More, more, more, more, more...

...heart attacks! Boy, is my little monkey turning into a rascal. I built a barrier into the kitchen out of boxes a while back when he started crawling. Even when he started pulling himself up to standing, he couldn't climb over it. Yesterday, I was washing some dishes when I heard him yell "AH!' I looked over and he was proudly sitting ON TOP of the boxes. Yikes!! It made me laugh at first, at his attempt to get my attention for doing something "cool". But then I realized that the only way he knows how to get down from high places is head first. Little Gym has not taught him how to "get down" safely. So yeah. Head first onto slate floor will NOT be fun. I promptly got rid of the boxes and frantically started looking for "real" gates.
Second heart attack. I was doing my thing around the house while Yuta was romping around as usual. Again, I hear him yell "AH!" I look around and I don't see him anywhere. I finally found him half way up the stairs, looking for me and my reaction. Great job climbing, little guy! Now how were you planning to get down?? I taught him how to get down butt-first, and removed him from the stairs... but I don't think he got it. Today, we bought the safety gates. We couldn't wait any longer for "used" gates to come in to the local consignment store.

Well, I finally brushed off the dust on this little blog. Much has been going on since then. He is learning TONS of stuff everyday, and my life has certainly gotten more exhausting. LoL. This is only the beginning!! I found out that he loves swings and slides. We went to the playground down the street and he was having a blast on the playset. Too bad it's about to get cold! It was tiring for me to "help" him get up and down and all around, but it was fun to see him enjoy himself.

He's over his separation anxiety (finally), but he sort of has a stranger anxiety. He does this cute thing where he smiles shyly at the person from the corner of his eyes while he snuggles his head into my neck. Cute, yeah, but I don't fall for that! Once he's used to the person, he goes off and starts playing without a glance at mommy.

He still won't sleep through the night; some nights are worst than others. After 11 months of NO solid sleep, I am really desperate for him to sleep. I am going to try something today... put him in a different room by himself. I hear that it may work. I shall see, since I have done just about everything else. (besides letting him cry it out. I'll leave that as my last last resort)

My friend delivered a bouncing baby boy two days ago! I am SO SO proud of her because she did it completely naturally. I think that there are too few women in America these days that deliver without epidural. I delivered Yuta without an epidural, but I can't say that I did that on my own will. I did ask for an epidural, and I had an allergic reaction to it. I had no choice. I DID go in with the desire to deliver naturally, but I did not realize how painful it was! Really! But well, now I know that i can do it, so I shall do it again. (some day... in several years...) Anyhow, I totally respect my friend who was so determined to deliver the baby as natural as possible, and she certainly accomplished it. What a WOMAN!!!

Yuta's still going potty, but I still can't figure out his signs. I think we are progressing a little because when I ask him "potty?" sometimes, he gives me the sign for "more more". The "more more" sign has now morphed into "I want I want" and almost as far as "I'm bored and I want something to play with" and "maybe if I ask for 'more' I'll get something good". LoL. Kiddo, you are DEFINITELY going to have to learn more signs if you want to communicate! I really want him to learn "Potty" and "drink". For now.

He is back into doing "Banzai! (hooray!)", as well as clapping. Which are both total mood lifters. He also copies Josh smacking his mouth when he eats-- which is hilarious because I don't think Josh knew that about himself until his little monkey started copying him! Yuta points at everything in sight, and says "mummummum" when he's hungry. Ahhh, he's growing up... *sniff*

Well, now that the Yuta developments have been updated, here are the other topics: 1) I wish I had a knack for interior decorating. I try, and I have no idea. 2) I went apple-picking... twice. Baked an apple bread and made a bunch of apple sauce. I also made a pumpkin pie. I have decided that I really LOVE baking, and it makes me happy!! 3) I joined a parent's association in town and am volunteering as webmaster. I am totally not web-savvy, but I hope to get involved and meet more people. 4) I really really need some time off. I am so tired!!!!!! I want to go get a massage and get some time off by myself here and there without worrying about time. This 24/7 job sucks sometimes. (although it definitely has its rewards) 5) Contrary to #4... dare I say it?? I'm looking forward to having baby #2.

I must be insane.