We have lots of proof that Judah went through a growth spurt this month. At his 6 month check-up with the ENT doctor, Judah weighed in at 24 pounds as he had been at 22 pounds for so long. The extra weight also showed up in his height at 34 inches. As a result, he finally moved into some smaller 24 month clothes and size 5/6 shoe, meaning new clothes and shoes for fall. Even his hair grew, marveling us once again how much hair the lady took off at his haircut.
Judah has matured into a little boy from the toddler he used to be. He now almost always sits (rather stands) at the table to eat his meals. He uses the stairs at his leisure going up and down to play on his own. He does the playground equipment all by himself, climbing up and going down the big slides. He even manages the climbing bars on his own to mom's dismay. He also has started expressing more interest in helping with chores as he particularly likes to help sweep the kitchen floors with the broom. His independence has grown too as he often expresses his wishes. For example, he has really decided that he likes to take off his socks and shoes wherever he goes.
Judah continues to be a little chatter box. His sentences have become longer and more complete. He has discovered past tense words. Curiosity has constantly permits him to ask, "What is that?" And he also says, "No, I not," expressing his preferences and dislikes toward something. His sense of humor allows him to say funny things quite often too. He even walks around and tells people he is five now (including strangers). He frequently talks about activities we did, remembering and relating more and more details as he describes things. He learns new words like atmosphere and then applies them later in the right context. One night we had gone out to dinner on a Friday evening. We stayed long enough to hear the live jazz music. Naturally the restaurant turned the lights down low and Tim explained the meaning of "atmosphere." When we went to the ultrasound a week or so later, Judah noticed the lights were turned down low and told us it was atmosphere.
He has really learned how to play by himself this month. In fact he sets up his train tracks now by himself, running the trains along the track. He especially enjoys playing with his tractors and implements setting them up and talking about who is driving them (often family members) and what they are doing.
We finally got into our Fall routine this month. Monday mornings we still host playgroup although we have been exploring different places as a group. Tuesday mornings we enrolled for music class again. Wednesday mornings we have the option of going to toddler story time at the downtown library. And Thursday mornings have become chore days. Fridays are left open for whatever like crafts or walks to the park. In addition, we have been spending time with our neighbors often eating meals together.
Saturdays have become more family outings day. Several weekends this month we went on a special outing together as a family. On Saturday, September 17 we saw Thomas the Tank Engine at our Day out with Thomas. Traveling up to the Boone Scenic Railroad, we spent the morning riding the train, seeing Sir Tophan Hatt, and doing all sorts of activities. Judah especially talks about his trip to see Thomas at the station. He enjoyed every minute riding the train, playing in the hay bale maze, jumping in the inflatable, listening to music, and enjoying a magic show. By the end of morning, after we stopped at Pizza Ranch for lunch, we headed home where fatigue wiped us out from the cold, but fun adventure.
The following weekend, we used our free tickets to see the Living History Farms. Judah had fun exploring the animals at the 1900 century farmstead, chasing the chickens. Next, he toured the village with daddy, sneaking in a pickle for a snack. Judah's idea of looking at the village was to run along the little path back and forth between the buildings.
At home we have been trying to celebrate the season a number of ways. Judah and mommy did a number of pumpkin crafts, often getting out the paints and glue. Our house suddenly became decorated with orange. And after watching his tractor video about harvesting pumpkins, Judah requested to go to the pumpkin patch....he knew it was that time of year.
Mommy has started feeling better this month, eating more variety of foods especially cheese and chicken. Also, mommy has gained some much needed energy which helps as Judah continues to take less and less naps . Mommy's tummy has grown to make her look very pregnant as she turns to getting out all the maternity clothes. Judah even has started to adjust to sitting to the side of the belly. We had the opportunity to hear the heartbeat on September 28 of the baby. Then at 15 weeks (September 30) our new doctor did an ultrasound revealing the sex of a baby girl. Since Judah's nick name is Boo, baby is now referred to as Baby Boolina, only Judah pronounces it Balloona. Thankfully everything continues to look healthy.
