Teddy Bear

Meet Teddy Bear the Lion. He first came on the scene back in May 2010, a promotional gift from the zoo when we became members. He then sat on Grant's dresser for most of the next year. But it was sometime last spring that he became a regular fixture in our lives.

For as long as he's been sleeping in a big-boy bed, G has insisted on sleeping with whatever toy he most favored: trains, cars, even a toothbrush. But ever since last spring, it has been no one but Teddy Bear. He's traveled to Colorado and Chicago with us. He's been hiking and camping, on playdates and to the library.

One night in Chicago recently, we realized that we had put G to bed without Teddy Bear. "Maybe he won't notice," I said to Kent. Moments later on the monitor we heard the desperate plea: "I need Teddy Bear."

G often has long conversations with Teddy Bear. Recently overheard: "Be a good lion, Teddy Bear. Stop and look for cars before you cross the street."

Lately, Teddy Bear's fur has become matted down and his head flops without much support. He's been through the wash a few too many times. I often hear G say to Teddy Bear, "Don't worry, Teddy Bear. I'll protect you," and hopefully he will.

Grant brought home the "special bag" from school yesterday. It means he gets to bring a favorite stuffed animal to school today to show his classmates. He put Teddy Bear into the bag as soon as he came home. But hours later at bedtime, he retrieved him to take to bed. It's no secret that the real protector is Teddy Bear, his dear lion friend.

{As a side note, when I read this post recently and watched the video, I may have shed a few tears.}

Weekend Scenes: Feels Like Fall

We intended to go to the apple orchard to pick apples on Saturday, but when we arrived, we were told that there was no apple picking this year because of the extreme summer temperatures. To their credit, the orchard had made a smart business decision, turning a good portion of the property into a fall carnival: offering rides, games and a petting zoo--for a price, of course. But it ended up being such a fun morning that it seemed totally worth it.

The "corn pool," a pit filled with corn kennels, gave the effect of quicksand.

This giant bouncy pillow brought uncontrollable laughter.

Naturally, the train was a hit.

Kent kept begging the kids to ride the "super slide," but it was Grant who surprised us and wanted to go down on his own.

In other news, we took Grant to his first movie this weekend, a reward for good behavior. His main observation was"It's really dark in here," which he said repeatedly. He also ate almost an entire tub of popcorn on his own, and said his favorite part of "Finding Nemo" was when the daddy fish found Nemo. 

Picnic

Fall weather = beautiful days for picnics in the park.

Day Out With Thomas

On Saturday, Grant woke up saying "We're going to Thomas today!" It's no understatement to say he had been waiting for this day all year: the "Day Out With Thomas" event put on by the Boone Railway. The life-size Thomas the Tank Engine takes happy toddlers on a 20-minute ride. And ever since our ride last year, G had been looking forward to going again. This year we also took Grandma and Grandpa Smith.

It was a beautiful day, already starting to look and feel like fall in Iowa. The windows on the train were open, and we enjoyed the cool breeze.

G picked out his outfit the night before. Every day last week, he asked if he could wear his Thomas shirt, but we encouraged him to keep it clean until Saturday.

G doesn't always show his enthusiasm. In fact, much of the train ride he sat expressionless looking out the window. But every once in awhile he glanced up and grinned. That smile is priceless.

Miles, on the other hand, wears his emotions on his sleeve. We were actually surprised at how much he seemed to enjoy the train ride. 

I have a feeling we'll be doing this again next year.

13 Months: All Personality

Miles won't sit still enough to pose him in the chair in his room anymore, but the monthly updates will continue. He's still changing and growing so much each month.

This past month:

• He started walking.
• His word recognition and communication skills have grown. He points, nods, yells and follows simple directions. 
• He wants to do exactly what his older brother is doing. If Grant is sitting on the couch, Miles must sit on the couch. If Grant is eating with a fork, Miles must eat with a fork. Right. Now.{And he's actually pretty good with the fork!}
• He does his own version of "Crazy Baby."
• His personality, and more specifically, the feisty side of his personality has shown itself. When angry, frustrated or simply in need of something, he often screams and throws himself on the ground until help is secured or his need is met. Maybe this is a survival tactic of a second child.

Weekend Scenes

It seems like Miles transformed overnight from a crawler into a walker. Still wobbly, he spent the weekend happily honing his toddling skills.

We stopped by the downtown Des Moines sculpture garden for a bit on a beautiful late summer afternoon.

At the sculpture park, Kent taught Grant the very important skill of how to roll down a hill, which he did over and over and over again. As we walked back to our car, we saw a pack of kids run to the top of the hill and take turns rolling down the hill. too.

Weekend Scenes: Summer Ends and a New Era Begins

We spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago watching the Hawkeyes and visiting the grandparents and friends. And of course going to the zoo.

Both kids loved the stingray exhibit -- Miles wanted to jump in with them. We also saw the dolphin show, bears, lions and the rhino and hippo.

We also spent a lot of time outside, going to the parks and playing in the backyard. While Kent and I were at the Iowa game, the grandparents took them to what's known in my family as "Madelaine's Park," which I named when I was about G's age. I love that Grant now calls it Madelaine's Park, too. 

Miles woke up on Monday and decided that it was time to start walking. He has been toddling around ever since with a giant smile on his face.