We’ve had three events recently in which Braden has had the chance to interact with other kids his age. Kristin took him to story time at the library the other day, but Braden was horribly shy and clung to his mom. Last Wednesday, we went to Kristin’s department picnic at Hoyt Park, where he was sort of a bully by taking other kids’ toys. There was one cute moment when he reached out to another infant to shake his hand (or simply touch him), but the other kid didn’t notice.

Yesterday Kristin took him to story time again. At first he was shy and sat very still on his mom’s lap (a rarity), but then Braden became a wild and crazy guy, running around the library, getting his hands on everything and taking another girl’s toy. Kristin is not sure if she can ever take him back.

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We finally started measuring Braden’s growth. We are putting pencil marks on the wall with his height and reach. We’re anxious to see how much he grows month-by-month. As we previously mentioned, it’s noticeable how much more he can reach (he’s taller and has longer arms). Once, he could barely reach the first ledge in the bathtub (he would have to stand on his tippy toes), but now he can almost reach the second ledge (where all the shampoos are).

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While Braden is still not talking, he does understand what people are saying. You can ask him where his eyes, nose, tongue and bellybutton are, and he will point to them. He also recognizes many other words, such as “Elmo” and “Bucky Badger,” for example.

Journal growth, interaction, talking

The other day, Brian handed Braden his milk, and Braden took it while responding “thank you.” It was so stunning that Brian thought he imagined it. Fortunately, Kristin’s mom was there to witness it as well. Unfortunately, we have been unable to get Braden to say it again.

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Braden can now stand up with needing the support of an object (wall, table, chair, etc.). If he’s in the crawl position, he inches his hands toward his feet and then pushes himself upright. He likes to stand so much that he refuses to sit while taking a bath. (As an aside, it’s fun to watch him stack his toy sports balls on the shelf/ledge of the shower, especially when he’s on his tippy toes.)

He’s also able to walk more quickly, almost running (but not quite). One thing we’ve enjoyed doing is to chase Braden. In the past, he’s crawled away (either on the floor or up the stairs). Now he walks very quickly away with a big grin on his face, and when you catch him, he lets out a big squeal. So cute!

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We considered taking Braden to an Easter Egg Hunt, but we still felt he was too young. Instead, we “hid” an Easter Egg basket under his high chair and planted him near it to see if he would find it. Indeed, Braden found it rightaway and started pulling out all the eggs and fake grass from the basket.

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Poor Braden had a small cold, which he probably got from Brian. Braden’s obviously too young to understand how to blow his nose, so we had to give it a light squeeze with a tissue paper; Braden hated this. The cold went away after about a week, fortunately.

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We think Braden likes (cheeseless) pizza. We made some homemade pizza the other day, including a pepperoni pizza for Braden. He picked off the pepperoni, then licked the sauce off before eating the rest of the pizza. It’s only slightly less messy than when he eats spaghetti.

Journal sick, standing, talking, walking

Brian’s grandmother is in town, so we finally got to introduce her to Braden on Friday. After being a little shy at first, he eventually walked a bunch for her and even gave her a kiss. That night, Braden ate more for dinner than Brian did! Unbelievable.

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This morning Braden took about 15 steps. In case we didn’t previously mention, he also likes to say “uh-oh” a lot, and he frequently points (and grunts) when he wants something.

Journal four generations, talking, walking