The Road Not Taken

((Ok, Auntie E, here are some more pics!!!!)) Videos galore of his walker progress.

"...And be one traveller, long I stood..."

My little Cling-On!!!! Ethan is going through a bout of mommy-separation issue.
As much as I'd love to shake him off, one day I know he will be wanting to go his own way and do his own thing. I just pick him up and hold him for now, and know that he will always be loved.
"...Yet knowing how way leads on to way..."
Vvrrmmm, vrmm. Get your motor running...
One of Ethan's walker is also a ride-on/scooter, and he loves to be pushed on it.
Can't you tell by that adorable smile?! ;)
"... I took the one less traveled by..."
Look at that cute little tushie go!
Oh, wait, does it look a little loaded to you?!?

Here is Ethan walking normally- with me holding him.
Truly wish I would have thought about giving him a walker a couple months ago so he could get used to walking in a different position, and so I wouldn't have to be stooped over all the time.
Notice he's chasing a golf ball. Dad's getting him started early ;)

Minus the camera angle half way through, here he is in the pursuit of Gershwin.

Here's him walking this morning. He's now able to walk room length 3 times in a row before his sails run out of wind.

We visited Daddy at work today. His stroller makes for the perfect highchair- no putting him in any icky ones (though the restaurant has the cleanest ones)

Imitation is an Art

I meant to include this video with the last post. B was off for four days so Ethan had lots of make-up time with Daddy. He was into shaking his head several months ago, but on this day he just couldn't get enough, and every time he looked at Daddy he would shake his head. We found it absolutely hysterical and were, needless to say, entertained all day long!

Here's what we've been up to

We've played outside in the snow, made a snowman and gone sledding.

This is from when it had just snowed a ton.

It's fun just to pull his sled over the sidewalks.

And, even when the snow is melting, it is still tons of fun!

King of the Hill!

Making another snowman.

"What exactly is this thing supposed to be?!?"

Snowy, Sun, & Smiles

Had our first poker party since last January 6th- not like I'm keeping track, but I was 5 months pregnant, feeling very preggo, not able to enjoy any tasty beverages, and very tired by 9:00, even though the games went on till about 2 in the morning. This year, baby was sleeping and everything was good, especially being able to enjoy the night with our friends and some of B's coworkers!

"Check out these rockets! That's right, I said I'm ALL IN! Man, these chips sure are tasty. Good thing I'm not up against this guy.....

...the Pro. Hey, aren't those some of Mommy's chips?!?"
Good thing B won all the games otherwise I'd be asking for those chips back :)
One of our poker guests, Little Miss Naya, Ethan's baby friend.
She was about a 2day old peanut last time we played;)
Naya cuddling with her Mommy.

Our friends, Chip & Liz.
Cute pic!

Food for Thought:

Since everybody's asking. Here's a pic of what Ethan eats in a meal.
The first course, in its frozen form, is carrots, sweet potato, chicken, broccoli.
The second course is Ethan's favorite- pear (I think this one happens to be Bartlett).
...In addition, to one 3/4cup sippy H2O, 4oz formula, yogurt or cheese, and a couple of finger foods (cheerios, puffs, yogurt melts, wheat bread, fruits, or a combination thereof).

Playing with his Buddies:

We met up with the Padgetts one day for a stroll around the mall and play time at the kiddie play area. I think Ethan loved this sporty red convertible. Liam & Ethan.

It was so cute watching Liam crawl around like a pro and Ethan trying to chase him with his little steps.
The Best of Buds.
Eli, and Liam came over to play. It's so amazing watching them grow up together.
Aren't Eli's overalls the cutest?!

Stepping out on his own:

Ethan got some walkers from his Aunt on Sunday. It's taken a couple of days to warm up to them. Yesterday he walked only with one of us holding his waist. Today he was able to push and take a couple of steps on his own. This was later in the evening and he's about spent.

Feel free to mute the video, otherwise you'll have to listen to me goo-goo over Ethan.

Kindof like when Dad let go of the bike without me knowing...

Yesterday was rather exciting, especially since Daddy was home.

Over the last month, Ethan's been getting so much better and gaining more confidence at pushing off and standing all by himself for a couple of seconds, and transitioning from one object to the next (moving from coffee table to sofa or basket to toy shelf type of thing). Nothing much, but he's getting there slowly but surely.

I happened to be holding him by the waist while he was walking, just a little support to make him put more effort into keeping himself upright, when I gently let go and..... he kept walking!!!!!!! With enough momentum and Daddy to distract him, he just kept going all by himself for a couple more(4-5) tiny steps. It was sooo cute! I thought it was just a one-time dealy, but I got him to do it 3 more times yesterday. Seems like we are finally getting somewhere with the walking. Very exciting since he just loves to stand and patter around the house (chasing Gershwin or his toys) and seems to show absolutely no interest in crawling. It's been several months now since he started to 'step' so I'm thrilled that he's gaining confidence to step out on his own. Especially, since my back has started to hurt from all the stooping I have to do ;)