17 Months

Dear Teo,

Omama came to visit for a couple of days.  She lives in England, so it is rare that we see her.  You seemed to enjoy the way she talked (very animated and with an Austrian accent).  By the end of the visit, you were calling her "Oma."

You have gained quite a few more words.  "Nana" for Oceana.  "oo-ooo" for uh-oh.  You also say "poop," "no" "broke" "hot" "ope" for open, "that" and (your favorite)"UP!" when you want me to hold you.   Oh, yeah, and your first word when you wake up is almost always "cook," which is a sweet but firm request for me to make your breakfast.

You have also learned to say "mooo" and "bock-bock" for cow and chicken.  Every week you go with me to a nearby farm to pick up a gallon of milk.  Sometimes we are able to pet the cows.  They also have a couple of calves, chickens, and a tractor - all fascinating for you. 

Your food preferences are slowly expanding.  Your latest favorite is green beans - cold leftover green beans.  You eat them as a snack, and one day you even asked for them for breakfast.  

Preschool is going well.  You still cry a bit when I drop you off, but you usually stop before I leave the building, and when I get back, you seem happy and eager to show me things in the classroom.  It's still hard to leave you there, though it helps that your teacher is incredibly gentle, patient and kind.  I can tell that you like her, and so do I.

A few photos from this month: 

A wagon ride with Oceana

 

At the Gilbert House Discovery Center in Salem. 

Exploring the sand with our good friend, Vicki.

 Fixing things with Papa's multii-tool.

Snake boy - cute.

 Snake boy - a little scary.

Studying.