Kyler

Kyler just turned one this summer so he is pretty much doing all of the normal developmental stuff. He eats real food, makes lots of noise, gets into everything. Most of all, he is a very happy little guy--he smiles and laughs often. He is, like his sister, on the small size, has one dimple and long eyelashes, but has no curls at all. I finally trimmed the hair over his ears so he doesn't look so shaggy, although he could use a real haircut.

He learned to walk about a week after his first birthday and has been practicing diligently since then. He has recently gotten much better and now is trying to climb things if there is something foolishly left at his level. He takes his falls well and just gets up and tries again. As far as talking goes, it is mostly "uh, uh, uh" and "ma-ma-ma" which I think means, feed me more or I'm thirsty. He notices when airplanes go by and points to the sky and says "uh-uh-uh" and can often point out where the plane is.

He has tons of energy and will go from toy to toy to place to place and keep himself pretty well entertained. His favorite toy is whatever toy Kinsey is trying to play with; he just grabs it because he has to see what it is--which causes screaming of course. He also has an affection for toys with handles, like the toy frying pan, because he can carry them around everywhere. Oh and taking things out and putting things in and pulling all of the books off the bookshelf.

Kyler loves dogs, and screeches with joy when he sees one. He is not afraid of them, so he gets more doggy kisses than Kinsey. He also seems to love cars and quickly learned to push them around on the floor. He even makes car noises too. He likes Kinsey's baby dolls; in fact, some of the only copying I've seen him do involves combing the baby's hair and giving it a bottle.

He isn't very interested in reading, besides biting pieces out of or turning the pages. In fact he doesn't really seem interested in quiet interactions so he doesn't seem to care about learning things like animal noises or pointing to body parts, etc. He will just learn it himself ... if he wants to. He very rarely listens and obeys. He's not rebellious yet, just not interested in listening.

Kyler's favorite things to eat are crackers, fruit, and yogurt. Anything else ... well it depends on the day I guess--avocado is a go this week. Which is really frustrating as a parent trying to give him healthy food and not throw away meal after meal. Bring on the graham crackers!! He also has the great habit of smearing whatever he is eating all over his face and all over his face. I've decided not to be embarrassed by going out with a child whose hair is obviously spiked up with peanut butter because I can't give the kid a shower after every meal and the washcloth doesn't rub it out.