Quinn is now 1 years old. Amazing how time flies by. So what is Quinn doing now?
Mobility -- While he still looks like a town drunk when waddling around the place, he is getting to be quite quick on his feet. He can disappear on you very quickly and there is no telling where he may end up. Splashing in the toilet is certainly an option, chewing a K-Cup from the pantry, dumping dog food & water, or climbing on anything. He certainly isn't too afraid to climb stairs alone and he isn't satisfied with just crawling either... he has to try walking up (which he does pretty well when holding the posts).. and walking down (knock on wood, so far we've always managed to catch him before falling).
Food and Drink -- For about a week now, we've been mixing his formula 50/50 with some milk. He has not taken much to food and still gets most of his nourishment from a bottle. In the last week he seems to be showing some increased interest in food. No one would call him malnourished as he certainly gets plenty of calories!
School - He seems to get lots of mixed reviews at school, but a long as he gets some exercise he seems to do ok. Being couped up in a room isn't his idea of a good time... this boy likes to get out an explore.
Communication - Other than crying, it is hard to fully understand what he needs. His funnies behaviour is when he throws himself on the ground and just goes limp with his upper body so his head hits the floor -- this means he's tired (probably some other stuff too, but that is the key sign that he's done). His laugh is adorable and is mostly heard whenever Liam is around. He is doing a bit of babbling and will do the hand over mouth (awww- awwww -awww) thing once in a while.
Sleep - Most nights Quinn is a great sleeper. His normal routine is to go into bed around 7pm and get a bottle fed to him by dad. He then goes into his crib without any fuss and curls up on his belly while hugging a blanket and goes right out. Sometimes he makes grunts and whatnot during the night, but he doesn't get up unless something is wrong (teething, tummy, etc.). The only bad side of him is the morning .. it seems to start just around 5am and he starts waking up. We can leave him in crib for about an hour before he really starts to fit, but once he starts getting up at that time there really isn't any turning back. A bottle just mean more excitement and someone to play with. On a great night, he could make it until 6:30, but those are few and far between. All-in-all, we aren't complaining and certainly don't misss the 2-3 times per night he used to be up.
Health - Other than the numerous black-and-blues that have resulted from his crazy climbing and falling, he has been mostly pretty healthy. That said, Quinn is currently sporting a full body rash that he's had for about a week. The doctor assumes it was reaction to detergent (maybe from vacation), but doesn't think it is any viral issue. Quinn is just finishing with his 8th tooth popping thru and he has handled teething pretty well -- during peak pain periods we try to load him up with Tylenol before bed, but that is only when were really know he's in pain. It is so hard to deal with these things when kids can't talk and tell what is bothering them. It is a guessing game for sure teeth? belly? ear? There hasn't been any change in his pilonidal cycst in his bum, so as far as we can tell that is ok for now. For the most part, Quinn has been really healthy. Hopefully good health will continue as he moves from part to full-time day care.
Fun - I know I've repeated this a number of times, but Quinn's favorite thing to do is play with Liam. He will take any attention Liam will give him and will just laugh. Liam could hit him in the head repeadely with a toy and Quinn will just laugh. (Editors Note: I tried to stop him, but Liam said "He likes it" -- hard to argue). Quinn enjoys playing with toys and has a fondness for the Thomas the Train toys. For the most part, he really likes the freedom to roam around the house or yard.
As the t-shirt company says, "Life is Good". And we are very blessed to have Quinn in our lives. He is more enjoyable and loveable each and every day!
