Mommy's first weekend away

Dear Thomas,
Mommy had her first weekend away from you. It was hard and I was very afraid that you were going to be very upset and miss me. Daddy said that you said mama a few times over the weekend, like you were wondering where I was. In the end, things went fine and when I came home you acted as if I had just stepped out for a few minutes. I think the cat was more excited to see me than you were :)
You had a rough week with a sinus infection, an ear infection, and a bad fall. The fall was not serious other than the big gash it took out of your forehead! We put a band-aid on it, which ended up looking very cute.

We had our first beach day last week- and we will be returning tomorrow. You loved the beach! The water was fun, although you did not like it when you lost your balance and fell in. You didn't play in the sand as much as I thought you would, but I think that will change the more we go there. Sienna and Lily were there, although you were too busy to worry about the girls.

Love you~Mommy

dog + gus = Ga

Dear Thomas,
"Ga" is not the same as "dog." You have meshed Gus with dog to get "Ga," your new word for dog. You are climbing on everything; yesterday, you conquered the couch. Looks like our days of letting you play in the other room are over, we have to keep a constant eye on you again. Was there ever a time when you didn't walk? Walking comes so naturally now, you hardly ever fall. You made a new friend next door, his name is Jack. Every time we go outside you look for him and say "Ga" which is your way of saying that Jack's dog lives there.
You stayed at Grammie and Grandpa's again this weekend. You did well, no vomiting :) They really enjoy your company. Saturday, Daddy took you for a hike at the Bird Sanctuary. It was your first hike ever! Daddy said you did a great job and walked a lot of it. You crashed out pretty hard at the end, and took a two hour nap... I think you had enough :)

Mommy just started summer vacation! I can't wait to spend the summer with you. Tomorrow- the beach!

Favorite food= bananas and oranges

Soccer Star

Dear Thomas,
Maybe it's in the air with the World Cup games approaching, but you have become quite a soccer player! You often kick a ball instead of of throwing it, and can keep the ball underfoot for quite a while before losing it. Today we had an appointment with Dr. Sassiville. She had some Mr. Potato Heads in the office. You thought, of course, that it was a ball and played with it while we were waiting. You even kicked it around the room for a while like a soccer ball- I can't wait to see if you like that sport later in life.

You said "Thank you" today! Daddy handed you a toy in the bathtub that you had dropped, and you looked right at him and said "Thank you". It was great :)

We are working on some behaviors with you... you are being naughty. I think we have the hitting under control- putting you down seems to work. Now we are working on some other behaviors- standing on things like your chair, smashing blocks against the window... it's very hard to discipline you because you are so cute.

~Love you, Mommy

Blondie

Dear Thomas,
Remember when you were only a month old and Daddy and I took hundreds of pictures of you everyday?? No, well I do... sorry those days are done. I wish I had a new picture of you, but alas it is hard to catch you these days.
You hair is the most gorgeous shade of honey blond right now... the sun is really lightening it, it's beautiful.

You are saying and signing "All Done" on a regular basis right now. Picking up a few more words too. You keep climbing on your chair and standing on it!! So dangerous, you think it is hilarious.

Love you,
Mommy

Molars

Dear Thomas,
You have some big teeth coming, and boy does it look painful! I wish there was something I could for you, but you are chewing and drooling, and coping on your own for now :)
You are starting to put words together to form sentences... very simple sentences, but we are proud. Yesterday, you said "Hi Kitty" to Emma and laughed as she ran from you. We are getting the waving on a regular basis and hi and bye, about ten minutes too late.
Everyday you walk yourself from the car to the door of the condo. It takes a long time, you point at the flowers, you point at the neighbors dog, you stop to collect things, it is my favorite time of the day.
You are always so busy. We have a box from a fan in the kitchen. Every night, you fill the box with things and push it around the room. We got you a dust pan and broom which you use to sweep things and help Mommy clean. You love to play your piano, really you love to play with all of your toys now. We find that we have to use "No" less now, as you mostly play with toys instead of getting into things you shouldn't have.
Dinner has changed a lot. The big eater we had a month ago is gone! You are picky now and will toss things you don't want onto the floor. It is frustrating for Mommy who wants you to eat (and has to clean up after you). But, it is also funny in a way and we see the humor in your attitude.

Love you,
Mommy

First night away

Dear Thomas,
Friday night was your first night away from Mommy and Daddy. We dropped you off at Grammie and Grandpa's around 5. You were great, you had dinner, played with Gus, had your bottle... then... threw up all over Grammie, Grandpa and their house! Oops! Grandpa called us around 7, when were leaving the house and told us the bad news. Luckily, they still wanted to keep you- Daddy brought you new PJs and you were good to go. You had a great night, slept until 4:30 then woke up and slept in Grammie and Grandpa's bed for a bit. All morning you were happy and playing, I guess whatever was in your belly got out.

We were so happy you had a great first night away. Daddy and I enjoyed sleeping in a bit, but missed you a lot. We will try again in June :)

Outside

Dear Thomas,
We have been having a great week! We play outside every night- you have been playing outside a lot at daycare too. Today you were exploring the flowers and chasing the birds.
Tonight we were settling down with a book and you were repeating words to me. You said dog and when I barked like a dog, you barked too! It was very funny.
You are becoming a pickier eater. You turn your nose at vegetables if you know you can have pasta. We are learning though, tonight I mixed carrots with your pasta and you never knew :)

We love you.

Dear Thomas,
Thirteen months have passed! Things are a lot different now than this time last year. Here are some of the awesome things you are doing.
Talking: In addition to the words you had mastered since my last blog, you have added some new words/phrases- bye, all done, and Gus. You have quite a variety of word use and tone... I just don't know most of the words you are using. It is fun to hear you babble, you have so much to say and you seem to really understand what you are saying.
Signing: You have learned two signs- all done and bye bye (I don't know if that counts as a sign :)

You spend a lot of time outside now, we have been so busy. You run around the lawn, explore the yard... you love it. When I pick you up from daycare now you are filthy! A sure sign that you have had a fun day.

We love every minute with you right now, even the minutes you are being naughty. (Those minutes are increasing now that you are approaching two) We still can't get you to stop hitting us, and you speak your mind when you don't like something we do, i.e. take away something you aren't supposed to have, close the bathroom door, the list goes on.

~Love you, Mommy

Mother's Day

Dear Thomas,
Sunday was my second Mother's Day. Daddy let me sleep in, although you did not- you were very loud all morning! When I got up you came running towards me to give me a big hug (best present ever). Then you handed me a card and a gift- the card had a recording of your voice. It was very nice.
We spent the day going to the greenhouses with Grammie, like we do every year. You were so well behaved all day, even with all the driving around and the getting in and out of the car. Your favorite part of the day was seeing the hens and roosters at Jack's greenhouse. They were very close to you and you could not take your eyes off them.
They keep telling me at daycare how wonderful you are, and how great you are doing. I know this is true but it is nice to hear. Trying to get a few more words out of you, but we are happy with the ones you do use. You continue to amuse yourself for short periods of time with the simplest thing. (Yesterday it was a paper towel roll and a piece of your toy basket that had broken off). I love that about you :)

~ Love you,
Mommy

Greetings

Dear Thomas,
A first today when I went to pick you up at daycare- when you saw me, you dropped the toy you were playing with and came running at me. It was great!

You are a little more "banged up" than I would like. It seems like you are always falling, especially now that you are learning how to walk outside. You have cut your lip twice, had a (I think big, but Daddy didn't think so) bruise on your forehead, and now you are breaking out! I think this is due to teething, not due to the falls :) Skinned knees, dirty hands... it's all just the beginning.

You are still hitting despite our best efforts to teach you not to. Hopefully, you only do it to us and you will grow out of it.

Love you,
Mommy

Dear Thomas,
What a weekend! You had a high fever Saturday and Saturday night, we were so worried. You even slept with us Saturday night, which you never want to do. Things looked better on Sunday, and you were back to your happy self. Each day, you seem to be feeling better and better :) Maybe that immune system really is getting stronger.

You are officially off formula and on whole milk. What's more, you are only having bottles in the morning and at night. What a big change! You are using your sippy cup for milk during the day. (We make it a little more enticing by using soy milk instead of regular, which you love)

When we first get home from daycare, I give you snack. You are so funny because you will set your cup on the table and pick up your Mum Mum, and then put your Mum Mum on the table to pick up your cup. Such good manners :)

~Love you,
Mommy

Monkey See Monkey Do

Dear Thomas,
You are still learning and changing so much everyday. The small things are the most amazing. Today, I took a washcloth and wiped up some water from the floor. You watched me, then took the washcloth and wiped the floor like I did. You truly watch and learn from everything we do.

The "sleep training" is going well, you were asleep after 25 minutes of rolling, tossing and turning tonight... not bad.

You are adopting a toddler attitude. You are quite particular with what you want, and you speak up if you don't get what you want. It is funny to watch how excited/upset you get when thing go/don't go your way.

Favorite game: Having Daddy chase you around the kitchen and try to "get you".

Sleeping Woes

Dear Thomas,
We have switched you over to whole milk. No more formula! You don't seem to like it as much, but I think you will adjust.

We are trying to get some good sleeping habits started, and it isn't easy. Typically, I rock you to sleep and sing to you, but that hasn't been working the past few weeks. So, Daddy and I are ready to let you fall asleep in your crib like a big boy. That means sitting next to you for about an hour while you fall asleep! It is not fun :) You have been waking a few times a night the past few nights, and we are trying to get you back to sleeping through the night. It is a work in progress, but we hope you will eventually become a good sleeper like Mommy and Daddy are.

You had your first fall Saturday at Nana's house. Daddy was playing outside with you and you were pushing around your wagon. You must have hit a rock or something in the driveway, because you fell forward and bit your lip. Daddy told me there was a lot of blood, I am glad I was not there to see it.

~Love you, Mommy

One Year

Dear Thomas,
When did you get so big? We went to the doctors today, here are your stats:

21 pounds 1 ounce
29 1/2 inches

You no longer fit into 12 month clothes (especially PJs, which are just too short)

Vocabulary: mama, dada, ball, uh-oh, whoah, kitty (sometimes), and yesterday used correctly- ow.

Brilliance

Dear Thomas,
This morning you were playing with a pinwheel. You would hand it to Mommy and I would blow on it and make it turn. Then you would grab it and hit it a few times trying to make it turn. After a few rounds of this, when you took it from me instead of hitting it, you blew on it! SHEER BRILLIANCE

You still love the word "uh-oh." Now, you point at something you know you aren't supposed to have, cell phone, remote, etc., look at me and say "uh-oh." Then you give me about two seconds to move it before you go get it yourself. (You can't quite restrain yourself from going for it yet!)

New words: Hello, Whoah, Ball

~Love you, Mommy

Play dates

Dear Thomas,
We are having a great vacation! Today we went back to the Toy Library for a playdate with some friends; you had a great time. You spent the first part of our time their playing in the kitchen. There were some older children playing and you enjoyed watching them and helping them. Then, in an effort to get you to play with Sienna, we moved to the ball pit. You were a little overwhelmed because there were so many kids in it, but quickly found that throwing the balls out of the pit was a good time. (Not for mommy who had to pick them all up) After the ball pit, we played in the sandbox for a long time. You loved that. Once you started to throw the sand, we decided to take a break from the sandbox. What a wonderful day I am having with you, I can't wait until this summer :) Later this afternoon we are going for a walk with Samara and Sheena, our neighbors. Right now, you are napping after such a busy morning!

~Love you, Mommy

Cousin Corinne

Dear Thomas,
Yesterday we went over to play with your cousin Corinne. You hadn't seen her since Christmas, and this was the first play date where you two were old enough to actually play. Ashley and I had a good time watching you two interact. Unfortunately, there is still quite an age difference and you were a little too big and rough for Corinne. You kept going up to her and patting her on the head, which was great. Then you would get a little carried away and just start smacking her, which was not great. She cried quite a few times and wasn't sure what to make of you. Next time we see her won't be until she is a bit older (mommy is on vacation in two months) so hopefully she will be able to smack you back :) You had fun, as always, chasing the cats around. No matter where we go, you find the animals and spend the day trying to get them.

It was shocking to see how different three months makes. Corinne seems so small and still like a baby- where as you are really like a little boy now.

And- you are in your new car seat facing forward! I love it because I get to talk to you while we ride together, and I can see you now.

~Love you, Mommy

Birthday Wishes

Here are some of the birthday wishes people have left for you... some are just well wishes, some are answers to the questions "What were you doing a year ago when you found out Thomas was born?"

Kim "Happy Birthday Thomas! The girls had a blast yesterday!" and "I was at home waiting by the phone because I knew you went into the hospital (I think it was just for an appointment). I was dying to visit but I wanted you to have your time. Wow that year went by fast!"

Susan "Happy birthday, Thomas! Love, Ellie and Jack" and "xI'm not sure I remember where I was when I found out, but I remember my shock that you had had him already! I think the first words out of my mouth after "Congratulations" were, "Wow, that's just like you to have him over April break. You are such a planner!" :) And I definitely remember the first time the kids and I met him; it was instant love! He was so tiny and perfect and my heart melted when I held him. I can't believe it's already been a year!"

Matty P "Send Thomas a big happy birthday from his funcle matty!!!!! MISS YOU GUYS!!"

Sarah "yay happy birthday thomas! miss you!" and "hey remember that time we were supposed to have a book club meeting and you decided to have a baby instead? i can't believe that baby is turning a year old this weekend! tell thomas i said happy birthday - miss you lachapelles!"

Ben "Happy birthday Thomas "the Gun" Lachapelle! Keep those parents of yours busy. And remember: the square peg in the round hole is not the problem; the stupid lid with all the dang holes is the problem."

Aunt Sandi "Heidi that was a great 1st Birthday Party for Thomas - everyone had a great time and Thomas is so adorable!!!!"

Holly "Driving to Boston fresh out of my cast for a bridal shower night out on the town. Pictures followed the next day care of Uncle Toby the mad picture taker"

Carol L "The birth of Thomas was a bright spot for us as someone told us while visiting Mom in ICU, she was so happy for you all and so was I. I think my cousin needs more grandchildren to love ;)"

Kelly, Jerry and Stephen "Thanks for inviting us, Stephen had a GREAT time! We did too. Thomas is so cute."

Wil "Happy Birthday Thomas!"

Gretchen "I remember Amanda's 1st Birthday party like it was yesterday and now she is 20! I had to wake her up from a nap for it and then I was ready for a nap after it was all done! Congratulations on your son's first birthday!"

Kathleen "happy birthday little guy. You have had an amazing year of discovery! Year number 2 will be full of many more exciting adventures. Be good to your momma and have a blast at your birthday."

Barbara C "HB to darling Thomas and may he and his parents celebrate with all their hearts."

Pam- "Happy Birthday Thomas hope your day is very special"

Cindy Pellerin "Hope the bday party went well happy birthdate Thomas"

The arrival of the third tooth

Dear Thomas,
Finally another tooth emerges. This is one of the top ones, although possibly both top ones have poked through. It is a relief to have it out, so you are no longer in so much pain... we still have a lot more teeth to go though.

You are being a little naughty now. We are teaching you not to hit. For some reason you have started hitting us- you find it hilarious. We are also trying to teach you not to yell. You have started yelling again- it's so loud! Oh, and you are climbing on things- we are nervous you will hurt yourself, so trying to teach you no for that too. It's good practice and good timing for learning "No". You certainly know what it means and don't like it :)

You are going to be a year soon; I wish I could go back to a year ago and do it all over again.

~Love you, Mommy

Growing, Growing, Gone

Dear Thomas,
As your first birthday is approaching, I am realizing how much you have changed this year. The memories of your birth (to be posted on your birthday) are all flooding back to me. How can you possibly have changed SO much? You are walking, talking, feeding yourself, and playing with toys I never thought you would figure out. A year ago you weren't even born!!

This week we gave you your birthday present early. It is a Thomas the Train table and chairs; you love it. We play the "get in the chair, get out of the chair" game at least a dozen times a night. You want to get in and out yourself, but it is a bit too dangerous.

You have discovered many new foods. You are doing a great job feeding yourself, even with only two teeth. You love sweet potato fries and potato puffs (didn't I tell myself I would never feed you such things?) Pasta with tomato sauce is one of your favorites too. You just love to eat.



You have grown out of a lot of your toys. You don't play with your tunnel as much, you are less interested in some of the "baby" toys you have always loved. You are never too good for the simple things- you played with your hairbrush for a half hour tonight. You will put down any toy for a tube of butt paste. Love that about you!

~Love you, Mommy