Sunday, February 27, 2011

Almost smarter than the dogs

But not quite.  As I type this 12-month update, he is standing and whining/crying with his hand in the dog food container.  He has figured out how to open it up but can't quite reach the actual food and that is quite sad for him.  I just don't know how to comfort him.  I understand his frustration but really don't want to see him reach his goal.

In the past couple of weeks his problem solving skills seem to be improving and he is starting to play with his toys as they were intended to be played with.  He sat down yesterday and opened up a book and turned all of the pages (instead of just gnawing on it).

Of course, the big item happened this month--the first steps.  He still mostly prefers to crawl but will walk if properly motivated and the distance seems short enough.  His lady friend, Stella, was over again last night and he walked to her twice.  Will he walk to his mama?  No.  But Stella?  Hey there, Stella. Let me show you what I can do.



I think he's moved onto babbling in English.  He frequently says mamamamammama and dadadadaada and bababababa.  Sometimes he says mamammamama when I'm near.  I try to reinforce this behavior by picking him up when he does so and covering him in kisses.

My favorite development is the clapping.  Who knew this was a milestone thing that happened on its own?  Also, raspberries.  We often sit looking at each other blowing raspberries and clapping.  It's like we're finally having a real conversation.

Last Sunday we had his birthday party.  Pictures here. The menu included macaroni, applesauce, hotdogs and of course cake and ice cream.  The hotdogs were by far his favorite item.  The theme was monkeys and, somehow, he had a greater turn out than either Kenny or I would have had.

For his actual birthday, I took the day off.  He got to have his own bagel with cream cheese for breakfast and his own grilled cheese for lunch.  He also got shots on his birthday because I am a mean mommy and wanted to be able to go to the appointment with him.  He weighed 20 pounds, was 28.5 inches tall and has a 90th something percentile head (clearly required because he's so brilliant).

This has been the best year of my life.  Mamahood is awesome.



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Friday, February 25, 2011

Year of the Eli

In the land of baby blogs one most produce the obligatory baby year in review slide show video retrospective. Given that we have over 6000+ photos it made the most sense that I make the video out of the Daily Eli and Month Photos. Coming in at 7 Min and 43 seconds it may be a bit over indulgent, but as I have said in the past this is our blog and we do as we wish. Hope you enjoy.


Year of the Eli from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Year 1


How did we end up here? One year?! So much to say, but I will leave the "one year update" to mama.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Video of the Week: Using a walker is cool

Today video is sponsored by Eli's Aunt Jane. Enjoy!
Note: Eli's Aunt Jane from Dada's side. He has two.

Walking with some help! from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

So...

I got big news! Maybe you should go to my Mama's blog to find out what it is!

A Big First and True Love

My mama is in town.  This evening she, Eli and I were playing in his room when he stood up unassisted and clapped for a bit.  Standing unassisted has happened previously, but it usually only lasts until Eli realizes he's not holding onto anything.  I was pretty excited.

It was my* turn to host book club** tonight.  Our friends Patrick, Amy and baby Stella arrived first.  Amy had set Stella on the chair and Eli was standing holding onto the coffee table.  Overcome by the arrival of his betrothed, he went to her--taking his first steps!  


And I saw it!  Actually, Kenny, Amy, my mom, and I all saw it.  I had semi-resigned myself that he would likely take his first steps while I was at work and I would miss it.  Instead, Eli was kind enough to do it while we were all staring straight at him!

And it means that if Eli likes girls and Stella likes boys they totally have to get married now!  

*My turn to host, but of course Kenny did all of the cooking.  Everybody should have a Kenny.
**Book club used to be 3 to 4 of us girls getting together to actually talk about books.  Of course wine was always a big part of the club too.  Then some of us got pregnant and had babies and it became difficult to read books and also to drink wine.  

Saturday, February 05, 2011

DIY Kenny

So.  This is happening.

We're in weekend three of ye' old bathroom remodel.  I miss my husband.  

He's taken down white tile (and walls) so that he can put up new (walls and) white tile.  It's like HGTV right in my own house.

Friday, February 04, 2011

Video of the Week: No!

Whats more fun than opening disobeying your parents?

Pay back is a bitch.


No! from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

No place I'd rather be


1. We've got 18ish inches of snow and it's still coming down.  Naturally, I am working from home today. I hope to use my lunch break to build a snow structure of some sort.

2.  I'm currently sitting in my PJs, drinking coffee and Kenny is making oatmeal.  Am cozy and happy.

3.  Eli is eating roughly 50% of his cheerios and giving 25% to Leroy and 25% to Jack.  That's only fair because...

4.  I took 4 pieces of dog food out of Eli's mouth this morning.  He somehow got Leroy to abandon his food and then kept putting another piece in after I got one out.  May not have been on my A game this morning.

5.  Eli is now standing and taking the cheerios out of his high chair seat to give to the puppies and eat himself.  

6.  How do people have babies without puppies?

7.  Life is very good.