So, Kyperman is on the move. He started inching forward last Thursday at our library's baby story time. Since then he has gotten a little faster, more efficient, and his technique changes a little each day. He will soon be on all fours, but currently it is more like an inch worm. Here is a video of his forward movement. It is a new game that mom plays with him. I build (and try to finish) the tower out of his reach while he is on his way to knock it over. This video was taken last Friday, so like I said he gets a little better each day and soon this movement will be second nature and no work at all.
This morning he explored the whole house! Okay, not the kitchen or bathroom, because I didn't let him. :) At times I have a little shadow, he follows me around. Other times he couldn't care less about me and wants to explore on his own.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
America's Next Top Model--Baby Boy Edition
I know I am a bit bias, but seriously he is one beautiful baby boy. Here are some 8 month pictures for all to enjoy.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
One Year Later--A Profile
March 2009
March 2010
His cute little button nose hasn't changed--it's still perfect.
March 2010
His cute little button nose hasn't changed--it's still perfect.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Becoming Bi/Tri-Lingual
How do you teach your child(ren) to be bi/tri-lingual when you are not? Joel and I really want to expose Kyper (and other future children) to other languages. Specifically ASL (American Sign Language) and Spanish (since that is the one we both took in high school and college).
In regards to ASL, we are trying to make sure we sign words to him when we say them. We don't know ASL fluently, but we learned quite a bit from AM. I also know that kids often can communicate with signs before they can speak. Here is something you may or may not know. When you count in ASL, you can count to 10 (actually you can count a lot higher than just ten) on one hand. Now, you would think everyone would know the first 5, but number 3 is different than what you would think. When you count to three in ASL, instead of holding your pointer, middle and ring finger up, you hold your thumb, index, and middle finger up. I was telling Joel the other day that whenever I count with Kyper I always do it the ASL way. Joel said he does the same thing. Another way I am trying to teach him is by grabbing his hands and doing the signs for him. I realize he is too young to really repeat the action back on his own, but I figure it doesn't hurt to start this early. Plus, before I know it he will totally know what he is doing and be able to communicate with us!
In regards to Spanish, neither of us speak it fluently. It has been a number of years since either of us have used it. I would say Joel is much better at it than I am since he was in Honduras for four months his senior year at college. We do not speak Spanish in the home, so we are thinking of ways to expose Kyper. Kyper has a book of colors and numbers, so since I know those words I try to read them in both English and Spanish, so he hears both languages. The other way we though of exposing him to Spanish, is to try to find children's movies that you can listen to in Spanish. I know he is a bit young to watch television or movies, but the other night Joel put on Finding Nemo on in Spanish. And, when I went to the library yesterday I got some Veggie Tale movies and some Miss Spider movies that you can also watch in Spanish. Joel was talking to someone at the hospital that told him that way he learned English was by watching television. So, although Kyper is a little young to watch a lot of television, we figure if it is in Spanish (and of course very kid friendly) it is okay to put on a movie for the purpose of exposing him to Spanish. Plus, he doesn't pay attention to the whole movie, so the Spanish is more for background noise while he is busy playing with other toys. (Who knows, maybe I will learn more Spanish and become more confident in it if I watch the movies with him?!) Another way we have exposed him is that Uncle JP talks to him in Spanish, since he knows way more than Joel and I. So, Uncle JP you need to come and visit more often to help Kyper become bi-lingual. ;)
Can you think of any other ways to help your child learn another language at a young age?
I just want to add here that I am amazed at the development of children. I feel like I can just see Kyper's brain working and making connections. Not just in regards to language development, but just in general! I remember from sophomore year English class in high school that language does develop early and the older you are the hard it is to learn another language, which is why Joel and I really want Kyper to be exposed early to another language (or two) than just English.
In regards to ASL, we are trying to make sure we sign words to him when we say them. We don't know ASL fluently, but we learned quite a bit from AM. I also know that kids often can communicate with signs before they can speak. Here is something you may or may not know. When you count in ASL, you can count to 10 (actually you can count a lot higher than just ten) on one hand. Now, you would think everyone would know the first 5, but number 3 is different than what you would think. When you count to three in ASL, instead of holding your pointer, middle and ring finger up, you hold your thumb, index, and middle finger up. I was telling Joel the other day that whenever I count with Kyper I always do it the ASL way. Joel said he does the same thing. Another way I am trying to teach him is by grabbing his hands and doing the signs for him. I realize he is too young to really repeat the action back on his own, but I figure it doesn't hurt to start this early. Plus, before I know it he will totally know what he is doing and be able to communicate with us!
In regards to Spanish, neither of us speak it fluently. It has been a number of years since either of us have used it. I would say Joel is much better at it than I am since he was in Honduras for four months his senior year at college. We do not speak Spanish in the home, so we are thinking of ways to expose Kyper. Kyper has a book of colors and numbers, so since I know those words I try to read them in both English and Spanish, so he hears both languages. The other way we though of exposing him to Spanish, is to try to find children's movies that you can listen to in Spanish. I know he is a bit young to watch television or movies, but the other night Joel put on Finding Nemo on in Spanish. And, when I went to the library yesterday I got some Veggie Tale movies and some Miss Spider movies that you can also watch in Spanish. Joel was talking to someone at the hospital that told him that way he learned English was by watching television. So, although Kyper is a little young to watch a lot of television, we figure if it is in Spanish (and of course very kid friendly) it is okay to put on a movie for the purpose of exposing him to Spanish. Plus, he doesn't pay attention to the whole movie, so the Spanish is more for background noise while he is busy playing with other toys. (Who knows, maybe I will learn more Spanish and become more confident in it if I watch the movies with him?!) Another way we have exposed him is that Uncle JP talks to him in Spanish, since he knows way more than Joel and I. So, Uncle JP you need to come and visit more often to help Kyper become bi-lingual. ;)
Can you think of any other ways to help your child learn another language at a young age?
I just want to add here that I am amazed at the development of children. I feel like I can just see Kyper's brain working and making connections. Not just in regards to language development, but just in general! I remember from sophomore year English class in high school that language does develop early and the older you are the hard it is to learn another language, which is why Joel and I really want Kyper to be exposed early to another language (or two) than just English.
Moving Around and Other Things
Brace yourself. This is a long one.
Kyper will be 8 months on Sunday...I think every mom asks this question every day, but where did my little baby go? He is growing up and developing rapidly before my eyes, which is one reason I love staying at home with him.
I don't think I blogged about this, so I'll tell you now. About three weeks ago, I felt small points protruding from his gums. I felt one on a Tuesday and then on Wednesday there was another one. Yes, my baby's two bottom front teeth are coming in. So far teething hasn't been too miserable. Yes, I can tell sometimes that he is a little crabbier than normal, but it really has not been the nightmare that I imagined it could be.
Not only are his teeth starting to come in, but he is starting to realize that he can get places. I am not quite sure it is always intentional, as you will see by the video. He rolls all around the floor from place to place and when he tries to move forward in a crawl-like way he scoots backwards. He gets up on all fours and just rocks. I think within the next two weeks, I will have a crawler on my hands. I can see that he wants to move, he just hasn't gotten it all figured out yet. The way he gets up on all fours, I am wondering if he will skip over the army crawl that many babies do first. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Here is a video capturing Kyperman in action.
Kyper will be 8 months on Sunday...I think every mom asks this question every day, but where did my little baby go? He is growing up and developing rapidly before my eyes, which is one reason I love staying at home with him.
I don't think I blogged about this, so I'll tell you now. About three weeks ago, I felt small points protruding from his gums. I felt one on a Tuesday and then on Wednesday there was another one. Yes, my baby's two bottom front teeth are coming in. So far teething hasn't been too miserable. Yes, I can tell sometimes that he is a little crabbier than normal, but it really has not been the nightmare that I imagined it could be.
Not only are his teeth starting to come in, but he is starting to realize that he can get places. I am not quite sure it is always intentional, as you will see by the video. He rolls all around the floor from place to place and when he tries to move forward in a crawl-like way he scoots backwards. He gets up on all fours and just rocks. I think within the next two weeks, I will have a crawler on my hands. I can see that he wants to move, he just hasn't gotten it all figured out yet. The way he gets up on all fours, I am wondering if he will skip over the army crawl that many babies do first. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Here is a video capturing Kyperman in action.
What else is new on the Kyper front? Well, he and I are going to baby story time at our local library. It is on Thursday mornings. It looks like it will be a fun activity to do with him. I think it may also be a good way to meet some moms that live closer. I also think I will change MOPS groups and join one that is a little nearer to our house.
One last thing about Kyper for all you Holland folks that read this. I am looking for a Dutch boy costume that we can just borrow for some photo-ops. I'm not sure if we will be home for Tulip Time or not, we haven't checked the dates with Joel's rotations, but I think it would be so fun to get some pictures in a Dutch boy costume. Did you know a costume for a little kids costs like $70! Ridiculous! They only wear it like a few times. Plus, I can't justify spending that much on a costume without an income. (I don't know if I could justify that with an income...what can I say, I'm Dutch!) So, if you know of anyone that may have a costume that we could borrow for a day or two while in Holland this spring could you let me know? I think he'd fit into 12 months. I would love a little Volendam one, since that was the one I wore when I danced in high school, but I am really not picky seeing as I am asking to borrow one!
Okay now onto more general news about the Phillips life.
--Joel and I had a nice dinner last night (with Kyper) for our anniversary. We made ribs and they were delicious. Joel got me some flowers--5 beautiful tulips. I think tulips are my favorite flower and I love the color he got me. They actually remind me a lot of our wedding colors. Pictures below. Don't worry, we will have some just Joel and Julie time...next weekend. We are going to a Bed and Breakfast about two hours from home for a night next weekend. It will be fun to get away for a night. Joel's parents are coming out this way to watch Kyper.
(Kyper and I are showing how many years Joel and I have been married ;))
--We are going to get a zoo membership with the last bit of our Christmas money. We live 10 minutes from the zoo! A year membership for Joel and I will be $55. To get into the zoo without a membership costs at least $10 a person, so even if just I go with Kyper (kids are free until age 2) at least 6 times it is worth it. Since, the zoo is only 10 minutes away, I imagine we will go more often. It will be a fun place to walk and explore. I imagine that Kyper is a little too young to really get the full experience, but he loves to go for walks and just look around him. Our neighborhood is safe to take walks in, but I think it would be fun to walk around the zoo and it will provide a change of scenery. Also, a lot of my friends from church have memberships, so it can easily be a play date close to my house! :) I'm excited.
--I am waiting patiently to hear about a job at my church that I applied for and interviewed for in the end of January. I am excited about it, so pray that I get it. There were a few delays along the way that I am not going to put on the blog. I know I am one of the top two candidates. I am not sure if I even blogged about this. I won't go into the job description, but know that I am excited about the job based on the description and it is up my alley. Another reason I am excited is that it is only 10 hours a week and many of those hours will be done when Joel is home or from home. So, I don't have to give up being at home with Kyper and I wouldn't have to worry too much about child care. And lets be honest, a small income would be nice to help pay a few of our bills.
--I should be getting some grant work from my friend in IA. I am excited to help her and get into some grant writing.
--Joel is on his neurology rotation and loves it! He really can see himself doing this type of work in the future. Pray that he makes a good impression on the people at the program. He is planning on applying for their residency program and it is one of the best. :)
--I have been loving the weather! I have gone on walks the past 5 days! It is a beautiful thing. Kyper loves them as well. It is a little dreary here today, but it is suppose to be 62 degrees!! Heat wave!
One last thing about Kyper for all you Holland folks that read this. I am looking for a Dutch boy costume that we can just borrow for some photo-ops. I'm not sure if we will be home for Tulip Time or not, we haven't checked the dates with Joel's rotations, but I think it would be so fun to get some pictures in a Dutch boy costume. Did you know a costume for a little kids costs like $70! Ridiculous! They only wear it like a few times. Plus, I can't justify spending that much on a costume without an income. (I don't know if I could justify that with an income...what can I say, I'm Dutch!) So, if you know of anyone that may have a costume that we could borrow for a day or two while in Holland this spring could you let me know? I think he'd fit into 12 months. I would love a little Volendam one, since that was the one I wore when I danced in high school, but I am really not picky seeing as I am asking to borrow one!
Okay now onto more general news about the Phillips life.
--Joel and I had a nice dinner last night (with Kyper) for our anniversary. We made ribs and they were delicious. Joel got me some flowers--5 beautiful tulips. I think tulips are my favorite flower and I love the color he got me. They actually remind me a lot of our wedding colors. Pictures below. Don't worry, we will have some just Joel and Julie time...next weekend. We are going to a Bed and Breakfast about two hours from home for a night next weekend. It will be fun to get away for a night. Joel's parents are coming out this way to watch Kyper.
(Kyper and I are showing how many years Joel and I have been married ;))
--I am waiting patiently to hear about a job at my church that I applied for and interviewed for in the end of January. I am excited about it, so pray that I get it. There were a few delays along the way that I am not going to put on the blog. I know I am one of the top two candidates. I am not sure if I even blogged about this. I won't go into the job description, but know that I am excited about the job based on the description and it is up my alley. Another reason I am excited is that it is only 10 hours a week and many of those hours will be done when Joel is home or from home. So, I don't have to give up being at home with Kyper and I wouldn't have to worry too much about child care. And lets be honest, a small income would be nice to help pay a few of our bills.
--I should be getting some grant work from my friend in IA. I am excited to help her and get into some grant writing.
--Joel is on his neurology rotation and loves it! He really can see himself doing this type of work in the future. Pray that he makes a good impression on the people at the program. He is planning on applying for their residency program and it is one of the best. :)
--I have been loving the weather! I have gone on walks the past 5 days! It is a beautiful thing. Kyper loves them as well. It is a little dreary here today, but it is suppose to be 62 degrees!! Heat wave!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
5 years!
Today marks my 5th wedding anniversary to my best friend. Joel is amazing and I am so happy that we are together. I am excited to spend many more years with him and excited to face the adventures God has in store for us and our family.God has blessed me through Joel. Joel makes me a better person. In honor of 5 years, I am going to tell you 5 things that I love about Joel.
1. He is so good about balancing his work and family time. Medical school takes a lot of time and effort. Joel works hard at this and does his studying. However, he also realizes that relationships and family takes time and effort. He does a good job at putting in the time and effort with our relationship too.
2. He is funny. He loves puns and loves acting goofy. I love the way he makes me laugh and smile. His smile has to be one of the best things in the world that I get to see almost everyday. His laugh is one of the best things I hear everyday!
3. He is a great father. I love hearing him talk to Kyper and love seeing him play with Kyper. I always knew he would be, but he has exceeded my expectations. I have to brag here...when Kyper was getting up every few hours as a newborn, Joel got up each time to help--he is a great diaper changer. He had it down, so that he was back in bed after 6 minutes. I'm so glad that Joel and I get to be parents together.
4. He supports and encourages me like no one else. He always has my best interests in mind. He supports my goals and gets excited with me over things I am passionate about. I know he loves me with all his heart.
5. He is a man of God. He does devotions in the morning and spends time with God. I love seeing that. He is a great Christian leader of our household.
I love you, Joel! I am so thankful God has blessed us with 5 years of wonderful marriage and I can't wait for many more!
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