Lowcountry and (very) Highcountry: Day 9

Well, I was so thankful to be feeling much better by travel day! Friday morning we packed everything up and headed to the airport again for the flight home. Once again, (thank you, Lord!) there were open seats on both flights. I was able to not only strap David into his carseat on the plane, but the folks around me this time (including all airline personelle) were very nice and helpful! Davd ate his lunch on the first flight. We only had time enough to walk, rather speedily, from the arrival terminal and gate in Charlotte to the departing gate. (of course, the other extreme side of the airport) We made the flight though and David sat pretty quietly for the take-off. When he started getting a bit more fidgety, we pulled out the portable DVD player again. He and I snoozed to Cars, until he just flat "went to sleep." He slept the rest of the flight. I was happy to be in Houston again and through with the traveling. It was very nice to see Michael! David too loved seeing his Daddy!

What a week to remember! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to spend lots of time with my dear friend and humbled by her offer to give Michael and I time together!

The big 2-0

David hit the 20 month mark while we were in South Carolina. My, what a change there was this month!!!

This month was, on the whole, full of wonderful times with a cheerful little boy! Suddenly, David is more content and even when he is having a tantrum (which he does now), he communicates so much better that it can often be resolved (by spanking or not :) ).

He began the month by eating very little and as picky as ever, but ended it by eating everything in sight! Thank you, Kristina!

I think it is for this reason that he literally overnight outgrew his 12 month pants/shorts. (I know, he is now 20 months and should have a long time ago. He has always been so slim though!!!) He is definitely in the 2T, at least until his big tummy is spread out again after another growth spurt. His shirts have been 2T, and even 3T, for a while due to his long torso.

While David still sleeps well, his naptime has changed a bit, generally. He often ends up napping a bit later (closer to 1:00 these days--because we are out and about). He is far better when he just misses a nap too (although for my sanity, we still have it instituted.) The naps are often 2 hours, only occasionally 3 still. He also is going to bed much later now. Bedtime mostly falls between 7:00 and 7:30. Perhaps this is why he sleeps later most days too now...7:00ish.

David's new favorite toys? He loves matchbox cars! He will walk around the house with one in his hand at all times...occasionally running it across the wall or the floor saying, "Beep, Beep." He also really likes puzzles now. He seems to memorize where parts go because he can do his favorite ones really quickly! He does think to match up colors sometimes, but not always shapes yet. At K's house, he spent a lot of time doing a wooden puzzle that made sounds when the shapes were inserted.

David loves to be outside! He loves to run, and climb, and go down slides! He also loves to throw balls and ride in his Little Tike car. This activity is offset by moments of quiet now too as he sits for even 5 minutes at a time while watching a DVD--his favorite right now, Cars!

Like I mentioned earlier, his communication skills have blossomed some this month. He has added several words and also regularly will say "no" or nod "yes" (still doesn't say that word) in response to questions. He likes "apples" and "bananas" (new words) and especially thrills "Mommy" when he says her name!!! (looooong awaited!!!). When the camera comes out, so does his new word, "Cheese." He can point to many body parts (some taught, some just picked up on): hair, ear, eye, mouth, nose, belly button, hand, foot.

Did I mention that I am having so much fun with David at this age?!?!

Lowcountry and (very) Highcountry: Day 8

Thursday was our last full day in South Carolina. We all got up and ready relatively early and got out the door by 9:00 in order to make it to K's homeschooling co-0p in Spartanburg. I helped K in Emma's room for a bit until D caught a glimpse of me as I walked a kid to the bathroom. The next hour was spent with D, needless to say. We had a few moments of panic as Alexander was lost upon leaving the playground next to the street. Fortunately, he is a smart little boy and had just headed to Emma's classroom (like normal) on his own (unlike normal). This was the last co-op for the year so they celebrated by having a pizza lunch. After lunch we headed the 45 minutes back to the house. (have you noticed a theme in this traveling?)

D might have napped for an hour but it was late enough when I put him down for a nap, that we rather despaired in a longer nap. With that in mind, we set off for the wonderful neighborhood park. This time, we enjoyed the weather much more (although threatening rain) and spent many hours watching the kids swing, hunt caterpillars, bury their heads in the sand (David literally did this), and all-around just have a nice time.

My last night was spent drinking our usual tea and chatting late into the evening.

Lowcountry and (very) Highcountry: Day 7

Wednesday brought a far better morning. I was even able to sleep in a bit. (meaning maybe 7:30 or 8:00) Today was the day for any site-seeing to be done since it was our only open day before I left. After breakfast, we opted to head out to downtown Greenville, SC. Before we left, the kiddos enjoyed a few minutes of Cedarmont Kids while the mommies got ready for a day out.

In Greenville, we started our adventure at their lovely park. It is right on a creek and so the combination of water, open grass, flowers everywhere, and hills made for a very idyllic setting. We lunched there along the creek. After lunch, I chased D around to keep him from taking an early bath. :)

We mounted the hill again and followed the creek to a man-made splash pad. A bit too cold for springtime but great in the summer, I'm sure! We stopped for gelato at a small shop.

Then we strolled around the quaint downtown. I loved the water features everywhere! We window-shopped mostly. We did go into Mast General Store and admire the layout of a true General Store. I was even able to find coconut cream eggs discounted from Easter (these were a favorite that I have not been able to find anywhere in the past several years). Yum! The General Store was just too tempting for little fingers though so we headed out quickly and continued our walk to admire the scenery.

Time flew by but the cranky kids reminded us it was time to leave. Their fussing would only get worse on the 45 minute drive back home! David did end up napping in the car. We seized the opportunity to drive up to the tip-top of the mountain so I could hop out to admire the chapel where the Flemings were married. Gorgeous! And the views? Spectacular!

A cup of our evening tea and a long chat before going to bed...