Welcome alaskaberry! I think with three of us, we definitely have a skewed representation of Alaskans now.
I don't know what to do about shoes either. Katmai hates shoes and socks. He is barefoot whenever it is remotely possible, and yells and tugs to have his shoes off. His grandmother made him some mukluk-type shoes, which are good for outdoors in the cold, but we don't have anything else, and he'll need some more now that he's walking (and that summer will eventually come).
As for clothes, I get too many hand-me-downs, but am rather ruthless in re-donating anything the moment he grows out of it. I don't think I have yet bought him a piece of clothing.
Gillian: Katmai wakes crying sometimes too, particularly if he's in a room he doesn't recognize, but really anytime he can't immediately see me. He's usually fine fairly quickly, though.
As far as language, I think the normal variation is huge, and best to try not to worry. I worried too, until Katmai said his first word (followed by several more) just a couple weeks ago, and suddenly learned dozens of signs as well. Now I feel silly - language is just not a linear thing, I think. And he might be saying words you don't recognize. I know Katmai makes a bunch of sounds we'd never at all identify as attempts at language if he didn't do them with signs.
Katmai finally learned how to go down stairs! (crawling backwards) We don't have stairs at home, but he's seen tons on this trip and has always loved going up, so it's great he can go down as well now.
I don't know what to do about shoes either. Katmai hates shoes and socks. He is barefoot whenever it is remotely possible, and yells and tugs to have his shoes off. His grandmother made him some mukluk-type shoes, which are good for outdoors in the cold, but we don't have anything else, and he'll need some more now that he's walking (and that summer will eventually come).
As for clothes, I get too many hand-me-downs, but am rather ruthless in re-donating anything the moment he grows out of it. I don't think I have yet bought him a piece of clothing.
Gillian: Katmai wakes crying sometimes too, particularly if he's in a room he doesn't recognize, but really anytime he can't immediately see me. He's usually fine fairly quickly, though.
As far as language, I think the normal variation is huge, and best to try not to worry. I worried too, until Katmai said his first word (followed by several more) just a couple weeks ago, and suddenly learned dozens of signs as well. Now I feel silly - language is just not a linear thing, I think. And he might be saying words you don't recognize. I know Katmai makes a bunch of sounds we'd never at all identify as attempts at language if he didn't do them with signs.
Katmai finally learned how to go down stairs! (crawling backwards) We don't have stairs at home, but he's seen tons on this trip and has always loved going up, so it's great he can go down as well now.
And it's not just the crying it's the full body thrashing (in the middle of the night wake ups), it gets frustrating. He will kick and squirm and sit up then throw his body down on top of me (and sometimes hurt me). It's hard to be patient and understanding when I'm tired and being physically assaulted. And almost always the only way to stop it is to nurse. So, yeah, night weaning should be fun 
I'm originally from Vermont.
. My DP has moved 7 hours away so i have been doing the solo parent thing. We did get to spend the week with hime for spring break and it was nice...we will also be spending the summer up with him as well.
.
Follow Mothering