The Daily Doodle

It’s Sunday and Cole is getting so big. He’ll be two at the end of this month. So many new things!
– Tonight he will sleep in his big-boy bed (twin) for the first time instead of his crib! This will probably be a bigger deal for me (Mom) than for him – but it is a big moment. Last week he asked to nap in his big boy bed so we’ve begun the transition.
– He’s starting to talk/babble more. Although he has his first official speech therapy session later this week, he is really babbling. In the past few days, he says things that sound like “oh ya” in response to questions. Too funny! It’s so lovely to hear his little voice – music to my ears! He also says “ummm” to all sorts of things!
– Cole LOVES his Elmo. He was introduced to Elmo via a video of Elmo dancing, then received his first “toy” Elmo from Daddy. Now they are inseparable and he wants all things Elmo.

As we anticipate the arrival of baby brother (“Emilio”), we are also talking about that. I’m not sure how much he understands, but some days he really “listens” and processes what he hears. This will be such a big change for him and for us, it makes me a bit sad. These moments, this time we’ve had with just him have been so precious. I will miss them terribly. He has been my angel in so many ways and I’m so thankful to and for him.

UPDATE
Tonight was the big night. After singing the “bang bang song” we had bath and then in to Cole’s room for stories, prayer and hugs before sleeping in the big-boy bed for the first time. He was SO excited. Wouldn’t sit on my lap to read any stories – went right up and climbed in bed. Sat in bed and “acted out” his stories (patting his head, turning in circles, etc.) as he usually does on my lap or walking around. During one story he was straining at the edge of the bed to see the pictues – but there was no way he was getting out of bed…he wanted to be there! Prayers were also done with him sitting in bed and me in the rocking chair. One final hug, and that was that. He lay down with his Elmo and…so far so good!

I’m a bit nostalgic I suppose. It’s times like this that one becomes so aware of the passage of time, and appreciate all the “little moments” I’ve taken and savored. This journey with him is one of change and tonight is no exception. I never anticipated this moment being quite like this. I’m proud of him, but wary also of how fast time seems to be taking my angel.

Our poor boy is sick. When we got him out of bed yesterday morning he was warm to the touch. He quickly worsened through the day as his temperature increased (roughly 102.5). He was fussy and not himself at all. He went to bed early and although he slept through the night, it was a restless sleep. We went in at 3am to check him (and ended up waking him). It did provide us opportunity to give him another dose of Tylenol, then nursed him back to sleep. He slept until almost 6am, then in to bed with us until almost 8am.

So glad it’s Friday! It’s been a good, but long week. Doodle continues growing and he is starting to make some associations between things. When he’s hungry, he is beginning to pitch a fit when putting on his shoes and socks – like he knows we’re leaving the house. He also takes the remote control and pushes the buttons, then looks to see changed on the TV. What a smart boy!

There are so many things that are so “essentially Doodle” that I think about and want to note so I don’t forget them in my old age…
– when nursing, he lifts his “outside” arm up straight in the air
– LOVES hair (always wants to pull it or run his fingers through it)
– in his carseat, when he gets bored he ranks hard (and repeatedly) on his moose
– LOVES the song “Old McDonald” – sung by Daddy. At times we’ve sung this song through the alphabet (ants, beatles, cats) in order to soothe him while on the road.
– while climbing the stairs, when he gets to the top he immediately races for the gate and pushes it shut
–

On another (paranoid mom) note, he does have some behaviors that concern me. His repetitive movements are extending in time. For example – if he has two items (a sock and a binky for example), he will pick up the sock and place it on his left, then pick up the binky and place it on his left. Then pick up the sock and place it on his right, then pick up the binky and place it on his right. And back and forth – for upwards of an hour. He doesn’t really appear to even know I’m sitting there, and doesn’t get “bored” and move on to other things – just continues until I distract him. He has also begun this with a drawer in the kitchen (opening and closing).

On a personal note, I’m beginning to look for opportunities to do other things. I feel my brain going to mush (!) and would like to start a business or something. However, at this point I haven’t even figured out how to go to the gy with him…so a business is out of the question at this point!

Overall, I’m so in love with my son that it’s undescribable. He’s an angel!