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With summer approaching, we finally decided to take Keegan to swim lessons. The signs were all there: he really enjoyed playing in the baby pool we set up in the yard a couple of weeks ago, during the heat wave; he has been really enjoying washing his hair (something he hated for quite a few weeks), or at least getting water dumped on his head; the weather is getting nicer, and we are planning on FINALLY getting solar panels for our pool.

So, we thought it was time. We didn’t quite have the courage to take him to the heavy duty water safety course for babies, a real water boot camp. The idea of having Keegan tossed in the water concerned me a little.  To get an idea of what we are talking about about, check out this video:

We didn’t completely excluded the idea, as it is important he understand how to float if he gets in the pool accidentally, but we wanted a softer approach to begin with. So we enrolled him in a YMCA water class. The goal is to make the babies comfortable in water, and not afraid. The class is only 8 lessons, twice a week. It is not the best time, because it is pretty much around his dinner time, but we have managed so far, with big snacks.

The class is small, 5 babies, ranging in age from 15 months to past 2 years, and we are using a small, heated (87 degrees) pool. Parents are in the water too, and there are songs and small exercises. Keegan seems to like it so far. He, like most of the kids, does not necessarily want to do what the teacher would like, but he does not mind being in the water. We even got him underwater, and he liked that. He also loved when we dunk him in the water from the edge. It is fun.

In other news, he is talking a little more now, almost real words. Beside using the sign, he now says “MO” for more, and he says “PA” for ball (palla in Italian), and his favorite now, “BOBBLES” for bubbles (bolle di sapone in Italian), his new obsession. He really likes them. And he likes saying the word. he would say it in the car, or for no apperent reason. He likes to repeat it, with a crescendo…bobbles, bobbles , bobbbles, BOBBBLEEEEESSS, almost in a frenzy. We have to get a video of that. So I guess we will have to buy some automatic bubble maker, so he can make them himself. He is also “talking” quite a bit, in his own language of course. It really does sounds like a language, with sentences. It is so funny. We even have conversations…so, he is more and more a little boy now.

While we are still working  through the pile of toys we accumulated in the past few months — and the grandparents definitely helped in that department — and slowly revealing a new thing every few weeks, Tizi went to a parents’ swap meet last week and ended up getting a few fun things for dirt cheap. She got some really cool books including a music playing, pop-up Old McDonald book. Keegan loved it, and guess how long it took him to destroy the pop ups? A whole 2 minutes! Well, it is recommended for 3+ years, but he enjoys playing the song and hearing the dog bark. Tizi also got a rocking giraffe. It is the cutest thing ever. Keegan is not quite that taken by it, but he will go on it for a few minutes. He also thinks it is a weird looking cow, so he moos every time he approaches it.

He’s still going through his separation anxiety, especially from mom, who can’t even go to the next room without causing tears. And, more surprising, he has become very shy. Every time there are other kids around, he initially hangs on to us, even if is the same kid at daycare that he sees every day and that always comes over to hug him in the morning. It is very surprising to us, since he has always been quite a social baby, and he is still very interested in other people…just a little shy. We are sure it will be a phase, and we will try to put him in as many social situations as possible.

So we are happy to report that all is well, and following the expected path. Now, we are looking forward to summertime and more fun in the sun.

It is tough being a toddler, but someone gotta do it, right? Between playing, eating, goofing around, running, climbing, throwing the occasional tantrum, making weird noses, and chasing mom and dad around there are simply not enough hours in a day. Maybe this is why he resists his naps!

Jokes aside, not counting the constant cold and the teething, Keegan is healthy and happy. We are posting some images just to give you a glimpse of his life as a toddler.

His eating preferences vary daily, and now he LOVES apples. Yes, the same fruit he refused to eat before: now he loves it, at least today, especially if he can eat it biting it off.

He is quite proficient at washing his hands, and most times, after changing a poopie diaper, he will go to the diaper pail (too bad he can’t actually drop the diaper in there), and then straight to the bathroom for washing his hands. He enjoys climbing on the step stool and playing with the running water.

You can’t be called a toddler without some goofing around. Keegan thought it was hilarious to explore both of his nostrils at the same time (instead of eating, mind you)…no, he did not pick any winners.

At his new daycare room they have plenty of art time, so we tested his skills at home with some washable -we hope-, no toxic – we REALLY hope, since he proceeded to put them in his mouth right away-, crayons. What a masterpiece! And I guess he is not left-handed like mom after all.

Some of his favorite games right now are pushing and pulling toys around, especially the wooden ones that make such a fun noise, throwing balls over handed, stacking cubes really high, and then knock then down, shape sorting, and of course boxes and lids and filling and emptying container. He also loves when we sing to him (and his daddy’s Tarzan interpretation). And if he LOVES being outside, either in the yard, the street, the playground or anywhere else. Good thing we live in San Diego, and can enjoy outxdoor time most of the year  (sorry for rubbing it in).

And right on time, he is showing some major jealousy, so every time mom sits with daddy, he comes right over, make sure we are not too close by pushing us apart and sits right in the middle for a group hug.

I can’t believe is Easter already, but here we are. The first week after the grandparents left went OK. We are definitely back to normal: no more sleeping in till 8am for Keegan. In fact he started his random schedule again, which usually means WE are not getting any sleep. We had in order: a 6am wake up, a midnight wake-up with him (and us) staying awake till 3.30am, another wake up at 4.30 and 5.30, and then the next day a midnight and 1.30 and then 5.30 wake ups…and of course, while he sleeps fine at daycare, he does NOT want to nap at home. We tried again the crying out method on saturday, and guess what, he cried 2.5 hours, and no nap. So once again, it is back in the car and he fell asleep right away…We definitely need to find a way for him to nap, since he is very tired. We can try to get some kind of cot, like they have a daycare, so maybe it will help. At this point we are open to everything. (-:

Anyway, this too shall pass.

Easter, while still did start with a somewhat sleepless night, turned out to be a very fun day for all of us. The weather was once again beautiful and sunny, so we started the day with a small Easter hunt. Matt hid some colorful eggs filled with treats in the yard, and we got Keegan out there to find them. We did not do anything too elaborate, but he had a blast. “He” made a small basket at daycare, so he was  ready to go, and he quickly got the hang of it.

let’s store them all in the basket

I have found another one

He was such a thrill to watch him and to hear him shriek in delight, especially when he started shaking them, and he realized that there was something inside…and something edible at that.

hey, they are making a fun shaking sound

what’s in there?

Yummy Strawberry Puffs

yummy!!!

enough, let’s save the loot for later

It was so much fun! After both mom and Keegan had a nap, it was off to the playground. He did have a good time, climbing stairs, going down the slides, playing with the sand, and petting doggies. He even crawl though the tunnel, something he usually does not like to do. Then is was time for more playtime at home.

We hope all of you had as fun as a Easter Day as we did.

Sadly, the time has come to say Arrivederci again. The grandparents left for Italy last week…just in time for the biggest earthquake in Italy in 30 years. Fortunately they are not in harm’s way, and thank you to all of you that expressed concern. Neither they or anyone in their direct circle has been affected.

We had a wonderful time, and spent many days enjoying each other’s company. We all miss them a lot. Keegan has been occasionally pointing to the door, waiting for them to show up at any time. He has been looking for their car, and its keys, since he had a lot of fun playing in it, and pretending to drive it…oh- oh, are we in trouble?

I am getting the hang of this driving thing

For us, it has really been a treat seeing how well they get along, and how much fun they had together. It could have been a simple stroll in the neighborhood…

…or a shopping trip in mama’s mothership: Target…

I love this shopping thing… check out my mug

Making mama proud: Keegan is a Target lover already

… or simply playing in the yard

man, this is a REALLY big ball

or enjoying an old-fashioned passtime as  paper dolls (and grandpa is a master at it)…

…no matter what they did, they had a ball. Unfortunately, the last week, has been spent tending to Keegan who got sick, and was out of daycare for 4 days. We are very grateful for Grandmma and Grandpa that took such god care of him so we could still go to work. It was nothing serious, just a combo cold-cough-fever-teething thing. He was well enough by Friday to enjoy one last day with his best playmates.

We are looking forward to seeing them again soon, possibly in Italy. Thank you again for everything  you have done, and see you soon on Skype!