Lotsa words

Lil Taf has loads of words now. Yesterday he learned 'key' and 'door'. He also recognises them and uses them in the right place. He's so good at nouns and verbs, but we need to work on more abstract ideas like 'yes' and 'no'. He still won't say Mum. He seems to think my name is 'Dad' too. His favourite word is still 'hat'. When I'm doing my washing up, he gets all the hats from the hat box and gives me a parade. Very cute. We have however discovered that it is a VERY bad idea to say "hat" whilst he's eating a yoghurt!!

Lil Taf Update

Well, he just went and got up and walked. The day it started to snow in fact. He just walked out into the kitchen shouting 'Dad Dad'. Clever lad. Now he can stand up beautifully and walk very well.

Also, Lil Taf was weaned from the breast 4 weeks ago. I was dreading it as I used to use it to get him to sleep. The transition went smoothly and he's happy to have a bedtime story and cup of cow's milk before bed. Takes him about 3 or 4 wimpers and then he goes off to sleep.

Driving me nuts

Lil Taf wants to feed himself and gets quite vocal if I try and do it for him. The result? The kitchen splattered all over with food, and me trying to count to 10 and smile instead of screaming. Still, on the plus side, he ate liver casserole with potato and Brussel sprouts tonight. I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole, but it's a Mother's dream for her child to eat. The photo shows one of our more successful ventures - he fell asleep on the job.

and snowed

so we had to build a snowman for the back yard too. This one is especially for TLM.

and snowed...

and Daddy couldn't get to work, so this is what we did.

And it snowed...

You don't normally get much snow where we are, but there was enough for Taf & Lil Taf to have a bit of fun.

OOH WOW!

Lil Taf has spent most of the day saying "ooh wow". Life is exciting when you are 13 months old. He has an amazing vocabulary now; goal, cool, cat, watch, hat, hot, catch. Of course, only a doting parent could tell them apart.

Now who looks like Piglet and Pooh?

We've bought lil Taf his first shoes. We've just been for a walk around the neighbourhood posting Christmas cards and now he's flat out!

One and walking

We had a party for Lil Taf yesterday. As we were saying goodbye to everyone, Lil Taf did his first solo steps, so we missed it! Luckily my niece got it on video. His grandparents and aunt also witnessed it so it was very special.

Today he is one and has had lots of lovely presents. He likes the drum I bought him best!

puke #4

For the 4th time in 4 months Lil Taf has had flu with vomiting. Poor little mite. He felt really sorry for himself this time too. Had to give him plenty of cuddles. Did get a bit fed up with being covered in warm vomit.

On the upside Lil Taf is almost walking. He rushes up and down the room on his walker. Extremely cute. He's got a pair of welly boots now so we can walk outside.

Big Boy

We have just had Lil Taf's 9 month check (I know he is nearly a year, but that's the NHS for you). He is 12kg and 79cm. 98th percentile for his age. That's Mummy's boy. He is desperate to start walking. He can get around as long as he can hold on. He will walk along nicely holding my hand although it's slow going. Taf says we look like Pooh and Piglet.
I have finished my maternity leave and am now a sahm - yippeeeee!
Tonight we have finally moved Lil Taf into his own room. Aaaah.

Just when I thought it was safe...

... to put away the disinfectant, Lil Taf has got another bug. Quite spectacular vomiting. Doesn't bother him in the least, but we'll need a new carpet before he's finished. I caught it too and last night was most unpleasant - went from freezing to roasting and spent most of the night in the loo.
Ah parenthood - why wouldn't you?

Lil Taf update

Have been so busy recently, but still don't have much to blog about. Lil Taf is getting cuter by the day. He has 6 teeth now which makes breastfeeding interesting! He is commando-crawling but is more interested in the idea of walking. Just needs to get some balance. Have handed in my notice at work, so I'm now officially a stay at home mum. Poor Lil Taf!!!

Rashes

Poor lil Taf has been sick. First he started vomiting profusely and was distinctly 'out of sorts'. His head was hot to touch. Then, all parents nightmare, came the rash. It all turned out to be a virus, but it was a bit of a worry for a while. The only fall-out is that he has stopped sleeping through the night - bummer.
Then we thought we'd give him some variety in his diet in the form of eggs. First his chin went a bit red, then his whole face did and he came out in hives. Lil Taf is allergic to Mother Nature's perfect food - bummer 2.

Hug a Hoodie

The Leader of the Opposition recently suggested we all 'hug a hoodie'. I pick this one.

The Visit

We had visitors from NZ last week. Very nice it was to see them too. Identities have been changed to protect the innocent.

What to do?

Now Lil Taf is eating solids, he seems to be sleeping more. Taf and I don't know what to do when the baby's asleep. We just can't remember what we used to do before we were parents. I guess this is normal.
News from England - our local garage has run out of petrol. Luckily we cycle or walk most places. I can't see where this is all going to end, but hopefully people will give up their cars and think of other ways of getting about.

The Stand

Yes, lil Taf can stand provided he has something to lean on. He also likes his Jolly Jumper, but hasn't yet got the concept of bouncing. I got him weighed yesterday and he's quite light for his age. The recommendation? I should eat more. That is the first time a medical professional has said that to me!! We still haven't given him any solids. The Department of health recommend breast-feeding only for the first 6 months. However, he's just put his foot in his mouth. Is he trying to tell us something?

We're on the move

Lil Taf has learned to roll over. I can no longer leave him on his changing mat whilst I get rid of the nappy and wash my hands. It may well be playpen time. He's also found his voice, but a-goo still remains his favourite word.

Chip off the old block

but will it be Java like Dad, or COBOL like Mum?