The Switch

We are making the transition between in-home daycare to a daycare/pre-school type facility. The decision was easy. Evan's little daycare buddy moved away a few weeks ago so he has been alone at his current care provider's home. My kid is very social, let me tell you. He loves to be around people and other kids. So, I started looking into daycare/pre-school's. We got on a waiting list for this really great place where they thought we'd be in by January. I was bummed but thought it was worth the wait.

I got the call this week. THE CALL. There's an opening now. Holy moly.

We did a little visit today. Just a quick one hour visit where I dropped him off and he got to explore the new environment. I had to leave....it hurt my heart to think about how he might feel being left in an unfamilar place. I put him down, he walked away then ran back to hug my legs then walked away again. I left the classroom and felt that sinking feeling and holding back tears.

I came back an hour later. Peeked in on him. Oh. My. Goodness. He was sitting at a little table in a little chair eating snacks with the other kids! It was such an amazing sight. They were all jabbering away and drinking their milk and eating thier crackers. Warmed my heart and solidified my decision to make this switch. The teacher said he did great, didn't even cry.

But. I ruined it. He saw me peeking in and burst into tears and ran to me. He had these big, sad tears. I think I reminded him that I had left him there so it was like a delayed reaction.

I really believe he needs a more stimulating day with social and educational skills. This place will totally achieve that.

I am beyond excited. He'll begin going soon!

First Haircut!

What a milestone. Evan's hair was getting looong. In his eyes, over his ears and mullet action in the back. I loved those wispy little hairs but....they had to go. So, we headed out to have them handled. He was pretty good but very wiggly so the back is a little crooked but....it's hair, it'll grow back. He looks like a little man now! And oh-so-handsome....probably the most adorable kid you've ever seen (okay I'm slightly biased). See for yourself!

Before:

 After:

All in all, a success!

Dun Dun Dun....

It's happening. Each day it unfolds before my eyes.

He's walking.

It started with the cruising and he would take a short jolt to the next piece of furniture. Then it was a few very shakey steps. Now. NOW. It's like 8 steady steps on his own. On his OWN! This is blowing my mind to smithereens. Each day his balance is getting better and he focuses really hard. He has been so excited about his new trick that it's hard to get him to take a nap or go to bed at night. He walks with a huge open-mouthed smile on his face. So proud.

He's 11 months now and so independent. Stay tuned for his 11 month old post to hear about all his wonderful tricks.

i thought i was being sneaky

So, I go into Evan's room about 20 minutes after John put him down for bed tonight. I notice his lullaby CD was skipping. I look at Evan and his eyes are closed. Ok, I must be safe, I'll just tip toe over and hit the "stop" button.

It's fairly dark in there so I have to concentrate on find the button. I find and turn to leave. Then, I see Evan standing up looking over the crib railing smiling at me! It was seriously so cute. He was quiet about it, too. He just stood there smiling at me with those adorable teeth.

I was actually glad he was awake. John fed him and rocked him a bit before putting him down and I didn't have a chance to kiss him good night. So, I was glad to see his smiling face and I rocked him a bit and he just kept smirking and smiling at me.

I'm positive my heart will explode from the love I have for this kid.

Crazy Hair

Oh my. Oh my! Evan woke up like this from his nap last weekend:

He's always had perfect hair. This is the very first time he's had crazy hair!

I woke him up accidentally. He wasn't happy. I'm a mean mama. I couldn't stop laughing at his hair!

Evan is 10 Months!

So, I feel awful. Evan has kept me so busy that I totally missed the 9 month post and I'm late on the 10 month post! Well, lets get to it.

Mr. Wild Man,

We are moving right along aren't we. Literally. You are a ball of energy and love to explore. You have perfected your cruising techniques and love to go from furniture to wall to cabinet. Anything is fair game. Evan, you are so much fun! Here are some of the activities that you enjoy:

• Playing pass with the ball
• Beating the drum
• Being chased and chasing me 
• Swinging at the park
• Exploring your kitchen cabinet and finding bowls and spoons to make music with
• Opening and closing ANYTHING, drawers, doors, cabinets

This was a rough month at times because you were in such discomfort with your teeth. You now have 5 teeth! You love to eat but DO NOT like getting your diaper changed because it stops you from playing and moving. I absolutely love playing with you. You'll crawl quickly out of the room then stop to check if I am following you. Then, when I move toward you, you hit the turbo button to get me to chase you. You laugh and squeal when I catch up to you. You laugh is the BEST sound ever. 

You have started a habit I'm not a fan of: screaming loudly to get something. I hope that's just a phase. 

I enjoy our time together. After our day of work and daycare, we come home and eat a snack picnic style in your room. We share pears, cheerios, animal crackers, grapes, cottage cheese and even popsicles on hot days. Then we play, eat dinner and wait for the sun to start setting so that we can go on our walk. 

Dad gets to hang out with you every other Friday and while you were hanging out, he took a few pictures. 

Oy, the mis-matched outfit.....but still adorable as ever! Your laughter and smile are infectious. I'm the luckiest mama.

Mommy loves you!