Gaining Indepedence

Trenton has literally grown up before our eyes, and he is definitely not a baby anymore. His maturity shocks us, and he is so intelligent! We ask ourselves daily, how a 14 month year old could be so independent and observant?


He walks around the house saying "that" and pointing to things he wants to see or is curious about. Once you talk to him about it, he is usually fine, but there are the times he wants the item and it is something he can't have. We pick our battles and often take the battery out of the device so he can play with. From remotes to old cell phones, he is a part of the modern world loving technology. He also loves to look at pictures on the walls. Our family wedding picture is one of his favorites, and he points to different family members while you say their name. Often he repeats it. And then there is the picture of Trenton on Santa Claus' lap......each time he goes up or down the stairs, he automatically chants "ho, ho, ho.....(and then something along the lines of Merry Christmas!" because Mommy did that with him a few times. My how quickly he catches on to things!


Since Trenton loves to watch and point to airplanes in the sky, Mommy showed him to fly like an airplane himself. In our driveway, we hold our arms out and run around crazily. He laughs and makes the vrooming noise while enjoying every moment. How does he pick up on things instantly?! One time and now he starts doing it all the time--inside or outside! And by the way, if the word outside is said, have no worries, Trenton will be at the door waiting eagerly for you to take him out. It's only his favorite place to be!


Also, Trenton likes chanting songs. The "Itsy, Bitsy Spider" he enjoys the most. He mimics you with his hands, doing the gestures of the song. We probably sing it a few times a day now and it's fun. We'll have to find time for a Mommy and Me music class in our near future. The "Roll Tide" and "Go Dawgs" comes out now while lifting his fist above his head. Guess he's heard these phrase a few times!


He has really grasped the idea of "2" recently. Every time he picks up two of anything, he repeats aloud, "two, two" in his cute, little voice. We're working on three, but that usually only comes when we count to three before doing something, like going down the slide. He hasn't really started repeat that yet but recognizes that it is related to 2.


While outside playing he regularly picks up the baseball bat and ball to play t ball. It is one of the popular activities in our backyard. He can completely hold up the bat up himself, make swinging motions in preparation of the hit (because Daddy does that and he picked up on it!), knock the ball clearly off the t, chase the ball down, then bring it back to do it all again all with the bat still in his hand. He certainly is a strong boy, too! The bat is as big as he is!


He loves to feed himself now and gets milk with meals in his sippy cup. (We still give him a bottle before going down b/c it is still so soothing for him that we are not in a hurry to get rid of it.) Also, he doesn't always want you to tear his food into small pieces. For instances, bananas are a regular food right now, and every morning he goes to the counter near the fruit rack and points to the bananas. Then, knowing exactly what to do next, he toddles to his highchair ready for you to give him breakfast. So funny! He's always one step ahead now and it makes us laugh. But, we have to give him half the banana first because he'd shove it all into his mouth before you know. Being the big boy he is, he can bites off the banana all by himself, of course. He knows where certain food is kept in the cabinets, too, and will happily bring it to you when he wants a snack. Sometimes this is helpful, except when he wants three nutrigrain bars in one day! We do have a limit, Trenton! :)


Oh yeah, we can't leave off his belly button! Our little genius knows exactly where that is and goes around saying his version of belly button excitedly while simultaneously holding up his shirt.


We are impressed and happy that books are now a regular part of Trenton's life. It took some time, but with a week with GiGi and some persistence, he has come to enjoy reading stories. We read several often and there doesn't appear to be one favorite.

Playing in the Dirt

A little cool front in the middle of spring break provided the ideal weather for us. We enjoyed our practically full day of out door play. From driveway fun, to the park, to our backyard, there was always stuff to get into. Trenton's friend Rylan came over later that afternoon. The two of them love playing in the dirt. They cracked each other up as they took handfuls of the soil and dumped it over their heads. We figured a bath would come soon, so we'd just let them enjoy it. I'm thinking we may need a sandbox soon.

Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

The second day down in Pine Mountain we went to the Wild Animal Safari. We went through the walk-through section of the park first. Trenton was in awe of the baby giraffe and the kangaroos. He would bounce on your hip as he watched the kangaroos jump around their exhibit. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed seeing the Liger, although they were lazy and not roaming around their cage.

The next part of the Safari was the highlight. We rode on a "zebra" bus with painted stripes and knocked out windows through the acres of roaming animals. Water buffalo, giraffe, zebras, longhorns, ostriches, rams, boars, a hippo, and numerous other animals would come up to the vehicle to be fed. He was amazed at the huge animals were and probably their unique appearance. Initially, Trenton would just hold onto the food when the animals approached the bus, not realizing it was for them. However, he finally got the point of tossing out the food after watching others. It was neat to see him so excited!

Starting the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari walk-through.

It's the Liger, the offspring of a male lion and a female tiger.

There was a baby giraffe born half a year ago.

Daddy and Trenton wave to the baby giraffe.

The giraffe finally got up and came to see us. Trenton liked petting her!

Apparently this is a lucky longhorn because of its horns.

Wow, the giraffes were huge!

Trenton feeds the longhorn.

We kept telling him they were Opa's longhorns. Hook 'em horns!

Here you can see the vehicles. They were either bus, minivans, or bigger vans.

Trenton got excited about animals were coming.

He has the food chips ready to feed the next animals.

Trenton stared curiously when the animals ate their food.

He had such a good time!

Feeding the zebra.

Callaway Gardens

We took a trip with our family friends the Vasells this weekend. We went to Callaway Gardens, about an hour and a half south of Atlanta. We enjoyed biking the trails, touring the horticulture center, visiting the butterfly house, hiking the azalea bowl, and just spending time with our friends. It was perfect because the boys are just a little over two months apart. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful spring weather, but the azaleas and flowers were in full bloom and a gorgeous sight to witness! It was nice to get in a little exercise, too. Trenton relaxed so much on the bike ride that he even fell asleep on the back. I'm sure it helped that it was nap time and he was already exhausted from running around outside the butterfly house. It was also nice hanging out around the cottage, because the boys had the time of their lives playing with each other. They were such copycats! If one picked up a remote, the other would find a remote from the bedroom. If one ran out onto the deck, the other followed right behind. At times, we joked around that they were texting each other when they'd both have cell phones in their hands and be messing with the buttons simultaneously. It was easy entertainment. We certainly hit Callaway at just right time! What a fun trip! The azaleas were gorgeous!

Trenton walked through the mazes of azaleas.

Daddy, Mommy and Trenton in the Azalea Bowl.

Our family with the Vasells.

Trenton and Will copied each other all weekend long.

Mommy and Trenton with the chicks.

Daddy and Trenton with the bunny.

Trenton fast asleep on his bike ride.

Mr. Peter and Daddy trucking down the path with the boys on the back.

Outside the butterfly house.

Will and Trenton played peek-a-boo with the head holes.

Trenton running to see Daddy.

Trenton loved his lunch break since he got to hold his own wrap himself and eat the entire thing on his own time. Thank you Mrs. Angel for introducing the yummy Mexican wraps to me--I want Mommy to make them all the time now!

Berkeley

Trenton has become rather fond of Berkeley dear. They often play chase....with Trenton chasing her around the island in our kitchen and Berkeley just walks in circles. Trenton is always wanted to "check in" with Berkeley, too, and see what she's doing. He (and she in return) is so loving towards her. It is adorable to see when he lays his head on her. I'm guessing she makes a nice pillow! :)

Berkeley Time

Trenton and Berkeley have formed an unique bond. Trenton has become extremely fond of her, chasing her around the island in the kitchen and gently lying his head on her when she is laying down. It is sweet to see!

My Fort

Daddy helped me make a fort from our pillows and blankets this morning. It was fun having my milk in there, even though I soon started knocking down the walls.