Keller ~ 18 Months

Our baby boy is 18 months old today!  Sometimes it seems like time has gone by so fast, other times...not so much.  We attempted his 18 month pictures, but he was not interested AT ALL.  Chad and I did our best, however I wouldn't say these are my favorite pictures.  They are great considering what a stinker he was being!

I'm not sure what Keller's exact height and weight are but he is on the small side of average.  Not too tiny, but a little small.  

He has his two top and two bottom teeth.

He is the one word wonder: a perfectly clear "uh-oh."

He loves toothbrushes. I almost always have a spare toothbrush in my diaper bag.

He loves cups, especially ones with lids and straws.  

He likes to play with anything that twist, turns, or locks.

He likes to direct you with his finger.  He points and shoves his finger and expects you to follow. Grunting often follows.

He does acrobatics every time you change his clothes or diaper.

He loves his blankets and insists you get all 4 out of his crib before you can pick him up.

He is a daddy's boy.  Perfect!

He is a finicky eater.  He eats only when he wants to. I try not to worry too much about it.

He loves to play outside and go on walks.  He likes to be the walk leader.

He likes to wrestle.  He grunts while he wrestles. It's hilarious!

He thinks belly buttons are hysterical.

He makes everybody think they're his favorite.  He walks up to almost everyone with open arms and wants to be held.  He hangs around long enough to say how cute he is and then he is off to the next person.

He has a smile that can melt your heart.  His eyes twinkle and everything...precious!

He doesn't know how to run, but when he wants to get somewhere quickly he wags his arms really hard. Cracks me up!

He loves music: playing the piano, dancing, singing, etc.

He still cries...a lot some days.  He is getting better at playing on his own but it is really hit and miss.  He's usually worse in the mornings and gets better after his afternoon nap.  Holding him usually doesn't pacify him and 90% of the time he is fussing but has NO idea what for.  Talk about a good time for Mommy!  Haha.   

We love him so incredibly much in spite of all that and try to focus on all of his personality and the fun things that he does.

Otherwise we might sale him to the highest bidder

...or the lowest bidder

...or any bidder.

We love you Kellerboy!

Keller At Home

We can't forget about Keller, so here's a little of what he has been up to around the house too. 

He loves puzzles!  We had lots of Melissa & Doug puzzles (my favorites) in storage but Chad was reluctant to go find them.  I knew he would love them so I finally convinced Chad to go get them.  Mom was right!!!  Keller loves all of them.  We have the magnetic ones, the hide-and-seek ones, the chunky handle beginner ones, and more.  They are great for kids this age!  Keller's favorites are most definitely the magnetic ones.

 The latch-and-lock is a close runner up though.  It has six different locks that open up.  Keller loves to fiddle with little tasks (mechanical stuff) so this is perfect for him.  I love that there are no pieces to keep track of.

 Back to the mechanical thing, another one of Keller's favorite "toys" around the house is a small screwdriver.  He finds anything with metal and attemps to unscrew it.

 Including the screws on his favorite horse...

 and the cabinet hinges...

 Then he'll supervise Grandpa to make sure he is fixing things correctly.

He is actually better than Vance when it comes to playing with his toys.  He rotates from toy to toy all the time.  He doesn't stick with anything for too long and he doesn't really have any toy that he likes all of the time.  He is an equal opportunity toy player :)  Don't get me wrong though, he still likes plenty of Mom and Dad time.  The good news is toys are giving us a small (and much needed) break.

The other day he played so hard he fell asleep in his chair during lunch.  It helped that he insisted on eating lunch with all of his blankets surrounding him.

The other thing he does a lot of is playing with keys.  We gave him his own set of keys thanks to my in-laws who had lots of extras laying around.  He drags them around the house and attempts to "open" things with them.  He also loves to take the caps on and off of things (water bottles, chapstick, etc.). 

 

I cut a hole in the top of a tupperware lid and gave him a bag of rocks to put in it.  It kept him busy for quite awhile.  It was cute to see how something so easy takes so much concentration for a little toddler.

 

 

 

I'm telling you this boy loves all of those motor skills.  He loves small little projects that require precision and patience (at least for an 18 month old).  It will be interesting to see if this continues as he gets older and where it might lead.

Reading Lessons - Check!

Vance and I started using this book "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" about a year ago.  I think we started last spring.  He had already started reading at a very, very basic level at preschool for about 6 months when we started.  The lessons are short and sweet, less than 15 minutes.  It isn't like I make Vance sit and learn from me for hours everyday.  I am a big believer in a little here, a little there.  It's amazing how a little eventually adds up to something big!

This book is great!  It is a fool proof system.  Everything in red is what you say out loud to the child.  It walks you through all of the steps.  This book filled in the teaching blanks for me.  Vance knew his sounds but I couldn't get him to sound out words and had no idea how to teach the many blends there are. 

 

We try to read at least 3 times a week.  Sometimes I read.  Sometimes we read books from the library, and sometimes we do reading lessons.  As I said, it took us about 10 months to work our way through the entire book.  Now Vance is reading EXCELLENT!  The picture below is the last story he read from the 100th lesson.  There was only ONE word he couldn't figure out on his own.  The end of the book says your child is at about a 2nd grade reading level, but seeing as I've never had a 2nd grader I have no idea how accurate/inaccurate that is.

 At only four years old I couldn't me more PROUD!  I told him we would get a surprise when he finished.  When we finished yesterday I asked him what he wanted, and he immediately shouted, "The Skylanders game for the Wii!"  This is like a $70 game which is a little more than I planned on spending. 

 

After thinking about it for the day I decided yes.  Vance (and me!) have worked really hard on his reading skills.  10 months to finish a task is a long period of time for anyone, but especially for a child.  I think the reward fits the task!  (However I did tell him that if he got Skylanders now he probably wouldn't get quite as many presents for his birthday.  He told me all he wanted for his birthday were a few Hotwheels cars anyway. :)

 

We went to the store and got the Skylanders starter pack.  Vance LOVES it! So do Keller and the neighbor kids...

 

 The end of the book gives you some instruction on what to do after finishing the lessons.  I have requested the suggested children's books from the library and we will start the next phase of the reading process.

 

I just have to say one more time what a proud mama I am.  Even though I know a lot of his reading skills have obviously come from lots of practice, he is such a SMARTY PANTS.  He usually grasps the concepts I am introducing so quickly.  Vance has everything he needs to be an excellent student in the years to come (of course, as long he applies himself). 

 

 I am also proud of me.  One of my pet peeves is when people say, "Well ______ is just naturally smart."  Yes, I agree some people are just born with more aptitude for school.  What I think a lot of people to fail to recognize is the effort those people still put into learning.  I got straight A's throughout school and college because yes school comes easy for me, but mainly because I did everything I was asked.  I read the textbooks, completed all homework assignments and projects, and studied for tests. 

 

Same goes for Vance.  He is naturally smart, but I work with him everyday and usually it's not sitting at the table over a book or worksheet like most people would assume.  In the car we quiz each other on math facts.  When we go on walks we focus on a letter and think of things that start with that letter.  Now we talk about how to spell those words.  I have found some educational apps that I encourage him to play for a little bit each day.  The majority of the TV shows he watches teach him something (almost exclusively PBS shows).  What I think many people don't recognize is Vance doesn't think this is torture.  Quite the contrary - he loves it!  He thrives on knowledge and soaks it all up like a sponge.

 

I apply the same practices to Keller, but on a more basic level.  When we are playing with his toys, I am constantly talking to him.  We talk about different colors, shapes, numbers, etc.  I repeat the same words to him over and over and over again.  I really believe even though he doesn't talk (besides uh-oh) he is hearing and slowly processing what I am saying.  Like I said, it's the small things.

 

Now it's time for me to get off my soapbox and stop patting myself on the back.  Rest assured I am lacking in many other areas!  That's a fact!  School is a high priority to me, but everyone's priorities are different.  In other areas where your kids excel, mine may be below average :)

Vance At Home

Life is good.  We haven't been going a millions places lately so I haven't been getting out the camera as often as I should.  

When all of the cousins were over we facetimed the Ogdens.  I think everyone was excited to be able to see each other.  The boys were all being so silly it was ridiculous.  I do NOT understand boys and their sense of humor.  

Vance has an electronics problem.  Meaning all he ever wants to do it play electronics: TV, iPad, computer, Wii.  I swear the boy doesn't know how to play by himself.  I finally made him a chart.  There are 10 boxes under electronics and 10 boxes under play.  Each box represents one half hour of time.  The rule is you can't have more electronic boxes filled up than play boxes.  If you want to play electronics, you have to play with toys first.  He is having a hard time adjusting which shows me just how important it is to stick to my guns.  Vance just doesn't want to do anything, especially all by himself.  I've tried toys, playing in the backyard, art projects, legos, etc.  He is slowly figuring out that Mom means business and is getting better. I'm sure in a month we will have corrected the problem.

He is also having a problem complaining about play dates.  He cries when I tell him it is time to come home, time for his friends to go home, or we just can't have a play date that day.  He has plenty of play dates so I'm over it!  The new rule: if you throw a fit about a play date, you can't have one for the next two days.  We put an "X" on the days you aren't allowed to have play dates.  After that we will try again.  We started using this chart in the middle of the month and he has only gotten X's two times (I took the picture awhile ago).  I think he has already corrected his behavior and is much more grateful when it comes to play dates.

Chad has been working more hours and Vance is using it to his advantage.  He is masterfully avoiding bed time and/or falling asleep in his own bed.  Chad has been letting him fall asleep on our bed, sleep with Grandma, make forts and sleep in them, or just falling asleep on Chad's lap.  He always sleeps in his bed...he doesn't like to fall asleep in it.

Even though I think these pictures are sweet, I told Chad to KNOCK IT OFF!  When I am in charge and make him fall asleep in his bed, I am the bad guy.  Chad has gotten better :)

Man this makes it seems like Vance has lots of issues lately.  He really doesn't.  I am just a firm believer in handling issues before they explode and seem unmanageable.  So far this type of parenting has worked.  Once a problem gets big enough that it bugs me, I come up with a plan of attack and enforce it very consistently for about two or three weeks.  Then the problem is pretty much fixed and everything is back to normal.

Normal of course just means there is a new issue to address...

Bulls Basketball

Vance is playing basketball.  It is HILARIOUS!  Most of the kids can barely dribble and quite a few (Vance included) can't even throw the ball high enough to make a basket on the 8 foot hoop.  Most of the kids get the ball, run around, maybe dribble once, and throw an air ball.  Then there are those who stand there and nothing and those who are rockstars.  Vance is in the middle.

He is good at defense and understands the concept of rebounding but ducks his head as the ball comes down :)

The two pictures below are the perfect example of him shooting and not quite getting the ball high enough.  Bless his heart though he keeps trying.

He isn't getting better and better every week and I'm proud of him for continuing to try his best and not giving up.  Just look at the effort he is putting into trying to steal the ball -

I think he may be a little young but it has been a good way to break up the soccer seasons so Vance didn't get sick of it.  Soccer is definitely my favorite sport for little, little kids.  He played in the fall and is signed up to play again in the spring with the same amazing coach.  Until then, we will get a few laughs in every Saturday at 9:00 am as we watch his games.  Go Bulls!

Smoking Perfection

I reluctantly bought Chad a smoker for Christmas.  He has been wanting one for about 3 years.  I was highly skeptical.  I thought it would be one of those purchases you make and then never use it.

I was at a yard sale one year ago and a guy was selling a brand new smoker.  I got him down to $25, but then I decided I didn't want it.  Fast forward one year - I am at the same annual yard sale and the same guy is selling the same brand new (still never been used, just as I feared if I bought it) smoker.  My family was pressuring me to buy it because they know how much Chad wants one.  I got the guy down to $15 and he loaded it in the car for me.  I figure for $15 if it makes Chad happy who cares if he doesn't use it?

Chad (and my parents) were quick to prove me wrong.  My parents gave Chad a smoker's cookbook for Christmas and Chad was eager to try a recipe.  My mom has decided Chad will cook dinner every Sunday (That woman is a genius! She used to have my dad convinced every Sunday he should grill or dutch oven dinner.).

The boys were excited to...er..."help" Dad smoke.  They thought it was awesome they could fit inside.

Chad got everything set up just right and set out to smoke his first piece of meat - a rump roast.  It took about 5 hours.  He (and the boys) smelled like a campfire.  I have to admit our whole street smelled delicious outside though.  Here's a picture of the smoke seeping out.

I kept teasing him that it wouldn't turn out.  I think I had him scared :)  Chad will gladly tell anyone who will listen that I was wrong and his meat was amazing.  I was wrong.  It was amazing.  He did use the smoker I was positive he would never use.  I hate it when this happens.

He has also smoked his very first brisket.  Smoked brisket was what got Chad hooked on the whole idea of smoking in the first place.  He woke up at 5:00 am to have dinner ready for the Sutton clan at 5:00 pm.  That is craziness in my book, but it was DELISH!  I can't wait to see what else he serves us

I am glad you have found a new hobby Chad.  

I am glad to be wrong just this once.

I am glad it involves cooking dinner......someone's got to.  

Photography: Brent & Janessa

Normally I wouldn't dedicate an entire photography post to just one shoot, but this one's different.  It's my brother-in-law and fiance, Brent & Janessa.  They asked me to do their engagement session and I was so excited.  We had a fun afternoon together and got lots of cute pictures!  It helps that they are both so good-looking :)

Dryer Duty

Keller is oh so helpful with household chores, especially laundry.

Sk8r Boyz

We took all of the boys to the skate park over winter break. I owed Vance a trip to the skate park as part of a reading incentive program I do with him.  Luckily for me, my sister's boys love to go too.  The skate park is always better when you have company.  They make quite the crew!

This was Vance's first time riding his bike, instead of a scooter, at the bike park.  I need to go get him a helmet before next time because it make me kind of nervous.  He did great though!

Of course he crashed a few times but it was sweet to watch all of his older cousins rush over to help him up.  I have the best nephews!

Once he realized you have to keep pedaling at the top he did much better.

Keller was just cool to sit with Aunt Leslie and watch for a long time.  But eventually he decided he wanted to get down too.

First he just stood the scooter right by me and I steadied it for him.  He got a kick out of it.

Then he wanted more.  Aunt Leslie tried her best to teach him how to ride the scooter.  I think he's a lost cause.  He gave up and started running through the skate park.  He walked up, down, and all around with a big smile on his face the whole time.  I did my best to keep him out of everyone's way but I am sure we still annoyed a few people.  Oh well!

The boys took quite a few breaks just to watch the other teenagers there do tricks.  Some of them were actually really good.  They were all patient with our little ones which was much appreciated.

Then Brayden was sure he needed to try doing a few tricks himself.  Not too shabby for a 7-yr-old.

Thanks Leslie and Amy for a fun afternoon.  We're good moms.  Just ask us...