Development

Daniel is just so fun at the moment. I am honestly so in love with him - even when I'm tired, frustrated, watching him learn, watching him have a tantrum. He is just so cute and his personality is just shining, we really are loving watching him grow.

He has said his first word (in context). Last Friday 6th Sept we noticed that he was saying "up, up, up" as he was climbing up a friend's stairs. He then says it when he has finished eating and we got to lift him up out of his chair. So his first word is up, not Mum or Dad, up. 

This post is mostly going to be photos and videos of Daniel and things that he has been doing. I hope you enjoy them.

It was lovely having Boompa come and stay with us for a few days. Daniel didn't take very long to feel comfortable with him which was so good to see. We really must try and Skype more with James' family, but luckily we are heading up to Hervey Bay in a couple of weeks so he will get to spend a week with Nana J and Boompa, as well as Aunty Jen, Uncle Ryan and Maddie which will be great! Daniel had some lovely times with Boompa. He got picked on by being pegged.

And enjoyed reading some stories with Boompa too.

Another special moment was when he was using his walker. Boompa put his finger on the ground as a stopping spot. Daniel stopped by banging into Boompa's finger, then crouched down and put his finger down on the ground too. Then stood up and walked away again. He then repeated it. Totally copying what his Boompa was doing. Very special to watch!

He has also had a lot of moments (though short moments) with Chilli. I must say that Chilli has really surprised me with how patient she is with Daniel. And he just loves her. His face lights up each time he sees her and he is quite gentle when he goes to pat her.

Daniel just loves stories. He is quite content to sit and look at his books on his own and also loves reading books with other people. I love it and hope that it will continue as he grows up. I know that some boys have no interest in books as they go through school, but some others also love them. Hopefully he will be the latter.

So much concentration while reading 'I'm a little teapot'

One of my most special moments at this age is Daniel coming to read a book. I love it how he crawls over to you, he climbs up into your lap and sits there, snuggled in. It honestly is one of my favourite moments!

I love too that a couple of his favourite books seem to be Noah's Ark and the Lost Sheep

He is also increasing his imagination by pretending to eat different food (or in this case butterflies). He will either lift the book up to his face to 'eat' or he will pick it up in his fingers and 'put' it in his mouth.

Even now he is pretending to give me something to eat and then I am giving him something and he is pretending to eat it. Fun! I can't wait for more imaginative play!
 
Daniel's walking is increasing too. He is taking more steps at a time, still wobbly but more confident. He is even able to stand up without using anything to help pull him up. Very clever boy!

He even started to walk while pushing his clown. He was rather proud of himself.

But he still loves using his walker to run around.

Another thing that I adore watching is when Daniel does what we call his crazy crawl. He will flop his head from side to side while crawling. It just looks so cute!

On Friday we went for a drive to visit my cousin Nat and her new baby Owen, as well as seeing (big) Daniel too. Owen slept for most of the time which meant that Oscar, Daniel and Daniel had a great time to play together (well Daniel watched the others). We then got to meet Owen and he is a cutie! Just 10 weeks old. Daniel was quite good with him, giving lots of gentle pats, but also gave quite a few waves bye when I was holding him. 

Me with Owen

Daniel saying hi

And saying hi while Auntie Jenny has a cuddle

This is apparently how you use a swing.

Being AFL grand finals time, our AFL ball has come out a lot more - but by Daniel, not just us. He is getting pretty good at throwing the ball to you and just loves 'catching' it too. We need to work on his handballs though as they are throws at the moment but I guess he is only 14 months old ;-)

Daddy is definitely the fun one though! He comes up with fun and crazy games to play, sneaks him food while preparing lunch, etc.

One such crazy game!

Daniel just loves spending time with him. Yesterday he was mesmerized watching James mow the back lawn.

Doesn't his face just melt your heart? It does mine!


Squeak is going well, atleast I think it is. I'm still feeling nauseous at times and I think my stomach doesn't really like herbs at the moment. We had rosemary in lamb pot pies and I couldn't eat it. Then last night having my hummus and tabbouleh roll, not so great with the parsley. Hopefully that will pass soon. I am 13 weeks today. I go to see Dr Booker again on Thursday so hopefully all will be good news at that appointment.

12 weeks

13 weeks - not much difference