Parker's Favorites: January 2016 (Part 1)

I can't believe we are already in 2016.  In my head, I keep saying (incredulously) that this is the year Parker turns four.  For whatever reason, that starts to signify the exit from baby/toddler land and the entrance into big-boy-ville.  Parker has grown a bunch in the last 6 months.  His head reaches the island in our kitchen, and his baby belly is no more.  His hair(s) grows like weed(s)-- we are down to less than 5 weeks between haircuts before the mullet arrives.  He is ACTIVE to say the least, and so lovable.  We are always in a position to learn about him and from him.  His smile and laugh are contagious, even after he destroys a room, grabs a handful of my dinner and throws it across the table, or growl-yells in a restaurant.  There are times where I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing at his earnest face when he is being "bad" -- or really, just exploring his boundaries.  I'm not inherently good at forcing him to do things for himself.  My gut reaction is to baby him and love on him, so it is a test for me to demand his best (and take the time when it is slow).

Parker is still our mellow little guy, but our definition of mellow with him has changed.  Mellow now should really read content.  He is happy most hours of most days.  However, when he was a baby, mellow used to mean calm.  Parker is no longer calm :)  He defines the word busy and very nearly bounces off the walls (more to come on this later).  He keeps us on our toes!  With that, here are his current favorites and goals:

Foods: Parker is picky like his mommy.  He finally likes chicken, as long as it has ketchup or bbq sauce.  He LOVES oatmeal, yogurt, broccoli, Mexican rice, and most sweet treats, which he very rarely gets.  Recently, he started to tolerate eggs, which is new for us.  He does NOT like anything cold, cheese, drinking out of cups, or feeding himself without throwing utensils.

Activities:  Before we realized what was happening, Parker became completely addicted to the iPad.  I think because it is bright and can be held close up, it is something that he can see well.  We try very hard to only play educational or musical shows.  Quite honestly, it is the only reason we can get anything done without it being undone.  We try and sometimes fail at not taking advantage of it.  It is one of our guilty parenting moments, but...mental sanity.

Parker got some amazing(ly generous) Christmas/Hanukkah gifts that he adores.  He has a piano and a puppy-guitar that he loves....because music is his absolute favorite.  When trying to sleep, snuggle, calm, or captivate, music is our go-to.

Parker also likes to MOVE.  He loves being chased around the house, especially when Chase is following him.  He loves to dance and often throws his own dance parties (with or without music) with his shadow or in front of the mirrors at speech/OT.  He LOVES aqua therapy.  In fact, he is at the point where we are keeping him from trying to go under water!