ONE YEAR + and so much change

I think it is safe to say we have a toddler now.  It's crazy to think that Rowan crawling was big news just two months ago - now he walks all over the place!  This past month we have been very fortunate to be able to all be home as a family much more than usual.  Good thing, too, because if either of us had missed much of this month we might not recognize this new kid!

(He is a lot steadier than that now, but this video is just the best.)

Rowan started walking with our encouragement back in late June.  Ben and I would sit a few feet apart and he would take tentative steps and we would catch him if he stumbled.  We practiced this way a lot and slowly his range got farther and his steps more confident.  Then while we were on vacation he learned to stand up unassisted and then his skills really took off.  He recently figured out that he can walk wherever he wants, not just to one of us.  He is pretty steady on his feet and doesn't freak out as much when he stumbles anymore.  He walks very carefully - he kind of looks like a little old man shuffling around.

Oh, hello.  Just walkin' here.

Still patching, but just the left eye - also working on solid foods. :)

We went to Ithaca a couple weeks ago and Rowan was reunited with his pal Dakota.  He really gets so psyched watching Dakota play. I really do hope we can get him a dog one day, preferably a collie mix like Dakota.  He is really calm and gentle, but still has plenty of energy and loves to play.  This time we managed to get some good pictures:

We spent a bunch of time chilling at Camp Barton.  Rowan enjoyed meeting some new kids, hiking down to the the falls, and taking a quick dip in Cayuga Lake.  I am so glad that he is so good about meeting new kids and he is gradually starting to get over the separation anxiety, too.  He is definitely outgoing and I think he will adjust well to daycare one day (if we can just get him into regular napping ... we're working on it.)

Gazing into each others' eyes ...

Psh whatever, Nature, I just want my puffs.

We had Rowan's first birthday party at our house last weekend.  I think I showed remarkable restraint and I only had one or two minor meltdowns over pulling everything together. :)  Our house and yard can really get quite cozy when we clean up and throw open the doors.

Yup, handmade.  But I'll use it next year, too!

What? I was hot.

Yaaaaaaaay party!!!

Rowan generally does pretty well with crowds, as long as Ben or I are with him.  He had a good time at his party and was in a good mood basically the whole time.  He was definitely basking in the attention and enjoying having some kids to play with, too.  The only part of the evening he did NOT like was his birthday cupcake ... he did not understand why he couldn't touch the flame and he definitely did not care for the singing.  But he got over it very quickly once he was munching on his very own cupcake. :)

WHY?!

Oh, that's why.  Okay. :)

Monster Cupcakes!

For the birthday boy

In other news, Rowan continues to grow and grow.  We went to the doctor today and he is still doing great - 86th percentile for weight, 96th for height (32 inches tall!!!), and 92nd for head size.  He is going to be one brainy beefcake. :)  He already has several words - good, kittycat, mama, dada.  He also still says "I did it!" and when we praise him with a good job or good boy he responds, "Thank you!"

There is just SO MUCH I need to tell you!

Starting to get a little more snuggly - some love from Mama.

Rowan's Likes: Homemade banana biscotti (thanks for the tip, Grandma Judy!), bananas, yogurt, playing in water (pool or lake or tub), running after the kittycats, opening and closing drawers and doors, the Muppets (especially Mahna Mahna), Sesame Street, most music, books
Rowan's Dislikes: Getting his diaper changed, putting on pants, going down for naps (but he is getting a lot better - we're working on it), most solid foods (it seems to be a texture thing, his doctor says that is normal)