Banner day - New tooth and new word

Lots of new things today. Tooth number 14 is poking through. It's the top left canine this time. He seems to be handling everything ok. He's a little stubborn because he is so tired rubbing his eyes but he won't go down for a nap. After 30 minutes I went back into his room to give him a little Motrin, some milk, read a story and cuddle to try to get him to actually sleep instead of playing in his crib. He picked one of his favorite books Brown Bear, Brown Bear to read. We read it the first time and then he loves to go back and read it again. During the second read I actually don't read it but instead I point to the animal, show him the sign for the animal and make the animal sound. We got to the third page and I said "duck, yellow duck, duck." He pointed to the duck and said "duh." I wasn't sure I was hearing it correctly so I said "duck" again and again he said "duh." I was so excited - his fourth word. We continued to read and then jumped back to the third page. Again and again he said "duh." So I guess it's official, Tyler's fourth word is "duh" (duck). Now we have dog, ball, no, and duck! He can almost have a conversation with us now!

Hart Park Zoo

Last Sunday morning we met our friends the Simcoxs and Perrys for breakfast. The kids were so well behaved. We were put in the corner of the patio which was perfect because Tyler got antsy and was wandering around the corner! It was a perfect location. The adults were recuperating from the day before - our sunburns and fun times at Emma's first birthday and pool party. After breakfast we went to Hart Park and visited the zoo. The kids loved the animals!

The ducks!
If only I could grab the ducks!!!
Emma loves them too!
I want to give them my fingers!
Can't wait to see more with Daddy!
Tyler and Keaton talking about the pig.
Running to the cow.
Watch those fingers Keaton!
Emma is concentrating on those chickens.
The boys
All three kiddos
Giving kisses! Watch out Keaton, they're coming for you!

Natural History Museum

When I taught first grade in Culver City, every year we took our kiddos to the Natural History Museum in LA. It was always a highlight of the year for my kiddos. In the spring and summer they always have a butterfly pavilion. I scheduled a day at the museum with our Mommy group. We had so much fun. Tyler was amazed by the butterflies. He chased a few, tried to bite one on a leaf and just loved playing in the dirt. It's the simple things! Inside the museum, Tyler loved the animal displays. Unfortunately I forgot my camera card so I only have a few pictures from the day. It was definitely a fun one though and I look forward to visiting the pavilion and museum again!

The boys - Braden, Tyler and Keaton
Big smiles!

Emma's First Birthday!

Last weekend we celebrated Emma's first birthday! This past year has brought us much joy and many new friends. The Simcox family has become some of our closest friends. We were so thrilled to celebrate the day with them. It was a beautiful party at their community pool. The sun was shining. Emma was adorable in her pink tutu and zebra print one onesie. Tyler actually kept his pirate ship hat on - MIRACLE! Keaton demonstrated his ability to pull up and stand!

We had a little lunch and the kiddos shared their snacks with one another. Because of the heat we stayed in the shade as much as possible. The kids traveled around the lounge chair while babbling with one another. After lunch it was cake time. Tyler helped Emma with cake. Emma wasn't quite sure about it at first but then she realized how wonderful it was and dove right in. Tyler sure looked good in pink!


After cake it was time for the pool. This was the first time he has been in the pool since last summer. I wasn't sure how he'd react. I carefully lowered him in to the water where he immediately began to giggle! The giggling last for over an hour and a half. He had no trouble going under the water and while in our arms would dunk his face into the water. I'm so excited he is like the rest of us Dodds girls and loves the water!!! I can't wait for our swimming lessons that start next month.

Look at those smiles!!! We have three water babies!

Painting Time

Tyler and I went to an open art studio for their toddler time painting fun yesterday. We went with a few other mommies from my mommy group. It was so fun to try it out! Tyler loved to eat the paintbrush. We painted one picture with the paintbrush and the other two with his fingers. Finger painting is definitely his forte!

Painting smock - what's outside Mama?
Let me go check!
Are we done with the pictures yet?
Finger painting fun!!!
Snack time with Tenaya and JD. We worked up an appetite!

Dishwasher Play

Tyler has found the dishwasher. He loves helping me put away dishes and closing the door to the dishwasher. He also loves to sit on the dishwasher door when it's open. Growing up, my sisters and I did the same thing. Apparently though, Collin never did this? How can that be? Every child loves the dishwasher. Here are some pictures of my little helper. Daddy is telling him to get down while I'm telling him to pose so I can snap pictures. Poor little one was probably so confused!

Posing for Mommy

Listening to Daddy telling me to get down

Simply smilin!

Tooth Number 13

Tooth number 13 arrived today. For the past few days Tyler has not been himself. He hasn't wanted to eat but hasn't really had a fever or runny nose or anything so I wasn't sure what was going on. If it wasn't for his milk, he wouldn't be getting any nutrients in at all. It has been driving me a little crazy because nothing is working - not black beans, not yogurt, not Cheerios, not chocolate donuts, not even M&M's. While rocking him this afternoon it occurred to me that it may be a tooth. He let me check his gums and sure enough, tooth 13 was coming through his gums. This would be his canine tooth on the top right side of his mouth. After a couple of teething tablets, a little Motrin, and lots of snuggle time with Mommy, he is a happy camper! I wonder how long it will be before we get the next three???

Backyard Fun

There is nothing Tyler loves more than our backyard. He loves following Daddy and Mongo as they roam the yard. He also loves his turtle sandbox and all of the toys. Before long he will be helping with the wedding, not just eating the dirt. Here are some photos from the last week.

Sitting in Mommy's sunning chair! Such a big boy!

Do you like my sand toys? I can do so much with them!

Boy and dog and the turtle sandbox.

What?
Daddy, can I help you water the grass?

Happy Mother's Day

The reason I'm celebrating today! My baby boy Tyler and me!

I celebrated my second Mother's Day last Sunday. I woke up early and prepared for the day of visitors. Collin's parents and grandpa came to celebrate the day with us. I opened a wonderful personalized keychain from Tyler and Collin. It's absolutely awesome and will be reminded of how much I'm loved every time I grab my keys! We had a lovely lunch at Black Angus. The food was delicious and just a relaxing time. We then relaxed all afternoon at home. It was a very lazy, easy going day. Just the way a Mother's Day should be!

The family on Mother's Day!
Grandma Judy, Me and Tyler

Black Beans - YUM!

Tyler took a VERY long nap today. When he woke up I fed him a little lunch. We started with some carrots and then moved on to some fruit and then some black beans. HILARIOUS! He loves his black beans. They are his favorite food next to his bananas and mango baby food. This was his face as he ate his black beans! I love my little messy boy!

Mommy and Daddy's Night Out

This weekend we went to San Diego for our first night where both of us were away from our boy. We left him with Grandma and Grandpa Schoenfeld and headed south for a wedding. We had a great time. Collin's college friend Jen and her fiancee Kevin got married at Balboa Park. It was a black tie wedding so we got fancied up. I even got a new dress and heals (black and white cute ones)! I haven't been in heals in a LONG time!!! The wedding was FABULOUS. I haven't had much to drink in probably close to three years and I took advantage of the fact that I wouldn't have to nurse the next day and had a couple glasses of wine. It was a fun, relaxing evening.

On Sunday we both woke up on our own - no alarm of any sort (musical or calls from Tyler). We took our time getting up and heading to breakfast. After breakfast we started the trek home. We hit the outlet stores in Carlsbad. What's a trip away without a little shopping!?! We then picked up our tired, tired boy and headed back home. Tyler had a great time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. He was sooo tired this morning he took a 3 plus hour nap! We'll get back on track soon, I hope!

It was a wonderful weekend. We've decided to do this at least once a quarter. I just loved spending time with my husband and relaxing without a to-do list hanging over our heads!