What Calum's Doing Now....

This weekend we didn't celebrate the 4th of July like everyone else back home but we did manage to get out on Sunday for a little picnic at the park behind our house where they were having a neighborhood get together to celebrate the addition of a few new play toys in the playground. After a day up in London buying bits for the house the day before, it was nice to have a chilled out family day. The weather here has also been amazing so it was nice to actually be outside enjoying it.

As Calum is getting older we are realising more and more that he needs to have activities to do and isn't always going to be content tagging along with us anymore. Besides, this is the age we've been waiting for-those first few months with baby are lovely but it's so hard not being able to get any reaction back from them or being able to do anything with them. Calum is tons of fun these days, loves rough housing around with his Dad and he and I have lots of fun playing games together and having a laugh.

Other things Calum is doing these days:

*He loves to brush his teeth-I think this is mostly because of the taste of toothpaste but at least he likes it! He's now got 4 top teeth and 2 on the bottom. Unfortunately he also likes to grind his teeth from time to time so the ones in the front are a bit rounded and look like real baby teeth. Does anyone know how to get them to stop this? Worst sound in the world and the more I react, the more he does it!

*He also loves to brush his hair and has even realised that my brush is for the same, even though it has plastic bristles and is about the size of his head. Whilst he doesn't realise how good looking he is (I'm his Mom so I'm allowed to say this!), I think he's catching on-the past few times I've come to collect him from the creche at the gym he's been staring and talking to himself in the mirror.

*He says "night, night", Dada, Mom Mom, Nana, Gotcha, and makes barking and quacking noises. We have lots of fun at dinner saying words and having Calum try to repeat them back to us.

*He loves the Goodbye Song from our Talking Tots class that we do every Thursday. I think it's finally taught him when you use Goodbye. Anyway, this class is awesome-it teaches toddlers how to communicate and use their words and in the few weeks we've been going, I've noticed a big difference in Calum. The song goes something like- Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye. Goodbye, Calum. Goodbye, Calum. Goodbye, Calum-we'll see you soon. Everyone goes around the little circle at the end of class and sings it and then the toddlers go up and get their sticker for doing good in the class. Pretty cute to see Calum's little face light up when it's his turn.

*Calum isn't walking yet but we're thisclose. He stands by himself without holding on to things but rather then trying to take a few steps when I stand near, he thinks it's a game of falling forward onto me or backwards onto his bum. I'm hoping he saves his first steps for America, but we'll see!

*He's started feeding himself, but will only really do his desert (a small pot of strawberry yogurt every night). If you say Calum does it, he will grab the spoon and feed himself. Finally he's also learned not to throw the spoon on the floor after every bite. If you make the mistake of feeding him desert, be prepare to face the wrath of Calum-he hates you taking away his chance to get praise for doing it himself.

*He's started throwing temper tantrums. Like serious temper tantrums. Don't even think about taking something away from him or interupting him if he is into playing with whatever it is he is playing with. I'm a bit worried about this actually, Mark has a notorious temper he inherited from his Irish Mum and I've been known to throw a strop or two myself so this house can't handle another one!

Anyway, no need to fill you guys in on anymore because in exactly a week's time we're going to be able to see you and you can see for yourself! Have a great week x