Today we were up bright and early to take Dexter to his first swimming lesson with Puddleducks (starting out in the Kickers group) and I think it was as much fun for me as it was for him :)
As soon as we got to the pool side Dexter was itching to get in! After a bit of swishing and splashing (and bubble blowing in the water) he was really into the spirit of things. He had no problem getting water on his face and in his eyes. He thought jumping in was loads of fun. He was happy and confident enough for me to let go and float him off towards the instructor and back again without any hesitation.... and those few seconds that he was completely unaided in the water were obviously great fun as he has a huge smile on his face on his way back to me :)
Let's see how he get's on next week when we try underwater swimming (eek!)
Christmas 2014 was a lovely one! With Dexter being older and therefore more aware of what was going on, it made the whole thing so much more exciting for us.
The nursery was having a Storytime With Santa event in the play gym leading up to Christmas so we took Dexter along to meet Santa for the first time. He was a little unsure at first but after some singing, dancing and a festive story (complete with funny voices that made him giggle!) he came round and was more than happy to strut up to the front by himself to collect his present and have his picture taken :)
Following this, we just had a nice relaxing couple of weeks planned. Dexter got into a great habit of having lazy mornings and most days he didn't wake up until 9am (we were thrilled) although we got a little impatient waiting for him to wake up on Christmas day. I think we were more excited than he was haha
Needless to say, Dexter loved opening all his presents but I think he enjoyed eating tons of food even more. His Christmas dinner was almost as big as mine!! He was so into the spirit of everything too and didn't want to be left out in pulling crackers or wearing his hat.
It has been a great Christmas and a fantastic 2014.... here's to next year!
Okay, so our (not so) little man turned 2 today! and over the recent months, we have watched Dexter continue to develop, learn and grow. Both physically and mentally.
His speech has come on leaps and bounds recently and he's even beginning to join words together, forming sentences more and more. He has begun singing nursery rhymes now too. We'll often hear him over the monitor at night singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to himself in bed before he goes to sleep.... it melts my heart.
He is coordinated enough to drink from a normal glass or cup now (and not chuck water all over himself)! He confidently uses cutlery at (most) mealtimes - sometimes we do just have to accept though that hey, fingers are quicker! haha
And a few weeks ago, my big grown up boy had his very first 'sleepover' at his nan's house. In 23 months he had never slept anywhere other than his own bed and had only ever spent one night away from us. I'm pleased to say he was as good as gold in our absence, went to bed on time and slept THIRTEEN hours giving everyone a lie in. Part of me is proud. Part of me is gutted he didn't seem to miss us haha.
On Sunday 9th November 2014, Dexter got dressed up in his smart new outfit ready to welcome our families who joined us to wish Dexter a Happy 2nd Birthday!! He got lots of presents and in return he showered all his guests with kisses and cuddles (aww!).
And this morning, Dexter awoke to be overwhelmed by a room full of presents. What to open first?! He has been spoiled rotten by (thank you to everyone who bought gifts, he/we really appreciate it)! He was much more in the spirit of present opening this year too. No sooner had he selected what to open and torn the paper off it was on to the next one :)
He was so engrossed in it all this year that he didn't even want his breakfast. Once the toys were open he didn't know what to play with first but made sure he played with everything! After a much needed nap and a spot of lunch, the three of us headed over to The Tropical Butterfly House for a family day out. What a fantastic afternoon it was :) There were so many different animals for Dexter to see, pet & learn about. He had an amazing time!
And after a fun-filled couple of days, my little guy is now tucked up in bed, soundly sleeping. A little older and wiser. And definitely more handsome than ever!
Love you baby boy, mummy and daddy are so proud of you xxxxxxx
"Now that I have all 20 of my baby teeth, I had my first ever visit to the dentist today. The lady was very nice. She asked me to open wide so she could have a good look at my pearly whites. I told her how I brush twice a day and she was very pleased with me. I even got this awesome sticker for being so good!"
Another three months have passed us by and all of a sudden it's time for another blog entry...
Yes, today Dexter is 21 months old.
Since he has conquered the two biggest milestones a child his age will go through (first steps and first words) it seems as though there is little to report.
In actual fact Dexter has changed massively in the last few months. But this "massive change" is made up of lots and lots of little things...
He is unbelievably confident on his feet now. Walking. Running. Walking backwards. Tackling stairs, both up and down (with a little help of course, I'm not careless enough to let him do it alone!)
He can say so many more words than he could on my last count. I would say well over 40+ clear, understandable words used in the correct context (most of the time). And the number just keeps increasing as he has become the resident parrot, copying what we say. And being ultimately chuffed with himself when he get's it right :)
Dexter's overall understanding has come on leaps and bounds too. He can comprehend instructions delivered in a much more complex manner than he could before. I'm sometimes amazed that something I say jokingly under my breath actually get's understood.
He can recognise loads of animals by sight and follow up with the correct noise that they make.
He follows routine with minimal prompting these days too as he knows what is supposed to happen each morning and at bedtime.
He understands the concept of sharing. He often shares his food and snacks with us... whether we want it or not haha It's nice to hear from his key worker at nursery that he behaves in this same kind manner towards the other children there too.
Another thing Dexter has picked up that is so endearing is that he loves to make us laugh! He obviously notices when he does something amusing that we may have a giggle at, makes a mental note of it and breaks it out when he's in one of his funny moods. Throwing himself on the floor and pretending to fall over if his favourite. And he has perfected his fake laugh too :D He loves to play the comedian.
I feel I have waffled on here and yet it seems to be about so little. But it's hard to describe. Dexter is a little older, a little wiser and a little more coordinated. Physically he has changed very little, but his personality is rapidly developing and he is such a joy to be around.
Today, we had a fun family day out at Eureka! with Dexter. It was a brilliant learning experience for him, even at this young age. He really enjoyed being able to wander freely around a public place and play with whatever he wanted. And the added bonus being that the entry fee includes an annual pass so we can take him again for free.
He had a great time & it was clearly a tiring experience, he was exhausted at the end of it!
.jpg)
.jpg)
%2BB%26W.jpg)
