18 Months (Belated)

*Another belated post.  I suppose it's better late than never...*

You both love saying "dog" and will woof on command or whenever you see one in person or in a book.  Other words that you are trying out are "duck", "more", "wow", and I am pretty sure some form of "brother" will emerge more clearly in the next few weeks.

I love that you can't get enough of playing outside. We are planning on building or buying a sandbox for the backyard so that you can have a place to keep digging and driving your trucks.  You love short adventures in the car and are always interested in what is happening in the world that is passing by.

When either one of you discover something new, the other will be half a step behind.  It is amazing to see how different you are and yet you are constantly driven to be near each other.  If one of you starts crying, the other comes to investigate. If one of you eats a piece of cheese, the other needs one ASAP.  If I am holding one of you, the other needs to be held as well.  You are two entirely different peas in a pod.

William...

I am completely smitten with the way you say "yeah" whenever you confirm something.  You are also trying out the word "no" but haven't started battling me with it yet.  The mimicking of my words is really starting to pick-up these days and I am discovering the meaning behind your babbles.

You are always ready for an adventure.  If we are not moving fast enough you march in place and make your point with punctuated stomps.  Pulling your brother's hair or shirt and biting is another common way you are currently making statements about your needs.  Despite all of the "big emotions" you are always willing to help put things away, greet anything with an emphatic "WOW" and give tight, lingering hugs.

Alexander...

You definitely feel the beat. Those legs of yours will bend and bob at the first sign of a good song.  Luckily your Dad has an incredible music library to keep your attention.  I love watching you respond to music and I am always impressed with your ability to tune in and start moving, even if it is only 6:30am.

If you know you have done something wrong you tuck your chin and peer at me with sad "I'm sorry" eyes. That move is genius and will earn you plenty of leverage later when you realize its power.  That giant smile of yours coupled with your easy going nature are just two of the many things that charm strangers and loved ones alike. 

We love watching you grow (even if it means you can't wear 

your Christmas pj's for much longer)...

                                                                                            xoxo,
                                                                                                 Mama & Papa

17 Months (Belated)

*I wrote this post in March and failed to upload photos and post it when the boys were actually 17 months old.  I thought I would share it anyway, especially since I am making an effort to catch up...*

 

You both love cucumbers, black olives and tried poke (raw tuna) at Cousin Kellen's birthday party. Bananas still get you really excited first thing in the morning. You will duel over dipping rights when I feed you yogurt and give you each a spoon.  I taught you to raise your cups and clang them together whenever you hear "cheers".

 

You will still sign "more" and "please " for everything, although pointing at things emphatically has also been added to the repertoire.  Whenever I come home, you both immediately rush to the refrigerator and start clamoring and pointing for milk and a snack.

Poor Finn is still tackled and slobbered on whenever he is in range.  Goose is also harassed frequently but she at least fights back when you start getting too rough. You both get hysterical when the tables are turned and you are dragging something that attracts the cats.  The other day Finn followed you around and chewed on the ribbon that hung from your balloons and it ended in tears.

Alexander...

 

You still throw full body tantrums (I call them "jazzerspaz") complete with kicks whenever we put you down for a nap, on the changing table or to bed for the night.  All food is subject to instant rejection if we are paying attention to you when you are trying to eat it, unless it is a banana, cheese, kidney beans or spaghetti.

You started bringing Will his sippy cup whenever you find it and patted his head the other day when he was sad.  Light switches in all locations and forms occupy your fingers and you love sorting and carrying around your stack of flashcards.  Music is one of your favorites and whenever you hear a good tune you will wave your arms and bounce to the beat.

William...

You recently started slipping out of your buckles and standing up in your highchair.  Nothing pleases you more than getting a good reaction out of us, especially if you have manged to climb somewhere high or get into something off limits.  One of your favorite games is to run laps around the kitchen island and while we chase you and make bear sounds.

You are making quite a show of mimicking whatever I say.  One of your favorite songs that you often sing is "eee iii eee iii ooo".  If you want to go outside, you get me moving by bringing me my shoes, your jacket and your hat. 

We love watching you both conquer the world...

                                                                                                xoxo,
                                                                                                  Mama & Dada

Happy Mother's Day

Thanks to my boys (big and small), I had an amazing Mother's Day.  Our early morning banana and Cheerio session was followed by Lego building and special goodies for me.  I was spoiled with cards, chocolates and a beautiful bracelet.

After a rousing reenactment of Knight's of the Round Table, we all piled in the car and drove to our favorite local spot so we could enjoy fresh scones, coffee and the gorgeous morning. 

 -Alex-

 -Will-

 A brief nap led to a little art project which led to adventures outside with sprinklers, bubbles, digging, rock throwing and insect squishing.

 -Will & Alex-

After tubby time, I asked for photo to capture my adorable boys on this beautiful day...

-Will, Mama & Alex-

I love you all to the moon and back.  

Thanks for letting me be your Mama...

xoxo

                                                                 

Hungry Hummus Hippos

Forget utensils, crackers or veggies - hummus is consumed rapidly hand over fist at our house.  It's safe to say that there isn't a vampire within a 100 mile radius of these two hungry hummus hippos.

Will's "hummustache"...

Alex has perfected the "scoop, swoop and swallow" method...

Currently Trader Joes' White Bean Hummus is the top ranked favorite. Four hummus covered thumbs up...