Update - Nate's Allergies

So Nate finally saw the allergist and had both a scratch test (where they put oils of different foods in a tiny scratch on your back) and blood work. The scratch test confirmed an allergy to milk and to wheat, but not to nuts. The bloodwork should confirm this and also check for arrowroot (another suspected issue). The Doc also wants to hold off eating eggs/nuts/shellfish until at least 2, too. While I am glad to have some confirmation, his diet is pretty restricted for awhile. I had been hoping I was imagining the wheat one. Looks like I am going to be working on some new recipes for the family! Nate is starting to want to eat what we are. It also will make it easier on Jack (and us too really) if we are all easting Nate asfe food. While we never will always achieve that, I am hoping it happens at least part of the time.

We now have epipens, and know how to use them.

Football

Local style

Nate 14 month upate

(2 days late)

* Nate says "balloon" (also for ball), "doggie", "da" (daddy), "Jack" (not clear but the intent is there) and "light". The latter is crystal clear at times! He also signs a bit - bird, eat, train, plane, and waves hello/goodbye.

* Nate is able to crawl up and walk (yes walk) down stairs. He can climb on the couch, on to the armrest and onto the radiator cover in back (see above). He climb and sit on little chairs - even outdoor folding ones. He moves Jack's step stool around to reach things. (ugh) He can go down a slide without assistance (usually). This all keeps us VERY busy.

* He is in his 18-24 and a smattering of his larger 12-18 mo clothes. His is almost a size 7 shoe! One of his 6 1/2s fit, the others don't. He is about 26lbs.

* We have an allergist appointment Weds which is good. Besides the obvious milk/dairy issue, he has some other (more mild) allergy (wheat? sesame? molasses? barley?) - it is a mystery. We have to be super careful until his appointment because he can't have any benadryl for 3-5 days before the tests. Hopefully the testing will bring a little more clarity, though they are notoriously not 100% reliable at all.

* He naps once, from about 12:30-2:30. He goes to bed between 7-7:30 and is up 2-3 times before waking between 6:30-7:30. Yes, I am a wuss and won't let him cry too long!

* He has 5 teeth and 2 more about to pop through.

* He likes music, trucks, and disobeying us.

* He still loves loves his pacifiers. He likes to have one in his mouth and at least one in his hands.

* He eats a large quantity when he eats. Favorites are grapes, avocados, his special pasta and bread, cookies, and chicken.

First day of (real) Preschool!

So Jack started what is officially deemed by the state as Preschool today. Last year he was in a "toddler" program. In effect, this means little except his class is slightly larger (12 instead of 9) for 2 teachers. The schedule and time frame are identical.

We went to visit the classroom yesterday and his teachers (Jenn and Lauren) visited our house on Tuesday. Jack seems to have no nerves and is very at ease with the whole thing. It took a little bit of explaining that he was really moving to the room next door from last years, but that is it.

We will see at pick up (12:30). My only concern is that he will refuse to try to use the bathroom there. They pretty much make them try the bathroom at snack time, hopefully he will listen!

He is out of diapers during the day (he wears a pull-up at night, though he is usually dry), but still needs to be reminded to try to pee during the day.

More independent

Every day!

Cutting his own grapes...

Only Nate

Could spot a remote in our garage under pieces of a hammock....

Michigan

We were in Michigan for a hot and muggy week this month. We visited lots of family - the boys' grandparents, great-grandparents, great-aunt and a great-aunt/uncle to be exact. Flying with 2 active boys was an experience, neither was particularly bad on the plane, but Nate didn't want to sit still or sleep on the plane, so keeping him physically contained was a challenge.

Jack had a wonderful time on Pa's boat (Great-grandpa), and Nate loved Grandpa's model train display at the store. He giggled and signed train whenever it came towards the front of the display. Both (well, all) the boys liked the little train in Traverse City. The hammock at Glen Lake was also a big hit.