Day after day...

 

Another month flown by, and without writing it all down, it's all a blur! I don't know if it's a lack of focus, lack of sleep, or lack of balance, but when asked "how was your weekend?" or "did you have a nice day yesterday?" I have to really stop and think...what in the world happened yesterday? I can't remember a thing it seems...it feels like we can't handle anything but living in the present because there's too much going to to remember or look to anything else! HA!

Let's start with Noah this time...he is really developing so well! Our pediatrician was impressed with the amount of words/sounds he's making, and we are too! He just loves to talk and repeat everything he hears...it is becoming even noisier around our house! He things it's a great game to go back and forth with noises, etc. and we love (most of the time at least) to play right along. He's certainly becoming more certain of himself as well, in all sorts of ways! He knows what he wants and when he doesn't get it, well, he lets you know! We have started to see more frequent 'tantrums', which I happily walk away from and he's also standing up to Drew more. Drew still of course can over power Noah no contest, but Noah is not just bowing down anymore - he'll head-butt, hit, and throw things right back at you! Now, in general this is not something to be proud of as a parent, but we are realizing that we just CAN'T intervene EVERY time anymore, and we are letting the boys 'figure it out' per se, as long as it doesn't get too out of hand! So far, realistically, they are doing a pretty decent job - they will fight, but then they seem to come to an agreement of sorts, for a few minutes at least! :) Noah also is very adamant about dragging us around (usually Mommy, sigh!) to take us exactly where he wants to go...and if you don't come, he'll just grab onto both of your legs, clinging to you, so you can't get anything done anyways! Ugh! It can get quite tiring if I'm being honest...I know this is a phase that one day I'll miss, but oh, it's so hard right now! But we know it's all part of him learning, growing, increasing independence, etc., so we know it's a good sign.

He continues to love playing outside, which we are starting to get to do a bit more again now that spring is coming early, or at least giving us lots of teases. He loves the park, though he's certainly more dangerous there - our little climber keeps me running to guard him from everything! No fear that one, or no knowledge that there should be fear! He has learned to climb onto the big rocking chair in our room, the dining chairs and of course he's all over Drew's bed, the chimney hearth, and anything else he can find. He loves to be up on the couch, but even more so, our bed...the child pulls me to my room multiple times a day to be put on our bed so he can fall and throw himself around on a soft surface - he just loves it! So we've been spending lots more time there, and I spend lots more time guarding the sides of the bed and teaching him it's not okay to stand or jump on it!

Fun things Noah has enjoyed this month...he's being more of a 'helper' at school (whatever that means at this age!), loves to wrestle and tickle, gives good zerberts, loves to hit us with a ball to make us 'fake a fall', but he's started faking the fall too, which is HILARIOUS! He will tell us 'sorry' by petting our heads (which is kind of what Drew does) and is learning to use 'soft hands' - right! He has a blast playing sports - kicking the soccer ball and hitting the ball off the tee, and throwing balls...or toys...or trucks...! We have a foam rocket launcher that the boys enjoy outside, and Noah has finally figured out how to get the rocket on and stomp it to launch into the air - he loves it! He's figured out how to 'play' the harmonica, does a pretty good job with puzzles for his age and is working on matching colors and shapes too! He is finally starting to push/propel himself forward on our wheeled toys instead of always going backward, so that's nice! He's also pretty good at folding his hands for prayers at meals now too, though he always requests the 'shark prayer'!

Oh, and a funny story...so the boys stay with us during church and Noah is talking so much, we've had to start 'Sshh'shing him (you know, finger over mouth, "shhh"). Well, one Sunday, while singing, Noah "Shhh"ed Mommy! Hilarious! He's so cute when he does it too of course!

We've had some fun adventures this months - a few dinner's out with friends (restaurants with Noah can be quite the adventure!), Mommy was out of town for 2 days for a school event, leaving the boys at home to fend for themselves, explored the FW Science & History museum with a friend - loved the Kid's Space,  went to 'reading time' at our local library (chased Noah almost the whole time), and lots of soccer stuff! We went to one of cousin Matthew's soccer games, which was fun to watch, though it was cold so Drew spent 1/2 of it under a blanket, and Noah wanted to run around on the bleachers! We are always a sight in the stores, especially sports stores - Noah just tries to get every ball off the shelf he possibly can and we just try not to lose either of the boys! And Drew had his first soccer practice the last week of the month! We are all so excited!

So yes, Drew is starting soccer - it feels like his life has been leading up to this point for over a year now, we've talked about it so much! He can barely contain himself! He wants to wear his cleats and shin guards all the time and gets so elated! He has multiple times listed off all the people he wants to come to his games and treats this as if we've earned an honor of some sort! So, next month, we'll have lots of soccer stories to tell! So far, we've had one practice and the coach seems great - out to have lots of fun and just get the kids learning some of the basics of the game, but seems to have perfect expectations for this age group, so happy about that!

Drew is certainly growing and learning too! Daddy has really started to work on Drew's writing and reading and it's going pretty well, though his attention span is pretty short for it, so we don't get too far each time, but in general Drew gets really excited about it, but then sees a super hero or something and runs off! We are making sure it's not a chore, but something he enjoys!

Things Drew continues to enjoy - playing with cars of course! Still likes his super heros and dressing up in costumes - most of them superhero as well! He really does enjoy little 'projects' and such, though again, he can only sit still/stay focused for so long! :) He can be a great helper with tasks in the kitchen and laundry and such if we ask - though usually we'd rather him entertain Noah so we can get the other things done! He sings alot and likes to read and do mazes and puzzles. He has also discovered the disc frisbees in the garage from Daddy's disc golf days (which he's been hoping will return someday) and enjoys throwing those around outside. We're thinking this spring we might all have fun going to a disc golf course a few times! He's got a decent side arm throw... :)

A funny story about Drew...one evening I was talking to Drew about trying to go to sleep really quickly (he still takes about an hour to fall asleep most nights) and he quickly interrupted me and in the most serious and slightly sarcastic tone he says "Mommy, don't worry about my sleep!" So much of it was in the delivery, but it made both Mommy and Daddy laugh!

So the boys keep us busy and they are a handful - but full of joy and laughter!

Noah's Valentine craft from school!