Firsts

First realization that wearing sunglasses is fun. Also realized that breaking them is fun.

In the past few weeks, we've had a few fun "firsts." Quinn got his first haircut. I left the pretty curls in the back (even though some people mistake him for a girl) but cut the hair in front that kept getting in his eyes. He did really well!

We also installed his car seat in the forward facing position the day he turned 18 months old. We hoped it would result in less time being upset in the car. We think it has made a difference, though Quinn still doesn't love being in the car for very long. It made me a little sad to see - it looked like such a big kid thing in the back of the car, rather than being for a baby. Tear, sniff, sniff.

In the car with Nonna

Quinn combined signs and words for the first time last week. He told me his teeth hurt using two signs, and said "bah gooh", which translates to good pizza. Yes, our 18 month old is obsessed with pizza and I'm trying not to feel guilty when he immediately identifies what is in a delivery box. Hey, at least he doesn't chow on sweets! (You just got a glimpse inside my head - I constantly have two voices bickering all day about the appropriateness of my parenting decisions.)

He is also saying more two syllable words with greater ease. Unfortunately, his advances in language have come along with new frustrations. He gets angry very quick when we don't understand him and has thrown some big tantrums. Once our move is over I plan to work with him on some more signs to mitigate some of his (and my) frustrations.

Visiting with family

A couple of weeks ago, Jonathan's mom and sisters came for a visit. Aside from getting stuck at a Culver's during a tornado warning and hail storm, we had a lovely time. Lydia stayed the night and we spent lots of time talking. Quinn and Nonna played the sneezing game, which cracked him up.





Last weekend we went to a conference in Philadelphia. Jonathan presented at arguably the biggest and best conferences in Education - and even won an award for best poster in his division! I'm so proud. While we were there, we got to spend some quality time with some very dear friends who we haven't seen since before Quinn was born. They were quickly big hits with Quinn. We went to the park, ate great ethnic food, had much-needed and appreciated in-depth conversations, and explored the historic part of the city together. They were such great hosts - I think I'm going through withdrawal by missing them so much.

Loving magnets and new friend, Ariel

Swinging at the park in Philly - and very tired

At the park outside Independence Hall

Eating Greek with new friend, Paul

Finally, spring has finally sprung here, and we are elated! Today it's 70 degrees, the birds are singing, the daffodils are in bloom, and we are spending as much time as possible outside. Wishing you spring weather too!

PS - Quinn looks more like Jonathan every day. See below. :)

This is Jonathan at around Quinn's age

Doesn't he look like his daddy?!