First Step, Cruising, and backwards

A little over a week ago Tyler took his first step! He was trying to go from me to his tunnel and it was very exciting. Since he's tried a few times but without as much sucess. A few very small steps and a couple of falls on the butt is about it. Now, hanging onto something he almost runs. He tries to walk along the walls and furniture as much as possible and crawls only when necessary. This video was just funny. He just kept going around and around. He carries the penguin around all the time. He's wearing 12 month pants which are still a little long on him so he trips a little.

Tyler's preferred way to get down from everything has been head first. Furniture, stairs, etc. I was sooooo excited when he learned to go down things backwards. On the stairs he goes backwards a step or two and then scoots down the rest on his butt laughing the whole way down. Sometimes these little accomplishments are as exciting as the big ones!

Teeth!

Showing off BOTH teeth! How he's been using his teeth:Tyler usually falls asleep right away so I think this had to be from a couple of isolated instances. We are going to keep a closer eye on him. We watch the video monitor so we have no idea when/how he did this. We did some reach and have a few ideas if we see him still doing this. Otherwise his second tooth doesn't seem to be causing too much pain. I let him have his pacifer once in a while if he's a little fussy and then he's fine.

Tyler loves brushing his teeth. I hope this doesn't stop.

Betty Brinn Children's Museum

Tyler in a puppet show.

There's not much better than banging pots and pans!

Playing with a swinging spider.

Being silly.

Captain Tyler.

Holding up the lilly pad. Playing in the garden.

Probably Tyler's favorite part. We may have a little drummer.

Tyler's first time down a slide.

Not wanting to leave after having so much fun.

Mom vs. Grandma

Tyler is a momma's boy. He likes other people and is very friendly but he always prefers mom (or dad). That said, my mother came over last weekend to watch Tyler so Dan and I could go to Jim's surprise party and Tyler could not jump out of my arms to Grandma fast enough. Dan and I each tried to get Tyler to come to us for a good-bye hug a couple of times and he just pushed us away. Dan and I were devestated that he didn't show us some love but happy because we knew he would be ok with us gone. It helps that Grandma finds more trouble to get into than Tyler. Every time Tyler sees her, we are certain she's taught him something naughty.

Do you ever...

...walk into a room and wonder what in the world is going on? I do that a lot with Dan and Tyler. I went to get Dan a tool and came back to this:

Tyler helped Dan put in more safety latches.

Tyler liked the screwdriver so much he didn't want to give it up. He carried it around for a little while and then fussed when we took it away. (It was an extreme version of the fruit snacks!)

Jim's Birthday!

Jim was surprised with a birthday celebration this weekend. Happy Birthday!!
The day before, Tyler and I went and met Grandpa for lunch. It was such a nice day we went to the park and played. It was Tyler's first time on the swing and he loved it!
Tyler is still a little afraid of Mya when he first sees her but warms up a little the more he is around her. She is the best behaved dog I have ever seen but her appearance is a little scary.

Tyler is standing on his own more and more these days. It won't be long...

lots of learning and playing

Last week we noticed that Tyler is starting to know some of his toys by name. This discovery first came with his duck in the bathtub and then I tested a few more toys and realized that he's catching on. It's exciting for us! I often wonder how long he knows things before I figure out he knows it. I like to think I realize it pretty quick but I sometimes wonder because it's so easy to forget how smart these little guys are. Here is Tyler getting his ball and duck. (He has his pacifier because today we saw that his second tooth is starting to cut skin and he was a little fussy for a bit this afternoon and just wanted his pacifier. With it he played like normal so we let him have it. After a short bit he got busy playing and forgot about it.)

Tyler thinks it's so funny to make us smell his feet!

Easter Sunday

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! The hope Easter brings, the loving family we have, and the wonderful weather we cross our fingers for make Easter a favorite of mine.

Tyler found that the Easter Bunny came a few times to him this year. He's a special boy, loved by many and we thank everyone for the gifts and loved shared. The Easter Bunny at our house brought Tyler lots of books and a couple of toys.
So handsome in his tie and vest!Tyler behaved himself during our meal (which was delicious) but while we were visiting after he decided to show my cousin Kim his shoes. I guess we should start working on table manners.

Every year my grandmother makes bags of goodies for us to find. Here are some pics of Tyler finding his.

My grandmother and Tyler enjoying the nice weather.

My aunt and uncle have two dogs and Tyler was fascinated with them. We don't have pets but help Tyler petted them when we are around them. I was so proud of him because later when we were in the house Tyler crawled up to Riley and pet him nicely all by himself. I expected him to pull hair but he was very gentle.

opening day

Dan went to opening day last Friday and Tyler cheered for the Brewers from home. The outfit and hat were from Uncle Jared and Sandra for Easter! Thanks!!

first tooth!

Tyler's first tooth poked through last week. He handled it like a champ. The first night he had a little trouble sleeping but the next night he was back on track and he's been normal during the day. It looks like a couple more are on the way.

climbing, walking, & trouble

Tyler making himself comfortable.

His exit technique.

Mr. Squiggle butt doesn't sit still for anything...including bath. He loves bath but insists on standing most of the time so we tried a shower the other day. He is trying to get back in post shower. He did good and we'll probably mix up showering and bathing. It's easier to clean him in the shower but we want him to be able to play in the tub. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get him to sit?
Tyler's rule of thumb: 'Where there is something to climb...I will climb it. If there is not something to climb...I will find something.'

Tyler spends a good while almost everyday taking his books off the shelf and looking through them.

I never knew helping me put groceries away could be so much fun but Tyler loves it. It of course takes much longer with his help!

Nothing like a beer after a long afternoon. (I was putting soda in the fridge and Tyler wanted to help.)

weirdo

Lack of understanding how to steer prevents Tyler from going to far. But he's getting better...sometimes he even tries one handed.

Tyler loves to crawl up and look out the window. He gets extra excited when construction trucks go by.

what a strange little boy