At your visit we received some disappointing news that the vaccines you received at your 2 month visit were stored at 31 degrees instead of the recommended 35-46 degree range. The vaccines were stored at that temperature for several days, and, as a result, were deemed ineffective. After spending an entire day on the Internet looking for a solution that wasn't to revaccinate, I had the nurse send me her research. All of the vaccine manufacturers recommended revaccination based on studies that showed the vaccines to be ineffective. We decided to go ahead and revaccinate on two of the shots during Chloe's 3 year check-up, and you should be all caught up by your 18 month visit. I can't believe that this happened to you. I'm so sorry.
We had your first birthday party at your Grammy & Papa's house. Your Daddy picked a football theme. I wanted to do a little decorating, but didn't want to get caught up in the details. Luckily, your Aunty Kelly recently held a big tailgate birthday bash for Matt, and she was thoughtful enough to let us borrow her awesome decorations! Grammy made you two cakes: a football and a helmet. She also made you cupcakes. I decorated about six of them, which was the extent of my contribution. I was very busy cooking and decorating. In an unfortunate twist of events, your sister came down with her second strain of influenza of the season. Daddy volunteered to stay home with her. They watched every movie under the sun while I frantically attempted to cook a meal for 50+ people. Thankfully, we had planned a menu that was crock pot friendly. With Papa's help we managed to serve pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches, taco salad, and all the fixins. The party went off without a hitch, but everyone was missing Daddy and Chloe. We checked in with them throughout the night using Facetime, but nothing could replace the other half of our family. It seemed like you were looking for Chloe everywhere you went, and I didn't notice you acting like yourself until little Gwen came over to play with you. She must have reminded you of your big sister, because you took off after her and attempted to hang with the girls for the rest of the night.
We decided to start you on Vitamin D (whole) milk and to gradually phase out your bottle, leaving the night time bottle for last. You are obsessed with your pacifier, so I think that will be a tough one to cut. We are doing our best to keep your pacifier only in your crib, but gee sometimes it sure is nice to cork you with it in a store, restaurant, or vehicle. For the record, you literally have six different kinds of pacifiers. You will use any pacifier brand of any size/shape/color. You do not pacriminate.
You aren't really saying anything. The only person you really make an effort to call to is your Grammy. You basically just call her Mamama, which is super annoying and strikes me right to the core with guilt. You are completely obsessed with her, which works out well because Chloe has already placed her claim to Papa. You give her kiss after kiss and would go to her over anyone else in the room. I love her lots, too, so I can't blame you.
You can climb up and down the stairs, but we don't trust you on them alone. You don't seem to be as coordinated as your sister was at your age. You refuse to watch television or sit for a book. I forgot how long those months are between 12 months and 18 months, when kids get into everything, and nothing - not even Elmo - can stop them. I remember praying that your sister would just please, please start watching television. Just 20 minutes, please. One episode of Dora. Pretty please? I don't even remember when she started watching television. I'll have to go back and look. All I know is that you are a super busy guy who doesn't even notice the television, so I'm guessing its going to be a while for you.
You've got two new teeth coming in on the bottom. That will make eight. Your plugged tear ducts seemed to clear up for a few months, but all of a sudden they seem to be back in full force. You always have what looks like eczema under your eyes. They are always red and puffy and I think everyone thinks you have pink eye. I hope they clear up for you soon!
