Sleep

The cheeky grin on Tom's face belies the nightime antics that he is fresh from. I guess looking back Tom has never been a great sleeper, but just lately his night time waking routine is so random. He wakes anytime between 1 and 5 am usually twice but sometomes only once and sometimes (but not often) sleeps till 6.30am. When he wakes sometimes its for 5-10 mins and sometimes its for 2 hours. We have tried everything from controlled crying to having him in our bed. Tresilian couldn't help either, so our latest is to get big sister Ela sleeping with him - she's happy about this option and is able to sleep through his wailing! But it hasn't really helped with sleeping through.

Added: 26 July, still the same so any ideas or suggestions would be greatly recieved.

Greenie

Oh my, Tom suddenly turned into a toddler - carrying his backpack into school (Gumnut daycare centre), sleeping on a stretcher bed, eating at the table. But I still can't get him to stand still long enough to have a picture taken :) He is a determined young soul and loves to grab my leg and 'take' me to what he wants. It won't be long till he's barking orders, I can tell.

Some things never change however and he is still waking at unearthly hours of the morning (anytime between 4-5am). 4 is better because he usually goes back to sleep aftr a bottle of milk. At 5 he is usually up for the day. eughh. Just like his sister. Talking of whom, here they are riding on a Thomas ride at the local shopping centre - Tom was squeeling with delight.

little helper

Tom is a really good helper. His favourite activity is brushing. Inside and out, if he spots a broom he's quick on the job. He also loves to put things in the bin, loves observing cooking by sitting on the kitchen benchtop (and yes he has fallen off once but that hasn't dettered him).

Loves the great outdoors, will help with the hose, wants to get close to the mower but prefers when it is not working,and is mesmerised with turning the taps on. He's definitely going to work with his hands when he is older.

Feeding

Tom is well into telling us what he wants now. His favourite word is of course 'no', and he is perfecting his pointing techniques with a little squeeling thrown in. He has also started feeding himself. He finally has his high-chair and loves to sit at the table and pick up his spoon and cover himself in dinner/lunch/breakie. He also loves to try and get into the fridge but as yet he isn't strong enough (thank goodness).

He is loving going up and down the stairs. Have decided not to get a safety gate as he has mastered sliding backwards on his tummy. And thinks it is wonderful that he can run the length of the house from toy room to living and upstairs to heis bedroom. Sure wears him out.

Bah

Tom's favourite sound is 'b'. He loves to say Boo (but says Bah), and hide under his blankie or around the corner. His favourite nursery rhyme is Ba Ba Black sheep, and I guess we could work on 'Bah Humbug' as it is nearly christmas!

He hasn't been well lately - catching all the viruses from childcare - but at least his immune system is building up. I wish he could get back into some regular sleep pattern though as the night waking is killing me again.

He is also loving finding out new things - especially what goes/fits where. He loves to put things in things, especially balls. Maybe an engineer in the making? :)

And the picture is of the lovely Evie at her 2nd birthday party - Tom had a ball climbing, riding and jumping in her garden.

late night excursion

Tom had his first visit to the ER last night/this morning (5am) in Sutherland hospital. After a few days of temperatures and screaming and basic unsettled-ness, and a 4am drive to try and get some sleep into him, I finally succumbed and took him to the 24hr medical centre. Unfortunately the place was closed (go figure) so decided to brave the waiting room at the local hospital. 3.5 hrs later he was checked and I was told he was fine. Which he was once the nurofen had kicked in and he had discovered the toy box in the ward!

In this pic you can see Tom and his friend Elliot tucking into the leftovers at Ela's party last week. MAybe that's what made him sick...?

walking

Tom took his first steps alone this week. He was practically running after about 3 days but likes to do so with his arms raised. Quite funny to behold - almost like he's saying 'yeah i did it'

As you can see though he looks much more relaxed in his favourite chair, kickin back.