Blog Tales from the Broxtermans: March 2017

We survived another trip as a family of five! We were SO excited to go back to Puerto Vallarta since it had been 4 years since we had been. We decided to go back to the Grand Mayan where we had been before because we knew what to expect and what we were getting (aka lazy river, slides, splash pad, many many pools and great accommodations). While this trip was a little bit different with a 1 year old, we still had a great time relaxing and playing. The weather was INCREDIBLE! The resort has gotten much bigger since we had been before so we also enjoyed exploring all of the new grounds. I want to go back already!

On March 22nd, exactly 2 weeks after Dex's birthday and half way through our trip, Jake and Maddie were in the kids club so Mark and I were having a quiet night in. Dex decided he was ready to let go and take his first steps! Usually there is so much chaos going on around him, I think he felt comfortable that it was just Mark and I in a quiet room for once! We were shocked! Before, whenever we would ask him to walk (or if we let go of his fingers) he would immediately sit down and crawl. Since Mexico, he's been taking a few steps on his own here and there and every day he takes a few more. I know in a couple of weeks we will be chasing after him!

Video of Jake and Maddie coming off the slide for the first time

Here are a few videos from Dex taking his first steps. The last one is the best!

It's almost impossible to think that this baby is already a year old, but it's true! It seems as if this year has gone by super fast but when I look back and think about those days before his surgery, and the days we spent just doing laps around the backyard with him in the Ergo trying to settle him down, that seems like AGES ago. In that regard, I know we've come a long way and I can barely remember how tough those early days were. Since his surgery, he has just changed so fast and in such positive ways, it's almost unbelievable to think that he ever went through such an ordeal. You honestly would never know -- and even if you see his chest now, his scar has faded so much that it is barely noticeable on his sweet baby skin. Miraculous, I tell you.

He is so stinking cute that we really can't get enough of him. He's a handful for sure but that's just because he is moving ALL. THE. TIME. I also know that this is a great sign -- a sign of sociability and curiosity and intelligence. He understands so much now! He definitely seems to be embracing the toddler stage with every new day as he becomes more and more independent.

We had his 12 month check up on his actual birthday and the Doctor was so pleased with how he's doing. Here are his 12 month stats:

30.75 inches tall
24 lbs. 10 oz.
46.2 cm head circumference

What he's up to these days:

Not walking yet but close! He can pull himself up onto anything, anywhere and cruise along and will even stand unassisted for a few seconds but once you ask that boy to walk, he sits down and wants to crawl! Not to worry, he can always get to where he wants to go and I think he likes his efficiency at crawling.
He's babbling and saying a lot of "dadas" and when he wants something he points and says "eh, eh, eh" a TON until you get the point!
He is still on 2 naps a day. He goes down around 9:30 am and will sleep until about 11 am. Then he goes back down again at 2 pm but lately he is fighting that afternoon nap like crazy. For the last few days he just sits in his crib and plays and then gets mad and starts crying. It might be time to switch to 1 nap but it seems too early for that!
He goes to bed between 7/7:30 and wakes up around 6:30 am. He's so easy to put down -- just give him is bottle and once he's done, we just say "Love you and night night" and put him in his crib with his blanket and lovey. He goes to sleep all on his own! We will soon tackle getting rid of the bottle but mama isn't ready to go there yet.
His personality is really coming through. If he's holding something and you say "give it love", he'll lay his head on it and snuggle it. He even gives kisses when he wants to.
He is already a natural basketball player. NOT kidding! We have so many basketball hoops in this house it's silly really and he loves to take balls and thrown them in the baskets! It's the cutest thing ever!
He LOVES books too. He'll just hand them to you one by one to read to him. Adorable.
He's not the biggest fan of food. I think it's because he's just busy, busy, busy that he never wants to sit in a chair to eat. Transitioning him to whole milk wasn't a problem at all but getting him to eat real food is a challenge. He basically lives on cheese, yogurt and bananas. We've tried giving him berries and the textures just really throw him off. Recently we've learned he loves turkey from Rudys and County Line too! I always have one of those pouches on hand for when we're on the go and he loves those because it's all pureed and no funky textures.
He waves and gives high fives when he's in the mood :)
He also tries to make the animal noises when you ask him "What does the cow say", however, they all kind of sound the same coming out of his mouth -- but you can tell he's trying!
He LOVES his baths. Could stay in there all day.
He LOVES to be outside. Sometimes he just crawls to the back door (all the doors are glass so you can see outside), stands there and just cries to go outside.
He's a pro at climbing the stairs. We have gates now at the top and bottom and he just loves to climb up whenever he gets the chance!
He never did take to a paci. Instead, he has this brown pony lovey that we take everywhere with us. He shoves it in his mouth when he's tired -- just like a paci!

Happy birthday sweet boy. We could NOT love you any more than we already do! We can't wait to see what the next year brings!

I went in with my camera as soon as he woke up so I could document the day. Bright light Mommy!