Happy 17-Month Birthday, Andrew!

Andy's 17-month birthday was on Christmas, and he was definitely very busy that day. He was having so much fun he refused to nap!

As of the end of December Andy has added over a dozen new words to his rapidly expanding vocabulary: please, pear, foot, banana, bed, shoe, vroom, blue (which more or less means any color right now), tea, cheese, bell, baby, there, bread, and boo. He signs "wash hands," to add to his signs. And he pretty consistently nods his head yes now (he has been shaking it no for a couple of months).

Andy is in the midst of a massive growth spurt, both mental and physical. He is developing new skills even faster than he's getting bigger. I thought he might be in 2T clothes until the spring, but one or two more days of non-stop eating and he'll be ready for the 3T clothes and toddler size 7 shoes. (Luckily we still have Matt's, including a full set of winter gear.)

Andy is still a happy little guy. He wants to help, although his idea of helpful doesn't always match up with what would be helpful. He's eager to throw things away and help with laundry in particular. His big brother doesn't always appreciate Andy's eagerness to play with him, but they do play well together at times.

Andy continues to love splashing in water, driving vehicles of all kinds, trying to pet the cat, scribbling, pushing things around, and running in circles around the kitchen island. Andy is starting to ask for books and sit through some part of them more and more. But he still prefers more physical activity more often.

Christmas 2017

We had a quiet Christmas at home, which suited us just fine, especially since Matt felt a little under the weather and our snowfall was a bit more than predicted. 

 

A white Christmas after all

Both boys got up around 7:30am, which is around their usual wake-up time, so we didn't have to get up too early. We took our time opening presents, which gave the boys plenty of time to check out their new toys, etc.

Santa's cookie selection, chosen by Matt: homemade gingerbread reindeer (otherwise known as a moose), Christmas tree, and stegosaurus plus homemade peanut butter blossom

Christmas morning

Santa's been here!

Trying out his new brush/markers

Jon with his new hat checking out Santa's family gift while Andy runs around

Andy inspecting his new fire truck and helicopter

Andy with his new shakers

Preparing a Christmas breakfast on their new dishes

Andy with a new hat

Matt and Dada putting together a robot

Andy enjoyed ripping off paper, as he is here, where he's opening his very own Constructive Eating plate

Playing with some of their new cars and trucks

Matt hard at work with his new Play Doh kit

Andy cleaning up with his new broom and dustpan

Merry Christmas 2017

We wish you and yours a very merry Christmas!

Here is our annual Santa photo. The boys and I went to see Santa after decorating the gingerbread house. We found a nice lull in the late afternoon and had enough time to get Andy to agree to do at least this for the photo. Matt was much more excited about Santa and handed him his list. We'll see how many wishes Santa grants!

Another Christmas Outing

One more post of Christmas preparations before I post our Christmas celebrations.

This past Monday we went to the Enchanted Village, an antique display of Christmas vignettes hosted at a local furniture store with some other winter-related activities.

Touring the village

"Snow!"

More displays

More "snow"

Finishing our tour

Checking out the teddy bear sledding party

Matt's first time ice skating

Matt posing as an elf

Checking out the Christmas trees

We also attended a few Christmas-related events at the library. We went to the Polar Express storytime, and we listened to the high school's jazz choir and a capella group perform.

Listening

Matt participating

Andy dancing

A Christmas Outing to the City and More

Earlier this month I took the boys into the city to spend a Christmas-themed day while Jon finished up coursework. Then the next Sunday we went to a few more Christmas activities.

Tea party at the Old South Meeting House

A surprise Santa sighting in front of the tree in Quincy Market

 

Our first ride on the beautiful Greenway Carousel
Matt originally chose to ride the whale (the carousel features some unusual choices as well as the classic carousel horses, etc., thanks to input from local children), but he settled on riding the rocking boat with the seahorse and Andy and me.

We then took a break to play on the playground in Christopher Columbus Park

These two never pass up a sandbox.

 

Sliding

Exploring the play structure

Andy in a tunnel

Enjoying a snack in view of the Customs House Tower

At the Paul Revere House's Celebrations of the Seasons (yes, Andy is ready for a nap!)

The next day we went to a candy cane hunt and then to part of the tree lighting ceremony in an adjoining town.

At the candy cane hunt

Matt making a holiday card for first responders

Andy coloring his "ugly Christmas sweater"

Inspecting a Christmas tree

Another surprise Santa sighting

At the Christmas tree lighting

Waiting for our train ride after our horse-drawn carriage ride

On the train

Matt on the little Ferris wheel

Riding the carousel

We then returned home for a well earned nap for Andy and some fun playing with his goodies for Matt.

Trying out the watercolors in his goodie bag