT. WALKING.  16 months.  Almost there- but still not walking on her own.  I tell the other parents at the park that she's too busy doing math problems and reading to waste her time and energy on immature things like walking.  That usually shuts them up.

Dyllan is becoming more and more of a little person- with a mind of her own- will of her own- and a little sense of humor.  She makes us laugh every day.  Its hard to imagine life without this little clown.

Dancing

So serious.

Dyllan learned to do "fish lips"- haha!

Reading a celebrity gossip magazine while I get ready

Captain Dyllan Bug

Flying Fox park- one of our favorites.

Playing in the bathroom cupboard- she loves to take everything out.  Clearly- so fun!
(all photos in this outfit are from this morning)

In Dad's bottom junk drawer.  Also so fun.  

Goggles on- time to go swimming.

Ready for a swim with Dad!

Upside down goggles

Photos from Lately

"Ommmm"- Haha!! We went to this Mind, Body, Spirit Expo thinking it would be fun to check out the free yoga- and it turned out it was a crazy person's expo- complete with healing crystals, sleeping herbs, palm readers, insense stands, psychics, and tie-died capes!  Dan and I could NOT believe our eyes!  Even Dyllan was in a trance by the end.  Needless to say- we only stayed a few min.  And thank god out tickets let us into the Sydney Home show for free.  HAHA.

Reading her Elephant book.  Dyllan loves books that either make noise or have something to move or feel.  This one makes a loud elephant trump!

Like Mother, like Daughter... Dyllan found my secret stash of gummy worms.. and I busted her snarfing them  down.  

Cool- Sussex Bottle Shop- downtown Sydney.

Playing at the park.  Dyllan will no longer sit in her stroller patiently.  She is a wiggle worm full of energy- and she must get out and be FREE.

On an afternoon walk with Dijiri- the water looked so pretty.  Just behind us is the dog park with a swimming beach- Mylo- this one is for you, girl!

Dijiri and Dyllan.  Love the school uniforms!

See those?  Those are knee pads- so she doesn't ruin another pair of pants.. because SHES NOT WALKING!!  Haha- I swear if she isn't walking by July when we come home- I will shoot myself.  There is no way I can handle her crawling up and down the airplane isles.. she has 52 days to get her act together.

Dyllan and I inspecting the goods after last Thursdays trip to Bakers D'Light... ughhhh so much for not stocking up on bread and pasteries.  That only latest about a week.

Over the weekend Dan, Dyllan and I went up to Caves Beach.  Its our last night with our loaner car- so we thought we should make the most out of it.  Sunday morning we went for a long walk.  So long that Dan couldn't wait to pee. And Dyllan couldn't wait to get out of her stroller.    Unfortunately this is the only photo I took that whole trip.  Ha.  Oops.

This is a new game we invented on the drive home from Caves Beach.. Dyllan puts the paper bag on her head... then quickly pulls it off.. and starts fake laughing as loud as she can and yells "boo"!  So funny.

Action Shot

So so funny, Dyllan.

My first ever batch of play dough!  I had to make this for today's mom's group- success!  Except that I tried to make a Tiffany's blue color (thought it would look classy...right?!) and it turned out spearmint gum color.  Oh well. still did the job.