Busy summer

It has been very hectic lately. But we are having a great summer.
A couple of weeks ago, our friend George was in town and that meant some fun days out and about in England. This included a day at the polo game. Kaio LOVED it! All the 'hohies' (=horses) and all the friends and attention. Although, when we approached a horse, Kaio was a bit reluctant in touching him!
The weekend after that we went for a long weekend to Bilbao (Spain) for Jason's birthday. Kaio did really well on the plane and during the entire time in Spain. Since dinner is late there and we were in Bilbao during a fun festival, we ended up putting Kaio to bed at 10:30pm! (we did have nice siestas every day!) He really had fun though. He is running so much and was just sprinting from one place to another all the time! He only panicked a bit when we saw large puppets (3 times the size of normal human beings). Just like with the horses and several other situations, he likes to 'check things out' and feel comfortable with certain situations before 'throwing himself' into the situation. A very 'cautious' boy!
We have been keeping Kaio up later this week to prepare him for our trip to Los Angeles this coming weekend. He seems to react well to it - he is sleeping in a bit later and he takes longer naps after lunch!
Kaio has been so funny, we have had him giggle so much by doing funny things (like putting a nappy on our head or splashing water in our face!) It is a true belly giggle and it is just the most adorable thing to see.
Kaio seems to be missing his Oma. When we were in Bilbao, he picked up the hotel phone and said 'Hi Oma' folllowed by 'Hi Opa'. He also saw a picture of a present and he said "Oma". (since she always brings wrapped presents for him!)
Latest pics:
1) Kaio cooking for Elmo
2) Kaio and daddy at the Polo game
3) Kaio watching the 'hohies'
4) Playing dress up!
Bilbao:
5) Kaio is really into going up stairs now that he has mastered it. He went all the way up at the Guggenheim museum.
6) Daddy and Kaio at the Guggenheim museum - we spend 3 hrs in there and Kaio was really interested and well behaved
7) Kaio getting refreshed
8) Kaio still loves his apples!
9) Daddy and Kaio enjoying churros!
10) Daddy and Kaio doing 'tchintchin'
11) These were the "tall people" Kaio was petrified of!
12) Daddy and Kaio having fun
13) Looking at the ducks

funny toddler

Kaio is starting to have the typical toddler comments/actions, which are so naive/honest but are just hilarious:
-We were leaving the grocery store and a large lady was coming into the store. We had to make way for her to pass by. Kaio then said 'dandao' (=grandao - very large in portuguese) which we previously were using to describe trucks, airplanes, our feet compared to his feet, etc
- When he sees a bird he says - booby. Sometimes he walks around saying "booby, booby, booby" when birds fly by!
- When we were at a friends barbecue, we were asked how Kaio was reacting to the fact that a new baby is on it's way. I asked Kaio - "where is mommy's baby?" He came over in my direction and pulled up my skirt to show everyone my belly! (and underwear)

Smart boy!

Yesterday was an usually warm day when I picked Kaio up at daycare. He was wearing a long sleeve shirt so I did not want to put his jacket on. However, Kaio really wanted it on. (he is used in always putting on a jacket when we go outside since it is, normally, jacket weather in the UK). After he whined for a while saying 'cacaco' repeatedly (=casaco = jacket in Portuguese), I decided to try to reason with him and got down to his level and showed that I had no jacket on and pointed out several people around us without a jacket. I could see it 'clicked' in his brain and was thinking: 'victory for mommy' (=no jacket, no further whining) however I suddenly saw a spark in his eyes, he pointed and said 'cacaco man, tim'. (jacket, man, yes!) Sure enough he found a man in the crowd that was wearing a casaco to proof his point! He clearly 'won' that one and I put his jacket on.
Today he found my flip flops and I decided to bring out some baby havaianas (brazilian flip flops) who are a bit small and several months ago he was not keen in using. Well, once again, he has changed and absolutely loves them now! It is so adorable seeing Kaio with the little flipflops!!! He only allowed us to take them off for bed time! (we got a flipflops from my dear friend Melissa when I was 8 months pregnant with Kaio)
Baby nbr 2 update: I have been feeling the baby kick for several weeks now, however last week Jason was able to feel it for the first time!

Future careers

Although Kaio is not yet 2 years, it is normal one dreams about his future and what he will be when he grows up!
Here are the careers I have already envisioned for him:
- A veterinarian: he loves animals and imitates their noises. He is always fascinated by the animals in books and on TV.
- A musician: he loves music and seems to have a good rhythm. He also 'sings' and adores music class. When I say we are going to Fruity Tunes (music class) he gets VERY excited! He also still loves his guitar and plays it almost daily (he has had it for more then 5 months and normally toys do not last that long!)
- A cook: he loves seeing us cook and help us. Lately he loves to sit on the counter and look at us mixing spices, chopping vegetables and stirring in the pots. He also started playing with our pot and pans cupboard. He takes everything out and pretends he is cooking. (and let's us taste his 'food')
- A dancer: he drops anything when he hears music and starts dancing. He also asks for us to turn on the radio and loves my ipod!
- A builder: he loves diggers and tractors and is completely fascinated by them.
- A cleaner: he just really continues enjoying the whole cleaning thing and knows where the cleaning materials are and helps me when I am cleaning. (I need to remove him from the house when our cleaner comes! As he wants to help and ends up being in the way)
- A gardener: he really enjoys digging in the plant pots in our garden and at daycare he also goes straight to the plant corner to dig in the sand.
- An athlete: he really likes running, kicking the ball around and swimming. He also has a perfect body shape, lean and muscular!

5 month scan

Last week we had our 20 week (5 month) scan of baby nbr 2. It was great to see the little one and know that everything is developing well. And although the baby did not fully co-operate, we believe that Kaio will be the big brother of a little sister!

Last week we had 6 toddlers and two new-borns (+moms) over for tea and cake. Besides the complete madness of toys flying everywhere, children running around, crayon paintings on the floor and wall, etc..Kaio was great in sharing his toys, playing with everyone and was very sweet with the babies. He kept saying - "two babies" the rest of the day!

I have been feeling very well, although I do feel a bit more tired with this pregnancy. I think it is mainly because I used to swim 3 times a week when I was pregnant with Kaio. I also don't get to sleep in as much anymore, nor can I sit peacefully sipping on ginger tea and ready a book when Kaio is around. I am not complaining, I LOVE playing with him and it always amazes me how he develops and learns so fast, but he is 'on the go'! Although he has been wanting to 'play baby'. He then cuddles in my arms and stays very still. He also grabs a blanket and want's to be tucked in and cuddled! (I adore this sweet - and quiet-moments)
Kaio is doing really well in asking for 'help' when he needs us. (to open a door, to reach a toy, etc) In the past he used to just cry or scream in frustration... it's made our household much quieter and avoids him/us getting frustrated!

Today we got him a 'leash'. It's a little back pack which we can attach a lead to so we can 'control' him when we go for a walk. He absolutely loves it. He kept putting it on his back, grabbing some toys and saying 'bye-bye'. (it has a hat in it so he has a turtle outfit!)

Changing Toddler!

I noticed I have been very reflective on the blog but not bragging about how my little boy is developing, what he is doing and the funny things he does! A couple of cute things:

- When he sees a picture with more then 1 ball, apple, truck, etc... he says - oo (=one), tu (=two). Which shows he understands plurals!

- He imitates us a lot. Yesterday he grabbed Jason's running hat and ipod holder (an armband). and dressed himself as he was ready to go for a run. He then said 'bye-bye' to us and headed for the door!
- He laughs and smiles a lot. He is truly happy (most of the time) and encourages us to laugh too.(he is pretty successful at that!) he looks at us for approval, with a smile, when he tries out new things and words.
- If he sees anything dirty, he wants to clean it. He goes and grabs the disinfectant wipes and he cleans. He also uses his broom often.
- In the morning, specially on weekends, we bring him in bed with us when he wakes up. Most of the times he is in a good mood and he plays with us for 30 min before asking for food. It's adorable because he cuddles, tickles, is tickled, giggles, plays 'peekaboo' and is a happy little toddler! It's a great way to wake up in the morning.
- He climbs up chairs and sofas very easily and says 'yeah' when he gets on the top. (as we always encourage and cheer him).
- He loves music and really enjoys dancing.
- He is sweet to Vinny but also knows what Vinny should not be doing (which he has learned from watching us). He then walks to Vinny, points his finger and says 'nonono tity'.
- He loves to play in the sand.
- He is repeating (or attempts to repeat) anything we say to him.
- He knows the colors blue, red and (we are working on the) green.
- He loves to jump and run across our bed. (at anytime)
- He loves his bath time and splashing around, playing with his bath toys and filling empty shampoo bottles with water and emptying them out on his head. (followed by a big smile!)
- He used to say 'uuu' when he wanted to come up. Now he has mastered the uuuP. Now we are working on the Please instead of the ease.
- He is always very happy to see me when I pick him up at daycare. His eyes cheer up and he comes running with his open arms!
- He says ta tou (=thank you) instead of ta.
- He recognizes several people in the pictures we keep in our house. Oma, Opa, Grandma, Grandpa and titio. He does say 'baby' when looking at the pictures of him as a little baby!
- He is always a bit shy when we first arrive at a new location, with 'new' people. But it does not take that long for him to feel at home and run around!
- He continues to love books! He constantly is asking to be read a story and can spend hours by his book shelves looking at his books.
- He continues not being that interested in food. But he loves corn, fish sticks, sausage, mashed potatoes, green beans, ANY fruit and yogurt.
- Yesterday he was able to take of his pants by himself (big step towards potty training!)
- He enjoys to walk instead of being in his pram. Sometimes it is a fight to get him in it since he wants to be on his feet, exploring everything. A normal 10min walk with Vinny can take 30mins with Kaio walking along!
- He loves his little Crocks (Scooby doo once) and continues having stinky baby feet (adorable!!!)
This list could go on and on as he is doing so many things and is so much fun! But bottom line, he is an adorable little toddler that is developing nicely.
Pics showing some of the above:
1) Playing in the park
2) Daddy and Kaio being silly!
3) After climbing the chair... the computer!
4) One of my favorite pics, Kaio rocking out with my ipod on!

Evolution...

I was looking at some pictures when Kaio was a newborn and am so amazed how much Kaio has changed. You can definitely see some traces that remain the same (such as his nose and hair). However he was such a small and fragile baby who liked to breastfeed and sleep and made it very clear he needed any of those!
Now he is a toddler that runs around (occasionally he falls and stands right up), 'talks', loves to read books, loves trucks, diggers (anything that has a motor really), animals, he is so sweet and loves to hug and cuddle, loves to eat fruit and try different foods but he still knows how to make it very clear when he wants something.
1) One of his first pictures
2) A recent picture

Baby nbr 2

I am now 4 1/2 months along with baby nbr 2 and feeling very well.
I am so happy about this new addition and can't wait for the moment Kaio meets the new baby for the first time. I have a strong feeling he will be a great big brother.
The age gap between them will be 24 months (2 years and 2 months) which I think will be a good difference. My older sister and I have a difference of 13 months (yes, my mom was busy!) and in the first years we were very close and attached to each other, however when we got older we developed a (unhealthy) competitive behaviour, which lasted for years and drew us apart. (We are finally working on our relation again) I think we might have been too close of age!
Thinking of our little ones, it will be nice to see how baby nbr 2 will look up and try to imitate Kaio, but we have to be very conscious about avoiding these competitive behaviours or comparing them as I am sure they will be very different!
Kaio is generally an independent little boy and has grown up like that partially due to day-care but also how we encourage him to play by himself (without us constantly having to entertain him). He does know how to share and is generally very happy playing with other children. Which I think are important aspects for when baby nbr 2 arrives.
Kaio has been very attached to me and is constantly asking for 'mommy' when daddy is with him. He also tends to cry when I drop him at day-care (which he does not do with Jason), but I think it is a phase and generally he is easily distracted. I am hoping that this phase will end before baby nbr 2.

Tunisia

We just got back from a week holiday in Tunisia at Club Med! We had a fantastic time and enjoyed every day. It was nice and warm and we had a beautiful beach, pool, house and a lot of time to enjoy it all together! Kaio loved the pool and all the 'mommy and daddy' time. We did put him daycare for a couple of days, which went well and he seemed to enjoy. Kaio loved the local food and tried several different flavors, although his favorite was eating watermelon (something he clearly has from me since I also adore watermelon).
It was really hard to choose the best pictures since there were so many cute ones!
1) Us by the pool
2) Daddy and Kaio in the pool
3) Mommy and Kaio by the flowers
4) Naked baby on the beach
5) More pool time
6) Kaio and daddy giggling
7) Kaio playing on the beach (he loved grabbing sand and throwing it as far as he could)
8 and 9) White night party
10) Another nice family picture (isn't Kaio just ADORABLE!!!!!!)

Family time in Belgium

A couple of weekends ago, Kaio and I went to Belgium to see our family. Oma and Opa where there to and we had a great time.
Kaio was adorable with his cousins, Lucas (=Ucas) and Ana Julia (=tutu). Kaio clearly recognized them from our previous trips and they had a great time playing. Juju adores baby Kaio and imitates him, saying 'papel'(=apple), ride around in a pram (she usually doesn't) and drink out of a bottle. Oma and Opa had so much fun seeing their three grandchildren play together. Tante (aunt) Karo was also very happy to see Kaio.
1) Oma, Juju and Kaio - all 'babi' (=happy)
2) Kaio loved the helmet (maybe even more then the bike.)
3) Kaio and Juju playing in the garden (he would tackle her and give her tons of kisses)
4) Tante Karo, Juju, Kaio and me!
5) Tante Karo, Juju and Kaio having fun
6) On Juju's bike

Kaio's announcement

As you can see in the pictures above - Kaio is very excited about his new role as 'the big brother'! I am now 4 months pregnant and we are very happy to welcome another baby in December.
We have been starting to 'prepare' Kaio for it. I point at my belly (which is much bigger then with Kaio) and say "baby". He was then pointing at his belly and saying "baby". It took a bit of work for him to understand that he does not have a baby in his belly (nor does daddy). When I do ask him to kiss the baby and he goes straight to my belly! He currently adores babies (tries to hug and kiss all babies he sees) and I am hoping he will stay that way!

Edinburgh

A couple of weeks ago we went to Edinburgh for a long weekend. Jason and Kaio flew by themselves to meet me there and Kaio behaved really well. He definitely is a good traveler!
We had a great time in Edinburgh and Kaio enjoyed going to different restaurants to try their fish and chips, he loved sleeping in the same room as mommy and daddy (although we did the hide in the bathroom thing for him not to see us so he could go to bed) and he also behaved really well on the plane back.
Some pics:
1) Kaio and daddy having fun at a park
2) Kaio and mommy having fun in a pub
3) Carrying the 12kg toddler around
4) Kaio showing the castle to mommy
5) Kaio and mommy enjoying the nice view
6) Kaio and mommy with a nice background