Fall Pumpkins

So back towards the beginning of the month, the kids had their annual check ups. Everything was great and it was just a routine visit. I didn't ever document it and figured I might as well. I'm keeping detailed baby books and have written down several funny sayings etc, but for some reason putting out on the Internet feels more "permanent" than paper... I guess you never know with either option really, but at least I'll have back ups.

Charlotte:

Height: 30.25" (69% or 66%)

The pediatricians associated with TCH have switched to a new system, based on new research/evidence so until the new one become the standard, they give us both the percentiles...

Weight: 21 lbs 3 oz (39% or 60%)

Head: 17" (40% or 46%)

I have no idea why the weight percentile is so different, but that is what is written down. Our doctor said she was very proportional and that she is healthy! That's all that really matters.

At one years old, Charlotte is walking independently. Says mama, dada, "dat" ("that"...as in I want dat), all done, dog, makes mooing, roaring and ooh ooh ahh ahh (monkey) sounds, shakes her head yes and no and is 85% accurate in when she means yes or no and signs for more, all done, please and sometimes help. She points to everything and finds ways to reach or get things she wants. She will clap her hands or do "arms up" in response to the YBCR video.

Charlotte sleeps from 6:30/7pm to 7/7:30 am and naps from 1-4 pm each day. She sleeps in her sleep sack, with a paci and her bunny and bla bla doll. (both her "lovies" were literally an over night necessity after her first birthday....kind of strange because it seriously was nothing and then HAS TO HAVE THEM!)

Her favorite foods are most fruits, oatmeal, yogurt (has to be in the mood for it) green beans, broccoli with a little salt and cheese, kidney and black beans, turkey and chicken, popcorn shrimp and BREAD!!! She eats with a fork/spoon 50% of the time. If I stab the food for her, she can easily put it in her mouth and she attempts to get it herself.

Charlotte loves jewelry, shoes, purses and babies! She will drape anything (ear buds, cords, beads, string) over her neck and practices taking her necklaces on and off. It's so funny to see her be so girly. (seriously, I did not push this and actually since she's my second child, I probably provided her with less girly opportunities than if she had been my first) However, she can take a tumble and is fairly tough. Carter tackles her daily and unless she is really irritated or hurt, she doesn't seem to mind. She plays "where's Charlotte" by putting a towel or anything really over her face and then pulling it down. She thinks she's really funny! Right now her favorite thing is Little Gym and climbing and hanging on all the equipment.

This is what I get when I ask to see her "Silly Face" (noises included)

Carter:

Height: 39" (78% or 70%)

Weight: 34 lbs (70% or 66%)

BMI: 15.72 kg/m2

(I don't know how to read this number for Body Mass Index... but it's on his form...)

Blood Pressure: 86/54
Cholesterol: Good

(can't remember the exact number as they called me with the results afterwards, but below 150 was the target and he was)

At three years, Carter is a ball of energy and you can see his mind continuing to grow. He walks, runs, jumps, climbs, peddles etc. They have "gross motor" at school, in addition to playground, and he loves both of those activities.

He speaks in full sentences and often tells us stories and events of the day. He is using correct grammar for almost all situations (Mommy and I, we went to the park, knows when to add ED or change the word etc) Basically, language is not a trouble area.

Carter goes to school twice a week from 8-2:45 and loves every second of it. He will definitely be ready to go 3 days next year. He sleeps from 7:30/8-7 am (sharp!) and naps from 1-4 pm on non school days in a big boy (what was our guest/queen sized) bed. He said good-bye to his old lovies (totally his choice and caught us off gaurd) and now rotates between various stuffed animals that he wants to sleep with. He sometimes just has quiet time, but stays in his room

He generally eats all foods, but really likes salmon and fish, which I guess is a little different for a three year old.

He is a rule follower and responds well to set guild lines and routines. Of course, he's a toot sometimes and still has tantrums from time to time, but he understands and likes to follow set rules. (examples: he knows that after breakfast we do not get a dessert, so he'll ask if that meal was breakfast and if it is, then he is fine with no dessert... end of story. Same with bed time or nap. If the clock says it's time, he'll obey.)

He is becoming more animated in his pretend play and often sets up his animals and tells us he is watching a movie. He loves animals (live more so than, pretend, but loves them all a lot!), puzzles, books, word games (he asks to learn more site words/flash cards!... he can probably site read about 60 words...?) and interactive games like hide and seek or chase.

I hope these little pumpkins keep growing and learning for the rest of their lives!:)