Language Explosion

I'm not sure what has triggered it, but in the last couple of weeks, Carter's language skills have really exploded. He's always had a huge vocabulary for his age, but now, he's starting to string together words to make phrases. Before, he could link two words that always went together in his vocabulary (for example: saying "I you" for "I love you"); now, he's learning that he can string together words that he previously used only separately.

A few examples:

• Right der
  
• Maw Maw's House
• Hi Mama
• Hi Daddy
• Get down
• Hold dat
  
• Read dat
  
• Puppy book
• Happy birthday
• Pick it up
• Put shoes on
• Arm hurts
• Barney on (he wants the CD to play every.single.time we get in the car)
  
• TV broke
  
• Cow poopin (ha ha)
  

I know I'm biased, I know I think he's exceptionally smart, but he truly does amaze me every day. He's just so bright and curious that I love watching him learn so many new things each day. I also love how I can get his attention, and he'll just stare me down when I try to teach him how to say something or do something. He's so attentive, and it's so clear that he wants to learn so much.

I just love that kid.

Speaking of Deaux-Deaux, Tarter...

Video proof:


Deaux-Deaux Tarter!!! from Tricia on Vimeo.

Little dictator

Ryan gave Carter a bath tonight, and after he took him out of the tub, Carter said, "Hug! Rock me! Jammies!" :)

Then he rocked with Daddy in the chair and kept saying, "Do-do, Tarter! Do-do!!"

Notice the grapes precariously perched on his sippy cup...

This is what Carter would call, "Riiiiiiiiiiiight derrrrr...."

Push it!!

Unfortunately, we have had a tragic water heater situation the last few weeks. It doesn't heat up enough for me to take my usual scalding hot baths. This is unacceptable!!

So my dear husband and I went out last weekend to Sears and bought ourselves a new one. Alas, the new water heater we purchased would not fit through the attic opening without removing the stairs. And it would not fit in the space that our old water heater is located without reframing the house (um, NO!). So tonight, we packed up the kiddo and headed out to Home Depot to purchase water heater numero two. (Thrilling you, right?)

But at least we got this cuteness out of the deal. And I got the promise of a nice steaming hot bath this weekend!

But should it be Coke or Pepsi?

Almost 18 months old!

Typical winter month with a toddler! Carter and I shared a lovely sick day yesterday because he was running a fever of 102 on Monday and acting unusually cranky. We took him to his ENT, Dr. Eldredge, yesterday morning and lo and behold, he has tonisillitis! Luckily the fever was gone by yesterday morning, and a few doses of antibiotics had him feeling much better today.

So since it was a lovely (though slightly cold) day today, and we were cooped up inside all day yesterday, we made a quick stop at the library this afternoon for some new reading material. Except that Carter kept asking for berries. Like from the li-berry. ;)

When I informed him that there were no berries and in fact I had said liBRARY, he said, "Table?" And I had to set him straight. Barnes & Noble has the table! Not the library!! Free. Not free. Different places, buddy.

After our liberry trip, we decided to brave the cold, but gorgeous, weather and head out to slide a bit and get some fresh air. I have been really slacking in the photography department lately and I knew I wanted to take some pictures this afternoon anyway. Carter loved playing in the wagon his Nonnie gave him and of course, he looooooves his slide from Amie and PaRandy. Here's the proof:

Yum.

If you aren't familiar with Bakerella, you might want to check her out.

Moooooooommmmmmmmyyyyy!!!

:Me, talking on the phone with Ryan on the way home from school:

Carter: Mommmmmmmyyy! Mommy! Mommy! Mooooooooooooooommmmyy!!
Me: Ryan, I'm going to have to let you go. Carter obviously wants my attention
Carter: Moooooommmmmmmmmmmmy!! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!
Me: What, Carter?
Carter: Mooommmmmmmmmmmmy!! Mommy! Mommy!! Mommy!!
Me (getting exasperated): WHAT??
Carter (points out the window): Bus.


Beep. Beep.

Belly buttons

Carter has had a fascination with belly buttons for months now. It was one of the earliest words he ever said ("button"), but the obsession has taken on a whole new level.

In public, in private, he does not care - he leans over to me and will try to lift my shirt, asking to see "button." But the funniest part is that if he does get the opportunity to poke a belly button (either his own or someone else's), he reaches in, shoves his pudgy finger in there, and says "booooooop."