The Lab

At Austin's two-year checkup, his doctor wanted us to go to the lab to get his blood drawn for testing. His weight has always been low and I think she just wanted to check to be safe. We didn't need an appointment and since it is my 9/80 day off I took him today. We got to the lab around 11am. I took his new Take Along Thomas set (A gift from the Aoyamas. Thanks, he loves it!) for him to play with as we waited. It came with Thomas, Toby and Percy trains in a carrying case so it was perfect for playing on the go (I left the tracks at home).

The lab we went to had a waiting room on one side of a wall and bunch of numbered seats on the other side. We were called to wait in seat #2 and I tried to give him a little heads up. He didn't know what to expect so he was talking and singing and playing with his trains. He even pointed out the "2" on the wall and said "two!" The lab was a pretty smooth operation, we didn't wait long before the lady came and told me to put him in my lap. I held his arms and body while she took his blood. She was very quick and found his vein easily. Austin cried about one second after the needle went in his arm and he tried to wiggle away, but as soon as the needle was out and the bandage was on, he was fine and back to smiling and chatting away. She took three vials and he did great. I'm so proud of him! I gave him a box of juice in the hallway and he was very happy. He even held my hand and walked on his own through the parking lot all the way to the car (I usually have to carry him in parking lots since he doesn't usually like me to hold his hand).



The lab was across the street from Curry House so we went there for lunch. Austin had said "no" when I asked if he was hungry and he said "no" to all of my other restaurant suggestions, but he seemed to be okay with that choice. He enjoyed his meal and devoured the side of plain tofu I got for him. He got a little surprise with his kids meal, it was a tiny Pokemon toy in a plastic egg. The toy was a little small for his age, but I let him play with it when he finished eating. He kept putting it in the egg and taking it out and was very interested in the paper that came with it.


This was my first 9/80 day off getting to just hang out with Austin. He was my little shadow the whole day. He played near me wherever I was in the house and whenever I left the room I always heard footsteps coming along behind me. He became very attached to me today. Unfortunately, we won't see him for most of the day tomorrow since we'll be at the USC football game.

Two-year checkup

Austin had his two-year checkup on Tuesday.

His current measurements:
Height = 33 1/4" (20%)
Weight 21 lbs, 14 oz (0%)
Head = 18 3/4" (25%)

Austin was grumpy that morning, I think he was still sleepy. He didn't eat much breakfast, he wasn't in a good mood in the doctor's office, he cried while getting weighed, cried while getting his measurements taken, cried when getting examined and cried when he had to lie down for his shot. He probably didn't even notice he got a shot since he was already so upset.

He got one vaccination today, Hep A. Afterward, he calmed down but pulled the band aid off and tried to give it to me. As we were walking to the car he kept saying "tha' way" and pointing back to the office. I asked, "do you want to go back to the doctor?" and he said "yes"
a couple of times, but Willis thinks he wanted to go back to the little playground where the two of them were waiting before our appointment.

He was in a better mood in the car. His eyes were drooping but he didn't get a chance to fall asleep before we arrived home. He didn't want to get out of the car at first, but after unloading the car I asked him if he wanted Daddy to take him to day care and he said, "yeah." I asked him if he wanted to get out of the car he said, "yeah." He asked to take
off his shoes and socks then went inside to play with his train table for a few minutes before going to day care. Getting to see his trains must have lifted his spirits because he was much more pleasant after seeing them. I hope he has a nice long nap today.

Truck!

Austin and I got to watch the truck pick up our recyclables together this morning. I was just pulling out of the driveway to go to work when I saw the truck down the street. I ran back inside to get him. He was so happy. :)

He now says things like:
I need help
I no like dat
I no knooow
Mine or No, mine!

Two more parties

Austin slept in on Sunday morning, getting some well-needed rest after his big party day. After he got up, we rushed to eat breakfast and get ready for his classmate, Makenna's birthday party. Luckily, they only live a few minutes away in El Segundo. It was a huge play date with tons of kids and toys spread out on the carpet (Little People, Mr/Mrs. Potato Head, puzzles, kitchen set, etc.) We got to see lots of Austin's classmates from day care and it's always fun to chat with the other parents. (Picture above is Kayla and Austin at Makenna's party. Photo from Cindy, Kayla's Mom)

When we left, Austin got to pick a goodie from the bin on the way out and no surprise, he picked a car. He had fun playing with his new car on the way home.

After we got home it was time for a nap. Austin was tired, but fought it for an hour and 15 minutes! After I prepped food to take to our next party, I decided to lie down in his room since he was still awake. I dozed off but kept waking up to Austin moving around. I finally said, "close your eyes and go to sleep, right now!" I woke up a few minutes later and success! He was finally asleep!

We got to the Fu's going away party that evening a little late, but we still had time to hang out and spend time with everyone. The best part of the evening was seeing Akemi, Tesshin and Austin having fun with each other. I know we will all miss seeing the kids play together when the Fus move to China. We're already looking forward to their next trip back to the US.

The 2nd Birthday Party

We celebrated Austin's 2nd birthday with a big two-part party on Saturday. We started at the Kids Club at Spectrum South Bay at 3pm. The Spectrum Kids Club has a big room with a sandbox, a train table, slides, a rock wall, play house with plastic food, books, an air hockey table and lots of other toys. The kids decorated their goody bags with stamps, stickers and crayons and there was lots of toddler Mum-mum crackers, pizza, sandwiches, and drinks. The space was perfect, something fun for all ages. Austin and his friends had a great time!


Decorating bags at the craft table.


Austin and some of his friends from school having a snack together.


Austin's birthday cupcakes.

The party continued with dinner at our house. We had a little overflow from the Kids Club, but the night-time part was an addition for our adult friends who don't have kids. This is where we surprised Austin with our gift to him. We revealed it and Austin was in shock.

This is the look on his face when we took the cover off of his new train table. He stood there staring at it, as if in disbelief, for a few seconds before he actually moved himself toward it. :)

Boys and trains!

This time Austin actually blew out his own birthday candle. :)

While opening gifts, Austin took an empty gift bag and tried to open the front door. "Locked" is what he says when he can't open it.

The "Happy Birthday" sign fell down on its own just after the last guest went home. Now that's when you know the party is over.

It was a very long day and a busy month of planning and preparing.. The party was a big success and we all had so much fun! We are so thankful for all the love from our family and friends who shared in celebrating this special day with Austin. We love you all!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Austin!

First day of school

Today was my first day of school at Otis College of Art and Design. Willis finally convinced me to register for their Intro to Graphic Design class.

My instructor is a graphic designer and owns her own graphic design company. The first class was just a lecture about the basics of graphic design and finished an hour early. I then came home to make treats for Austin's teachers to celebrate his birthday tomorrow.

Two Year Assessment

We received Austin's two year assessment from day care yesterday. It was completed by his Gold Fish teacher about a month ago when he was 23 1/2 months old.

Assessment Scale: R=Regularly; S=Sometimes; N=Not Yet

Gross Motor
R - Is able to throw an object overhand (like a football)
R - Runs rather than walks
R - Will bend at the waist, and pick up an object with balance
R - Is able to get dressed with help
S - Helps put things away
R - Can walk backward
R - Jumps on two feet in place

Additional comments: Austin is active in class and is always running around with friends. He loves to play with the balls and ride the bikes. Austin can help clean up, but doesn't always do so.

Fine Motor
R - Coordinates eye and hand movements, i.e. simple puzzles put together such as shapes
R - Will scribble with large markers or crayons, can use a paintbrush
R - Able to use fork/spoon during feedings
R - Can stack blocks or rings after a demonstration
S - Will turn a single page in a book during a reading session
R - Will take off own shoes and socks

Additional comments: Austin feeds himself with no trouble at mealtimes. He can use a crayon and color or paint with a paint brush. Austin can undo the straps/velcro on his shoes and take them off. He sometimes is able to get his socks off.

Social
R - Engages in parallel play, or works alongside another child
R - Works cooperatively with others for short periods of time
S - Shows independence
R - Expresses feelings toward others
R - Seeks out adults and children
S - Will help during clean up time

Additional comments: Austin plays with friends inside and outside. He works well with his friends until they take something from him or do something he doesn't like then gets upset. Austin copies his friends and what they do throughout the day. He doesn't play independently as much. He normally likes to be doing whatever his friends are doing, whether it is a positive behavior or not, i.e. pushing or hitting.

Emotional
R - Expresses emotions
S - May approach or withdraw as a characteristic response to a new situation
S - Shows persistence and a lengthening attention span
S - Will adapt to change in their routine
S - Feels comfortable with self, i.e. attempts to work with new challenges

Additional comments: Austin will adapt to change after some time. He will get upset if there is a change to an everyday situation. For example: he sits at the big table, if he has to sit in the kitchen for a certain time instead, he gets upset. Austin will not always try new challenges when given then chance, he will push whatever it is away and say "no."

Language
R - Uses words to communicate objects, pictures, needs or wants
S - Is able to follow a simple instruction or command, or respond to a question
R - Refers to self and others by name
R - Knows function of some objects, i.e. cow moos, cat meows, etc.
S - Recalls words in a song or finger play
S - Will listen to a five minute story with pictures
R - Sentences are lengthier containing two to three words
R - Uses possession, action or re occurrence

Additional comments: Austin has been talking more and more. He uses his words with friends when he doesn't like something or when he wants more of something. Austin is able to follow instructions but chooses not to at times. He does well during circle time, saying colors, numbers and animals.

Cognitive
R - Points to a picture when asked to name a certain object
R - Uses words differently throughout the day to convey meaning and understanding
R - Uses words to show understanding of concepts:
Space: Up, down, in, out, over, under, behind
Quantity: more, gone
Time: later, after
R - Answers easy questions that ask what, how, where or why
R - Will engage in pretend play

Additional comments: Austin can answer questions when asked about an object, where something is, or what it is. He can point to objects and/or animals when asked the name, as well as tell you what it is.