Shayden

What a sweetheart!!!

I can't tell you HOW MUCH I am enjoying Shayden! He's an amazing little guy!

He did well traveling and adjusted relatively easily to so many different situations and people.

On the planes he may not have slept much, but was happy most of the time - only had about 1 pretty short meltdown each of the (4) 12-hour plane rides - not bad!

Of course, for us, having a toddler with us certainly added a fair share of extra work/stress (and I wouldn't want to do it again any time soon!), but it was definitely worth it!

I know I/we would have so regretted having giving him up just for the sake of a 9-week-trip!

When we got home, he was delighted to find all his toys and books again. He is totally crazy about books. He is fascinated by animals, particularly dolphins and whales at the moment.

Even though he couldn't express it with words (he still just says 4 words, plus 20+ signs), I think he really enjoyed being back in his crib and room!

He's been sleeping from 7pm to 7am most nights since we came back - which is NICE - plus taking a 2-3hr nap each day! While we were on the road, he would wake up very early many mornings - 4:30ish and nap shorter.

He likes routine and predictability, even though he did tolerate the constant changes of our trip without too much of a fuss.

Overall, Shayden is extremely cheerful and happy and has an amazing sense of humour - laughing at the smallest thing. His smile and funny faces - of which he learned a few more on our trip - conquers people's hearts in no time.
He is easygoing and fun and just such a blessing for our family!

According to this developmental therapist who came by this week, he's about a year behind in his gross motor skills (like walking) and his speech. In all other respects (fine motor skills etc) he's pretty much caught up - which she says is amazing! Thank you, Jesus!

Unfortunately, his weight is still pitiful at 9kg (20pounds) at almost 26 months and his arms and legs so spindly. Obviously he is still just eating the bare minimum... arrghh!

Here he is, helping us unpack the suitcases:

Natural at unpacking

Catching up on some summer fun at the beach

Isn't he a darling?!

Enjoying the water with Kylie - brrr, it's pretty cold, though

Hey, don't splash me!

Taking a nap through the Redwood Forest in close-by Rotorua during a family outing

Asleep in the Ergo Carrier, a fantastic carrier!

Enjoying his room and toys - blowing the Thomas wistle

Pointing to his nose, as the book promts

Practicing sorting the shapes and getting pretty good at it, too!

at a play ground

water play is his favourite at play group!

Cooling off from the summer heat in our garden

Another hot day at home - amusing himself while I take care of laundry!

And, Shayden is starting to be quite the little helper around the house: helping me wipe the tray of his high chair (which gets VERY messy every meal!), sweeping the floor and cooking.

Have a look!

Cleaning up after a play dough session with Kylie

Talk about a serious cleaner! Got to get all the play dough underneath the table! Way to go, son!

What are we cooking for dinner?

P.S.: I am also enjoying immensely not being so tight financially with him. We get money for him regularly from the social services that we HAVE TO spend on clothes and his board payments more than pay for all his needs and toys etc. - I was always dreaming of having a baby/child and being able to splurge - well, I waited a while, but here we go! Thanks, Daddy!