Ethan Rice: A Toddler's Story!

Last entry!

2008-04-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone!

This is a note from mommy and the last entry for this blog! Our new blog can be found at http://thewildricefamily.blogspot.com

Since we are expecting our 2nd child, it seemed more prudent to combine everything into one blog. Quite frankly, it's a lot of work to take care of so many blogs! Ethan's baby antics (http://ababysstory.blogspot.com) will still be up, as well as this one, just no more new posts to them.

Overall, we are all doing well. Ethan continues to learn new signs and make up ones for words we haven't gotten to yet! Those are especially hard to figure out! He's enjoying his new pre-school and loves the fact that he has his own locker. We have yet to tell him what it means to be a "big brother", but that will come soon. I just hit 12 weeks and am offically in my 2nd trimester. My belly is definately taking shape. Now, how to make sure Ethan understands is a whole new ball park!!!

Well, we hope to see many new comments on our new blog and we promise to send emails to all our friends and family once it's tweeked!
Love,

The Wild Rice Family

Birthday Bash!

2008-04-09T11:02:00.001-07:00

Well! Saturday was my birthday party and I had a blast! My friends Beckett and Zoey were able to make it, which was really nice because all these older people really don't know how to have fun!

We all had a ton of cake and ice-cream and I had really nice presents to open! Lola got me a bunch of books and mommy reads them to me everyday! Mommy says that granny contributed to my college fund and I got various other things that are fun too! Here's a picture of me in my birthday outfit.

I had my 3 year old doctor visit and it went well. They gave me a book too! I love it. It's called, Silly Little Goose. Mommy read it to me while we waited for the doctor. I'm 35.1 LBS and I'm 3ft 1.75 inches tall. Dr Danish says I'm tall and skinny, but very healthy! I got a shot too. :< I cried, but mommy said that I was all done when I started. Mommy took me to McDonalds afterwards and got me some apples. I love apples!

Well, I better get going! It's nap time!
Love, Ethan

I'm 3 Today!

2008-04-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME! I'm 3 today! And do you know how I spent my day. In the doctor's office! Last night I hurt my hip. I don't know what happened but I had a boo boo. Mommy gave me medicine and said she would call the doctor if it still hurt in the morning. This morning I couldn't get out of bed and I couldn't walk. Mommy wouldn't let me go to school and daddy took us to the doctor's office. They said I had a virus that can incubate in the hip and it's caught like a cold. After X-Rays and bloodwork, mommy and daddy took me to McDonalds for apples and french fries. I was sad I couldn't play on the gym, but mommy let me have a cup cake when we got home.

Here's a picture of me hunting easter eggs. I love my eggs so don't touch them!

My 1st day of pre-school was Monday. I cried when I 1st got there, but I got my own locker and had a blast opening it and putting my stuff in. I also get to potty like a big boy there. There are more kids to play with and a bigger play ground too! My 2nd day went well. I made a wind sock and colored a picture for mommy and daddy. I think I'll go back. It's fun so far!

Well, it's bed time, so I better get going!

I'm going to be a big brother!

2008-03-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

HI everyone!

I'm enjoying cantalope and hot dogs for lunch! I love ketchup with my hot dogs!

Well, a lot of things have been going on for me. 1st, I'm going to big boy school! Mommy and daddy were able to get me set up in pre-school and I got to meet my teacher and everything. I love it. I start right before my birthday. I'm so excited!

2nd, I'm going to be a big brother. I'm not quite sure what that means yet, but mommy and daddy are really happy!

Well, I've got to go. It's time to clean up my toys and get ready for bed!
Love,
Ethan

Another note from Mommy!

2008-02-06T09:14:00.001-08:00

Hello all!

Another note from mommy! Ethan has just had so much going on he is just too exhausted to write!

Well, since we last posted, my birthday had come and gone and Ethan's signing continues to improve. We add more words all the time. In this picture he is signing 'green.' He's such a poser! Anyways, yesterday the Ravenna School Psychologist went to Ethan's school to observe him in a school setting and observe his speech session with that schools speech pathologist. He has been greatly improving the last few weeks, but they still feel there is too much of a delay in speech for him to continue without services, so we are now preparing for pre-school! The last full week in March is spring break, then starting the Monday after, our little man is off to Brown Elementary for his very 1st crack at pre-school. I will be driving him because I just don't think I'm ready for the bus. I think Ethan is...it's just a mommy thing!

Anyways, Ethan's speech has also been improving of sorts. He was always able to say 'dada' and 'daddy', but now he actually calls for daddy. For mommy he says, 'baba'. He can say 'm' and 'a', but putting them together is his biggest issue. He says, "bye bye" really well and we are still working on 'open' and 'up.' We are trying to be really hopeful, and like I said, his signing is greatly improving! He can sign bigger words like 'restaurant' and combo words like ' help'. It shows his hand/eye co-ordination is greatly improving.

Well, not much more to report at the moment. He's been a little monkey with his climbing antics, but a great boy all around.
Love,
Ethan's Mommy

33 Months old!

2008-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

Ethan's sick so this is mommy writing today! Our little man is growing up so fast. Here is a picture of him really thinking where to put his next magnetix ball! He just has to stick that tongue out whenever he thinks really hard.

Well, he's been up to a lot lately. Ethan has finally started interacting with other kids and has finally started to make new friends. He has his long time buddy, Beckett, who just turned 1. Ethan had a blast at Beckett's party, where he got to play with many children of his age. He especially loved Beckett's christmas present of a 'ball pen'. We'll have to do something about that for his birthday. Anyways, Ethan has also made a friend at his school, Happy Day. Odd that his new friend is also named Ethan! It's nice to seem him interact and play with other kids!

His vocabulary, at least sign-language wise, has become a huge thing. He can watch a sign language video and soak up the words as I struggle to keep up! We still wait for the vocal words, but he babbles A LOT now. His personal speech therapist says it should be soon! I can't wait! I'm ever so anxious. I have yet to hear, "I love you mommy".... or "mommy" for that matter. It's very hard emotionally to not hear it although I am very certain he does love me.

We are also starting to go through various other things now that he will soon turn 3! We are currently in transition to leave Help Me Grow and enter Pre-School. It's a scary thought to have everyone whose been there since he was 18 months old, to all the sudden leave. We have a speech therapist at RMH that we pay for so she will always be around, but our service co-ordinator (HMG), behavior specialist (FCLC) and his current school (Happy Day) just leave! Everyone who was familiar goes. I can't wait because it starts a new exciting chapter that doesn't have me running around to different appointments, but at the same time, I'm very scared. This very familiar support system is going to be gone and at this point in time, I wouldn't know what to do if I needed help! Well, I guess I'll learn soon enough since Ralph & I will have to go to transition meetings and all! Ethan will have his 1st evaluation for pre-school in February. It will be about 2+ hours long. Luckily it is during his good time...Morning! He's having evals right now at Happy Day by the speech therapist there and by the pre-school psych who is observing him at Happy Day! ARGHHHH!! It's so frustrating to wait!

The little man is also growing so fast! He's about 35 LBS and growing! He's also about 36 inches and growing taller. He'll have his 3 year well check in April so we'll see just how tall he'll get! Well, this tired mommy is signing off! Hope everyone has enjoyed Ethan's growth and antics as we can post them!
Love,
Mommy

Christmas!!!

2007-12-26T18:55:00.001-08:00

I LOVE Christmas! Santa came and left me a ton of toys. I got puzzles, magnetix, cars & assessories, and bead puzzles. I love ripping paper. That was the best part. YAY!! I have so much to play with! Here's a picture of my mommy and lola & pappo! You can see auntie's arm in the picture too.

We ate a lot too. I didn't have meat though. I had a ton of oranges and chocolate! I love cookies. Well, just had to update everyone on my VERY WONDERFUL Christmas! I'll write more later!

SNOW!

2007-12-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

Well, on December 16th we had so much snow, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play in it! Unfortunately, I wasn't good packing snow so mommy and I couldn't make a snow man, but it was still fun to play!

I learned how to clean the snow off of my gloves and how NOT to get snow in my eyes. That is cold! I learned it is hard to walk in snow, but fun to fall in. It is very cold! I went outside 3 times that day and had a blast everytime!

My Class Picture!

2007-12-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Guess what?! I got my class pictures today! I'm only 2.5 years old, but I have class pictures already! Mommy was so happy to get them! They turned out really nice. Mommy says I'm growing up so fast. I don't feel a thing though. Mommy says I look like a good blend of her and daddy. What do you think?

Well, everything is going great here. I can't wait for Christmas. Mommy says Santa is going to be really good to me this year, but if I'm not good, he won't bring me anything. I wish she'd make up her mind. I think I've been extra good!

I've been adding new signs to my list and can now sign flower, mommy, daddy, and baby. I even use the potty chair now and then. Mommy says I'm progressing really well in learning to use the potty chair. I use it about 4 - 5 times a day and I've even began to poo poo in the potty. I use the big boy potty. Mommy bought me a special seat for my butt so I won't fall in. It sqeaks if I wiggle around. It makes me laugh! Well, i must be going. It's nap time!
Love, Ethan

SANTA!

2007-12-12T16:39:00.001-08:00

I usually only go to school on Mondays and Tuesdays, but today, Happy Day was hosting a toddler Christmas party and mommy took me to see Santa! He was nice. He gave me a candy cane! I ate it all. I also had cookies and punch. I had a lot of fun. We had someone tell us stories and sing songs. I also got a goodie bag and a knitted hat! Lots of things today.

Well, I couldn't tell santa what I wanted for Christmas, but mommy and daddy say he knows. I sure hope so!
Mommy said the next post will have to be from her. She says I'll be starting big boy school soon and she needs to tell everyone. Sounds interesting, but I'm not sure I'm ready to ride the bus yet! Well, I better be going!
Love,
Ethan

PEE PEE Time!

2007-11-14T10:57:00.001-08:00

Guess what! I have 2 potty chairs! One for each bathroom! Guess what else! I pottied in my potty chair! 3 times on Monday. I've only sat on it Tuesday and today so far, but I pottied 3 times on Monday! Mommy was so happy. She said was a big boy and that I did really good. I even got to flush my potty chair!! I got to read while I was sitting on the potty too! I didn't know there was so much to do while sitting on the potty.

I'm doing well otherwise! I sign a lot of words now and babble a ton. Miss Jennifer (that's my speech therapist) she said I'm progressing really well also! I have fun at school too. Yesterday I got to go swimming. YAY!! Well, I better be going. Mommy said we are going to make a special bread for Lola's birthday. I can't wait. I love playing with the dough!

The Family!

2007-10-22T17:53:00.001-07:00

I love mommy and daddy! That's me in the middle. I've been so busy lately. I now babble all the time now! I also climb everywhere! Especially on top the TV!

I know a ton more signs too! Mommy finally started the paperwork for me to start pre-school. I can't wait! Big boy school! Mommy said I won't get to ride the bus, but that's ok because they are still a little scary!

Well, I best be going! Love, Ethan!

Summer's Gone!

2007-10-09T17:30:00.001-07:00

Summer's gone, but that's ok. I'm ready for fall!!! 1st is Halloween. I'm going to be a giraffe! Now that it's finally cooling down, I won't die of heat in the costume!! I can't wait. CANDY!!!!

Well, I'm about 35.5 inches tall and 33 LBS! I also wear a 3T! Mommy says I'm growing like a weed! But that's not all! My 1st 2year molar came in. IT HURTS!!!!! OW!!! Other than that everything is going great! School has started back up and I enjoy my classmates. I know a ton more signs now. YEAH!!

A Message from Ethan's Mom!

2007-08-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Mommy speaking tonight! Ethan is just too tuckered out to write anything and I had some things that only I could update on anyways.

We have all been busy with his new and probably permanent diagnosis. The little one is not Autistic, nor is he Apraxic. He has dyspraxia. In plain English, he understands everything 100%. He knows what he wants to say, he just can't get it out. It's a nuerological disorder. Somehow, the message his brain sends gets to his 'speaking' muscles, but they don't know how to interpret it, so he just can't talk. So we go to Happy Day school 2 times a week. Monday and Tuesday. While there he can interact with other children and other 'school' things. He also gets speech therapy there. He also has a personal speech therapist we see every Wednesday for 30 minutes. She helps with his oral-motor development and gives us a ton of things to work on at home. This is also the same person that teaches us sign language. Thursday, luckily, is our break day and Friday we go to The Family and Child Learning Center in Tallmadge Ohio. At FCLC we learn strategies that help us cope at home. Our team leader is really nice and coming here has really reduced stress for us.

Well, other than our busy schedule, things are going great. Ethan loves swimming. At home and at school! He's making great progress too. He can actually say 'bye bye.' He waves really well and the sign language has helped with the biting. Physically he is taller than a 3 year old and can do what most 3 year olds can do. Well, I better be going. I just had to write and update on everything now that we got everything in place and progressing well!
Later,
Mommy

Naked and loving it!

2007-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well, on August 12th was Lola's annual get together! Miss Atije & Mr Brian brought my friend Beckett over! It was fun. Beckett and I went swimming. It was too cold so we didn't stay long, but we just had to pose for this picture before getting dressed! I was tired so I took a nap shortly after!

Well, everything here is going great. School is coming quickly so mommy has been doing some back to school shopping and such. New clothes, snacks for the class, diapers, wipes and swimming stuff. Filling out paperwork and volunteer forms and all. My mommy loves me. Well, I better be going. I just had to do a quick update. Speech is going well. I babble a lot and even say 'daddy' now.

Love,
Ethan

Just Chillin'!

2007-07-09T18:02:00.001-07:00

HI ALL!!!

Well it's really hot out and I've been busy swimming, going to school and all around having fun!

I had stomach flu yesterday, but I'm getting better! My temperature hit an all time high at 102.9 degrees. Daddy called the doctor while mommy gave me a cool bath and now I'm doing fine. I even went to school today and had a blast. I drew mommy & daddy a picture on a huge piece of paper. I like it. Mommy loved it. Daddy has yet to see it.

I had a wonderful 4th of July. I went swimming at Lola's and Pappo's. It was a little chilly but I jumped in and had a blast. Well, I'll write more later. Things are slow right now!
Love,
Ethan

I love ice cream!

2007-06-17T17:08:00.001-07:00

Well, things are going great! I kinda say 'bye bye', 'more', and ' all done.' I do say 'da da' really well!!!!

I also really love swimming. Mommy set up my pool so I've been able to go swimming everyday this week...well....on the non rainy days anyways. Daddy brings me to the park whenever he gets home early, but that didn't happen this week so mommy brought me to the park.

I start summer school this week until July 24th and I still see miss Lindsay and miss Jennifer once a week. I really love them. Well, just had to give a quick update and now it's time for bed!!!
Love,
Ethan

I got the birdie!!!

2007-06-04T17:13:00.001-07:00

I got the birdie. Granny's birdie is so soft! We went to granny's so we could visit with Uncle Charlie. He's up from Kentucky. I only got to see him for 1 day, but it was fun while it lasted!

This is granny's house and her birdie. That is uncle charlie and mommy's holding me.

I'm doing well. I go to a pre-pre-school now. Happy Day school is run by the Portage County MRDD and they help me talk and socialize with other children. They think I have apraxia while others think I have autism. Mommy's a little stressed. I'm having fun with all the attention!

Well, just had to give an update!
Love,Ethan

Slide Time!!

2007-05-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well...I've been busy! I saw a Pediatric Developmental Specialist who said I may have Autism. Since then I've been enrolled in a pre pre-school. Happy Day School is really nice. I will go 2 times a week. Mondays and Tuesday afternoons from 1 - 2:45 PM. They have a gym, indoor playroom, outdoor playroom and a swimming pool. I can't wait. I get a backpack and everything.

I also am in swim classes for awhile. I don't like them too much though. Mommy says I have a death grip! I think I made a friend though.

Here's a picture of me on the slide Lola and Pappo got me for my birthday. I really like it!
Love,
Ethan

Spring is finally here!

2007-04-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Winter is gone! Yay! I got to play outside all day yesterday and today. Boy am I pooped! Mommy has put away most of the winter clothes too. Not all of them though. She says that you never know in Ohio when it will snow again, so that until spring is really here, she's keeping 2 warm outfits out. I don't care as long as I get to play!

Well, I got a new haircut. Got to slide all day and I ate corn on the cob! YUM! Busy day for me!
Love,
Ethan

I'm 2!!!!

2007-04-09T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'm 2! I had a wonderful birthday! Mommy made my cake too! It was a monkey theme and mommy made a monkey cake!

I got a lot of great gifts too! Lola, pappo and auntie got me a slide and Dora coupe. Mommy and daddy got me magnastix, books and Mr. Potatoe head accessories. Miss Atije, Mr. Brian and Beckett got me a spiderman nighty and a goat puppet! Miss Heather and Mr. Jason got me a musical book and a monkey outfit!!!

I had a good easter also! I got to hunt eggs and got play dough! I got a cool book also! I love the eggs best! Well, other than a stuffy nose I've been well. Mommy says I'm growing too fast! I'm already in 2T!

Well, I better be going! It's bedtime!!
Love,
Ethan

Peanutbutter Jelly Time!

2007-03-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all!!

Sorry I haven't written much lately! I've been busy keeping mommy busy! She's been in and out of the hospital with carpal tunnel surgery. Now she's trying to plan my birthday party! I'll be 2 soon! It's going to be aCurious George theme since mommy says i'm her little monkey!

I climb everywhere now and I can feed myslef efficiently with a fork and spoon! I run & jump everywhere too! I sit in a booster now and help mommy do the chores!
I'm still in speech therapy and really love the lady I see. Her name is Jennifer and she's great! We play with toys! I know many words in sign language now and use them in combination! Mommy says I am also growing like a weed and am currently wearing 2T!

Well, I had better be going!
Breakfast time!!

Go Speed Racer! Go!

2007-02-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been exciting since last I wrote! Mommy's birthday was fun! Daddy & I gave her a Hello Kitty card! She said she really loved it! We also had cake. Yummy!

I'm also a busy guy! I go to speech therapy once a week. I have a Help Me Grow worker play with me every other week. Now I am on a waiting list for a Learning center so I can play with other kids. Mommy says all that's left is to make an appointment with the pediatric developmental specialist! WOW! That is a long title! Mommy will also be babysitting for awhile so I'll have another baby to play with....Mommy says he can't play yet, but hopefully he'll be my friend!

Well, just wanted to keep everyone updated!
Love,
Ethan

Rocket Man!

2007-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to post an update on my growth and progress! Well, I haven't gained any weight, which worries mommy, because according to her I eat like a pig! BUT I have grown in height so much that she says I no longer fit in my overalls! Mommy and daddy have to buy me some new pants!!

I babble more now and I have fun playing with other kids now! Mommy says I run everywhere now, but I think I just walk fast!
I'm still in speech therapy, but I must be doing good since I'm down to once a week! I can sign more words now, like 'open' and mommy and daddy are really pleased with it! Well, I just had to give an update!
Love,
Ethan

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I've been busy! Well, I had a wonderful Christmas! Santa was excellent to me! My lola got me clothes, a toy dog and a bouncy/rocking horse! Wow! I also got tons of toys from mommy & daddy! I've been busy playing with them all!

My speech therapy is going well also. I know more words and 'open' is going ok. I can't seem to do the whole hand movements.
Mommy says I'm growing like a weed too! She says I now wear 24 months - 2T and by my birthday I will be fully into 2T!

Well, I just had to give an update!
Love,
Ethan

Streaker!

2006-11-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Guess what I can do? No....I can take my diaper off! Mommy and daddy went to get me when I woke from nap and the first thing they saw was my naked butt in the air! He he he! The look on their faces was funny. Mommy couldn't stop laughing. She calls me her little streaker! I just like butt freedom!!!

3 Signs Learned!

2006-11-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Wow! Guess what?! I now know 3 signs! I can do 'more', 'eat', & now I can do 'all done!' Mommy and daddy are so proud! There is less stress around here now that we can communicate, but mommy's still upset when I take a chunk out of her. I don't understand why? Daddy calls them love bites! I do love my mommy but she hates it so when I bite her on the butt!

Here's a picture of me on one of those riding toys at the mall! This one is a train. I really loved it! This mall was located in Niles, OH. I can't remember the name but Clifford the Big Red Dog was there! I was so happy even though I didn't get to see him. The line was just too long. Well, it's dinner time so I've got to be going!
Love,
Ethan

Voting Today!

2006-11-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me with my daddy and uncle Charlie! It is not often I get to see uncle Charlie. Only about once a year or so! I'm 19 months and this is the 3rd time I've seen him! He's fun too! We run and play and he tickles me all the time! I'm ticklish, but I think he is too!

Not much going on here! I went voting today with mommy and daddy! Those people that work there are really nice! They talked to me while mommy rocked me in the stroller! I don't think some of them had seen a baby in awhile! I don't think some of them had had a baby in awhile! I also got to have breakfast at Eat 'n' Park today with daddy! What fun! Well, I had better get going! It's late!
Love,
Ethan

2 Signs Learned!

2006-11-05T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of my daddy and me with his best friend, Mr. Rick. Mr. Rick had a labor day party and I love it. I get to eat new food and play with different toys! That day was pretty lousy when it came to weather, but the sun came out just for our picture! We stayed longer than we should have and I ended up falling asleep in the van! Oh well! On to todays news! I can sign 2 things now. 1st was 'more.' Now I can also sign 'eat.' Mommy is so happy! So is daddy! I did it for him 1st! Daddy says I now have to put them together for 'eat more.' That seems difficult! OH WELL! It's bed time, so I'll write more later!
Love,
Ethan

I can use sign language!

2006-10-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well, 1st things first.... Here's a great picture of me and my daddy! I love riding on his shoulders! We were on our way to the balloon festival, but by the time we got there they were finished!
OH WELL! Maybe next year.

Well, Tuesday I was able to sign my first word! I signed 'more.' YEAH!!!! Mommy and daddy are so pleased. The speech therapist, Jennifer, is also happy about it! Well, I better get going. It's bed time!
Love,
Ethan

My 1st Speech Therapy Appointment

2006-10-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

And the 1st session went well! Jennifer, that's the very nice therapist, she and I played the whole time! I have two 30 minute sessions a week and so far it's wonderful! I got to play with balls and bubbles and other stuff! Today she said she wanted to observe my play and see my limitations. See when I talk and what makes me talk. Apparently, I don't talk.

Anyways, here's a picture of me finger painting for the 1st time. Yes, I'm in the tub, but I'm still wearing my diaper. Mommy thought it would be fun to take a picture of my 1st arttistic works. She drew the smiley to show me how it works. I did the rest! What do you think?

Well, I better go! Nap time and all!
Love,
Ethan

My 18th Month Well Visit

2006-10-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
Well, mommy and I had a very interesting day yesterday. Yesterday was my 18th month well visit check-up and it didn't quite go as smoothly as mommy said she would have liked it to go! I cried. The whole time. The only time I didn't cry was when I was able to get naked. They I cried when the nurse tried to listen to my heart with the stethiscope. I cried getting weighed. I cried getting measured. I was not happy.

Then we were showed to our room. I was happy walking around and exploring. Then Dr. Aldrich came in. I was good until she started listening to my heart and looking in my ears and nose. I cried. They she had to feel my belly and goodies. NOT HAPPY! But I got to get dressed and then I was happy! She says I'm 32 3/4 inch tall, but it's hard to tell since I'm squirmy and I'm probably more like 33 inches. She says that is the 60th% and I am very tall for my age! She also says that I'm 24LBS, but again, I was squirmy and gave a funky read on the machine. She says I lost about 1/2 lb but still ok because I eat great and I'm just very active!! She says that's the 20th percetile, and that worried mommy, but Dr. Aldrich says that I'm tall and skinny and I'm following the curve I always had. She says with me being so active it's natural to be low like that so mommy's not so upset now.

Unfortunately, since they didn't have the flu shot in stock, I didn't get it this go round, but mommy says she was told to call next week and that I would get it then. I'm not sure I'm too happy about that!

Well, i had better go for my nap!
Love,
Ethan

18 Months Old Today!!!

2006-10-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of mommy and me at the playground at the Akron Zoo! We were taking a break from looking at all the animals and we just had to take a picture together with the mommy and baby bears!

Today I turned 18 months old! Mommy's happy! Lola, auntie and mommy took me to Eat 'n' Park for breakfast and I got to have a cookie. Mommy says I can have it after lunch! It's a halloween cookie and it looks scrumptious! YUMMY!!! Well, nothing much else to report here. I've been good and will tell you more after my check up appointment on Thursday!
Love,
Ethan

Busy Bumble Bee! That's ME!

2006-09-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Busy Bumble Bee eating watermelon! That's me! I love watermelon and ate so much this summer that right now, I don't want anymore!

Well, not much to report right now. I'm just waiting more my 18th month check up which is the 1st week in October! I can give you more info on my growth then. Right now, I'm getting ready to go to LOLA's! YEAH! I love it there. I have so much running to do and she let's me in the back yard! Well, I must be going! Love, Ethan!

Just another Friday in the Rice household...

2006-09-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Recap the summer: Here's a picture of me and mommy strawberry picking! It's my 1st time and I don't know what to do. Oh boy are they yummy though. Mommy and daddy had to chase me down the rows. They said I'm not allowed to eat them until they get weighed and we pay! It was cloudy that day, but hot! Here's mommy carrying me back to the register. I gave up after ahile.

NOW: Well, It's been a crazy 2 days! Yesterday, mommy bought a new gate for the kitchen. It's swings open and shut. She says I need to learn when I'm allowed in the kitchen and when I'm not. She says I'm not allowed in the kitchen anymore when she cooks . Mommy says I can reach the stovetop and burn myself and that she doesn't want me to do that. I don't like the gate. I tried crying, but she wouldn't budge. I think she means it!

But, on the up side, my lola got me another new toy! I now have a Sesame Street vaccum cleaner. In one direction it's ELMO! In the other direction it's COOKIE MONSTER!!! YAY!!! My 2 favorite characters!! Oscar the Grouch is in the middle with the dust bunnies. Mommy said he likes it there.

Well, I better get going. So much running around, so little time!
Love,
Ethan

Yay for popsicles!

2006-09-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, seeing that it is September, I'm not eating popsicles anymore, but over the next few entries, I wanted to share some summer photos with you. I've been busy growing more teeth and growing taller! Mommy and daddy are definately having fun trying to keep up with me now that I want to run everywhere! I've been a busy beaver!

I still don't talk too much. Mama, dada and goo goo! But mommy says I sure do understand a whole lot!! Well, my 18th month appointment is coming up soon, so we will have an official height and weight soon. I'm already 31 inches though!

My lola bought me a new booster seat so I now eat at the table with mommy and daddy. I don't sit in a high chair anymore. I also wear a size 6 1/2 shoe! I need wide! I am also in 24 month clothing too! Mommy says I'm going to be very tall! She also calls me her little man! Well, I better be going! It's nap time!
Love,
Ethan

My daddy's company picnic...

2006-08-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken during my daddy's company picnic. Can you find me? I see my toes in this picture! Mommy was watching me from one side and daddy the other. I had a blast! Mommy did too. She won the pie contest. I didn't get to eat any, but it all looked good.

There weren't very many toddlers to play with. All the kids were either babies or grown children. I didn't get to play with any of them.

OH WELL! I'm tired to I'm going to bed. Just had to update my fans!

I've been busy!!!

2006-08-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

But I've still been a good boy! Yesterday, July 31, was my first dentist appointment ever! It went well until they tried to clean my teeth. EWWWWW!!! I didn't like that. The dentist only brushed my teeth and opened my mouth to see them but I hate that so I cried A LOT!!!!! But I got a new toothbrush and lots of stickers!!!!

Today was my 1st ever eye doctor appointment. It went well until mommy had to hold me down and she had to shine a bright light in my eye! I didn't like the bright light, but I loved the little barking dog I got to watch. Mommy was really tired after that.

Well, both appointments went well and I came back with a clean bill of health! Well, it's bed time so I better get going!

Love,
Ethan

Just an update....

2006-07-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Dada....That's what I said today! My 2nd word! Dada! Mommy was so pleased!

Here is a picture of me and my Lola driving my John Deer powerwheels. Well, I just had to let you all know I finally said my 2nd word!

Love,
Ethan

My 15 month well visit!

2006-07-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

HELLO!!!!!!

This is mommy and me back in May before the weather got all rainy!!! I love the ducks at Aurora Farms!

Anyways, my 15 months well check-up was July 5th and it went OK. I got 2 shots, both of which were not very nice at all. I'm 31 1/4 inches tall and 23 pounds. Dr. Aldrich says I'm tall and skinny! Mommy reassured her saying I eat like a pig! OINK OINK!!! Well, I'm ahead of other babies my age in everything except talking. It seems that I'm supposed to say more than just mama. I love my new sippy. It has a straw! Mommy got that for me because I'm a big boy now and don't drink from bottles. I love to feed myself too! I love the spoon! I keep putting it upside down in my mouth though. OH WELL! I'll get it right soon! Other than that, I'm still the same, energetic kid I've always been! Running around everywhere!

Well, I better go and see what other trouble I can get into!
Later,
Ethan

15 Months Old Today!

2006-07-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

15 Months old today! Yay! Guess what I got to do today! Mommy and Daddy took me to the zoo! We went to the Akron Zoo and I had a ton of fun!

I got wet at first because it was raining, but was still fun! It cleared up and was sunny later. I got to get an animal poncho and splash in all the puddles! I wasn't too crazy about the bats, but I loved the turtles and the petting area! I got to pet a sheep and a goat! I must show you pictures later! Well, I'm bushed and will be going to bed!
Love,
Ethan

Welcome!

2006-06-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Toddler Story! I will be 15 months old when I start this, but I haven't decided when I should end the toddler story! I hope you enjoy my growth, pictures and antics!!!

Love,
Ethan