Current Stages

• Separation Anxiety: Tyler has started experiencing separation anxiety. This past week he cried every morning when we left him at daycare. Apparently he has 3 favorite teachers at daycare and he also cries when any of them leave the infant room for a break or to change shifts. Earlier this week Tyler got upset when I left him at a table with a friend and her kids while I walked all of 20 feet in plain view to get some napkins! Hopefully this is a fleeting phase!
• Teeth Brushing: Tyler has started brushing his own teeth. He used to let Michael or me brush his teeth and then he started refusing to open his mouth. So we started handing Tyler his toothbrush and he will sometimes chew on it or try to imitate us as we show him how we brush our teeth. It often still takes some coaxing but it's better than no teeth brushing.
• Biting: Speaking of teeth, Tyler started biting Michael and me this week. Ouch! Those little teeth are sharp and hurt. Tyler has been biting his stuffed animals for a while, but decided to give Mommy and Daddy a try too. No blood has been drawn so I guess we can't call him a baby vampire.
• Finger Foods: Tyler has been eating finger foods for quite a long time now, but he is getting better at it and definitely likes to feed himself. He would probably eat Cheerios all day long for every meal and snack if we let him. Thank goodness they are healthy.
• Clapping: Lately Tyler really likes to clap his hands and gets excited and grins if we clap along with him.
• Pacifier: In an effort to reduce dependence on the pacifier, we have only been giving Tyler a pacifier when he naps or at bedtime. It took a little adjusting but Tyler is getting used to it. Our pediatrician recommends completely weaning him from the pacifier by the time he is 2.
• Eyeball Grabbing: When I read to Tyler before bed he tries to touch my eyes. He hasn't tried this on Michael. Nothing keeps you on your toes like a little hand reaching for your eyeball!