Our little man can't stand being swarmed by people. He just doesn't like and he'll tell you about it! He'll cry and cry and walk around until he finds his Mommy or Daddy, wrapping his little hands around their legs and holding on for dear life. Once you pick him up, you are his for quite a while. If you leave him holding on to you or start to walk away, he'll fall to the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
Being with all of the siblings at Hocking Hills was just too much of a crowd for him. However, that really only affected him for the few times all of us were in the cabin at the same time. Once a few went outside to do some hiking, sit around the campfire, or whatever, he was perfectly fine.
Keaten, like his sister, really enjoyed the hiking. He got to ride on Daddy's back in the backpack (which we used with his sister when she was that age), and boy did he enjoy it! Full of smiles, giggles, and the occasional babbling, I have no idea what he was saying, but I'm sure it was good things.
Now one could give their child his pacifier in these times of need, however, Keaten over the course of a couple of months decided to randomly throw them out of his stroller, car seat, whatever/wherever and Mommy and Daddy refused to buy any more. Therefore, he has been without a pacifier for quite a while and surprisingly, that went relatively easy at night time. We thought for sure he'd scream and refuse to go to sleep for at least a few days, but he pretty much didn't care from day 1. We couldn't be more proud of the fact that he has given up his pacifiers so easily and quickly (if only he'd give up his bottle!).
Over the past month, we have started a couple routines that we've had with Brianne for quite a while now. Bedtime prayer and song, and saying a prayer before eating. Keaten has picked up on these routines very well, in fact, he usually insists on the routine being followed and if he thinks you are going to skimp out on it, you will be told about it! He'll fold his hands and start babbling, because he wants you to follow the routine that he now thoroughly enjoys. There is nothing more exciting to see than your child taking the initiative on routines you start with them, especially those centered around God.
If that weren't enough, he has picked up the word "God" now and will fold his hands and state "God" clearly. He hasn't picked up the other words in the prayer, but he's getting pretty good at mimicking the syllables.
Along with the trip to Hocking Hills, Keaten got to visit the zoo and see friends and family in Lima, Findlay and North Baltimore. Apart from showing off his impressive walking skills, I'm sure he showed off his clapping, finding his ears, and his babbling.
Well that's another month in the life of Keaten, we can't wait to see what this next month contains.
Love,
Matt, Kami, Brianne and Keaten