Big Man on Campus

Ethan's still a baby... demonstrated by how he never walks around me. He has even started running! But the second he sees me, it's down on hands and knees and whining for me to hold him.

I snuck around the corner last night (and boy I wish I'd gotten a picture) and there's Big-E, walking across the living room, carrying the play vacuum cleaner, above his head. Above his head. Like he's trying to military press it or something.

I believe that was the very point he decided he's got enough confidence to walk around me. The rest of the night, he was a walker. In fact, I got him down to his diapers to get him some freedom of movement. He sits there... grabs his tummy and starts to squeeze it. He then stands up and starts walking around, holding his belly while it jiggles. I believe that the shirt was preventing the jiggling while walking.

But none of this is as impressive as his penis. He then sits down and starts digging at his diaper, trying to get his penis. And he's laughing, uncontrollable laughter. Then it's back to grabbing his tummy. And then back to his penis. I believe his first body parts will be "tummy" and "penis."

Because of his fussiness and this new found freedom, I had him taken out of the infant room today and he's now with the toddlers until he's 2. I reached a breaking point when I saw the infant room teachers worrying over babies and all that baby stuff. Decided right there, he's not a baby anymore and I'm hoping he'll start getting happier.

Other things he's doing now: Kisses (OHH... those BIG OPEN MOUTH SLOBBERY ONES! YOU LOVE IT!) Hugs, waving bye bye, jumping off the couch, beginning to sort

Words: Uh-oh, Dad-doo (daddy), woof woof woof, when he sees birdies he makes cute sounds like "Aww, wee, wee, awww."

Signs: More, Bird, all done

Favorite books: Usborne touch-n-feel animals, Karen Katz lift the flap. Sometimes I can get away with Goodnight Moon. He's so tactile, it's crazy.

I think I'll keep him, even if he does slap me silly.... any thoughts on stopping hitting, greatly appreciated, unless you recommend hitting him back. Then just keep that one to yourself :-) I've tried looking wounded, telling him No Hitting, telling him to be gentle and nice. I'm now going to try the "Happiest Toddler on the Block Method." Three large claps, followed by a growl and pointing the finger at him.

First 2 times last night, didn't work, he just laughed at me... but I wasn't pointing my finger at him. The 3rd time I pointed my finger at him too and he went to pieces with me and nuzzled into my neck, seeking approval. It worked.