Papa, PeePee!!!!

It's the day after the Superbowl. Normally, that's all I would be able to think about on a day like this. The end of a season, the beginning of an off-season. However, this year is completely different. Last night, during the big game, Teagan was running around the Hodge household like he typically does. For whatever reason, he acts as if he's ingested a few pixie stix at their house. Everything was going as envisioned until he ran up to Papa and said those magical words, "Papa, PeePee!!" It took me a minute to realize what he was saying, but I pieced his babbling together when he ran to the toilet and lifted the toilet seat. I paged Mama and she asked him if he wanted to go peepee on the potty. "Yes!" he assertively proclaimed, so Mama quickly complied to his demands. She sat him on the toilet and within seconds he began to go pee!! February 2nd, 2014 marks a milestone...the very first time Teagan ASKED to go peepee and actually finished the deed! Ta-da!

Long term memory...check!

Lately, Teagan has been very quiet when it comes to waking up in the morning. He typically yells for Mama or Daddy when he wakes up, but he battled croup last week and is still getting his full voice back. This morning, however, was a different story. When I walked into Teagan's room, I was greeted with shouts for Mama. When I informed him Mama went bye byes, he asked for Papa. Again, I had to break the news to Teagan. He didn't seem to mind, however, instead contemplated who he should ask for next. His response? D! D! D! D! For those of you who don't know, he calls his Aunt Danielle "D." Admittedly, D is easier to pronounce. He hasn't seen D since Christmas time so I was a little caught off guard. When I told him D went bye byes as well, he acted as if he were an airplane and made the sounds of what he perceives an airplane would make. This is a clear demonstration of a solid long-term memory because the day D left for Washington, we told him she was taking an airplane. I also took this as a sign that D needs to come home soon. :)

ECHO!

There's literally nothing in this world better than hearing shouts of glee and laughter coming from your child.  While I was tending to the fire, I overheard Teagan yelling my name followed by a giggle.  I yelled back to him, "I'm coming buddy!," as I quickly finished with the wood stove.  As I rounded the corner into the kitchen, I witnessed one of Teagan's cutest activities yet.  He was simply standing on the step leading into our den and yelling my name.  Our den is very large and open so sound tends to echo in there.  Whenever he yelled my name, it echoed back to him.  He found this hilarious and continued to yell until I joined in.  As I shouted, "echo," Teag became more and more excited.  He eventually grabbed onto me and could not stop laughing.  It was almost like he was so thrilled that I understood what he was doing and joined in with him.  This was so much fun that it may become a nightly routine. :)

Emotional Teag

Well, Teag is officially a person.  Of course he's been a person all along but tonight he showed emotions towards a movie!  He's never shown sadness or anger towards anything except being out of food or a show ending.  Tonight, he screamed "ut oh" as a cartoon bird snatched a baby turtle in the animated flick "A Turtle's Tale."  He even let out a loud screech as the bird passed over the screen.  It was a monumental night we will all remember forever.

Ambitious parents and one proud boy!

Teag is 17.5 months old.  Old enough to be potty trained, right?  Well, probably not but we decided to at least introduce the idea to him yesterday.  He didn't exactly welcome the idea with open arms but he entertained us to say the least.  

Teagan sat on the little toilet as if he were sitting on a piping hot throne.  He grimaced with a look of fear until he finally relaxed enough to make it happen.  Suddenly, we heard a soft trickle and began rejoicing for positive reinforcement.  I never thought I'd be so happy to see a pee-filled bowl, but he did it!  His reward?  Pride and a blue bath tub!  

Tonight was round 2 of this venture and it proved to be much less stressful for Teag.  He quickly, and happily, sat on the toilet.  He did give a little cry as if he weren't sure what was happening, but his mood quickly turned to a happy giggle as he peed in the toilet again!  He looked down at the deed and clapped with happiness.  Perhaps 17.5 months isn't too early to begin this life lesson?

All Aboard!!

Today, we went to a Choo choo museum!!  For those who do not speak Teagan's language, that would be a railroad museum.  It's in Danbury, which was about an hour and a half drive, but well worth the trip.

As you can see, Teag was ready for the day from the moment he woke up.  He had his conductor hat on and was grinning from ear to ear when we told him our plans for the day.  Choo Choo!  

When we got there, we had a little bit of a wait before our train ride.  Teagan had plenty of time to venture off and find toys to play with, and play he did.  They had a few tables set up with toy trains for the little ones.  Teag had a tough time settling on a table but when he did the joyous laughter filled the room.  

The bell rang signaling our train had arrived.  We wrestled the toy train from Teagan's fingers, ensuring him that better things were about to happen.  He fought us at first but quickly succumbed to the excitement of going outside again.  We had a train to catch and a story to hear, Teagan's day was about to get very adventurous.

When he saw the train his feelings were of elatement and uncontrollable laughter. Choo choo!  He said it again, as mommy and daddy quickly learned we would hear those words over and over again for the rest of the event.

The train ride entailed a story about a dog and his trips along the train.  It was an excellent story of how a dog can affect the people it encounters.  Teagan listened attentively with sudden lapses of attention when the train'a whistle blew.  He did not particularly care for that sound.

All in all, it was a very satisfying trip.  Teagan laughed, giggled, and took in every moment of the day like a video recorder.  His smiles were contagious and we will surely be spreading them at the museum again!

It's a zoo kinda day!

We went to the Southwick Zoo in Massachusetts today!  It was a blast.  We got to see tons of animals Teagan usually can only read about in his picture books. Giraffes, rhinos, tigers, and monkeys were amongst our favorites.

At one point, Teagan decided he had enough energy to run on his own.  He was so adorable as he sprinted to keep up with mommy and daddy.  The ground was uneven and mostly gravel, so he had to watch his footing as well. 

We also got great news right at the start! Since they had to close early, they gave us a free pass to come back!  We will return by the end of October so Teagan can see his furry friends again!