A Month of Adventures

Well, this happens every semester - toward the last half I just get so wrapped up in school work, that the blog gets put on the back burner, and then it's catch up time, so here goes...

March was busy! It always seems busy, but this month had some extra special adventures for us to partake...

We started out the month with a fun visit from Grandpa and Nana, which is always a treat!

It was also the start of Drew's soccer season! We were amused, but ended up enjoying, that this included weekly practices! :) Both boys loved the extra time outside and the coaches and other parents were a blessing! The coaches had a great time with the spirit of fun and learning with little competition involved, so it was a great first experience. Drew really enjoyed it and would frequently ask multiple times during the week if he had a soccer game - he just couldn't wait to play again! We've had fun playing more with the goal in the backyard as well to 'make due' until Saturdays! There's something about getting to wear shin guards and cleats that is just really exciting! All the boys really are showing improvement and having a great time! Noah, of course, LOVES being out there too! Though the first game he was a PILL, thankfully it was a random fluke and otherwise was happy to play in the dirt, on an old goal, throw rocks, play with the soccer ball, or the best game - make Mommy or Daddy try to keep him off the field or out of the soccer goal! :) Grandma and Papa enjoy coming to the games, so they are always there to help cheer on Drew and keep Noah happy, which makes Mommy and Daddy happy too! :)

Our next big adventure was a trip to Houston, leaving Daddy behind, for 4 days, to visit the Thompson family and cheer for cousin Michelle in her Nationals Swim Meet! It was an exhausting week, but well worth it to see the family and of course, see Michelle kill it in the pool! She was amazing! She did awesome, placing 3rd in her best event and swimming a personal best time in other events. Her school took 1st overall, so it was a very exciting week! I've never been to a swim meet before, had no idea what to expect, and won't be looking for extra opportunities to go with 2 small children! They did ok, but it was exhausting trying to keep both boys happy, content and safe in a natatorium of bleachers! Noah and I walked up and down LOTS of stairs to keep us busy and Drew played on an iPhone almost non-stop - he would probably LOVE to do it again! :) The qualifying races are in the AM with a 5-6 hour break until the evening for the finals, so we found some things to do in the area to keep the boys busy during that time - the first day we went to one of Nana's teacher friends' house so the boys could play and nap. The next day we went to a sports bar with everyone for lunch, a park, the mall playground and then back to the pool. So, yah, we were tired! But he had a BLAST seeing everyone that came - Grandpa and Grandma T., Aunt Sara, Aunt Sally and Uncle John, and Kevin were all there, and yes, we all slept in Grandpa and Nana's house, so it was a good thing we all love each other so much! We cherish the times we get to spend with our family, and so we were happy to take advantage of this special event to get to see them..it's so few and far between us and everyone else's visits, and especially for them to come to Texas! A real treat! By the end of the week, the boys had learned everyone's name again and had warmed up to a few. When we got back, Drew kept asking about when we would see our family again and Noah kept saying "Sawah" (Sara) and "Sawwy" (Sally) when we got back home - just too sweet!

When we got back, we got to celebrate Daddy's birthday (that we missed while we were in Houston). The boys of course assume the gifts are for them, so they 'help' open those, and we all love an excuse to have a yummy dessert! Since we knew we were going to be gone for his actual day, we kind of celebrated doing some of Daddy's favorite things throughout the month so he got to have his favorite dinner, dessert, a date night, etc. - just all on different days! A Birthday Month! We were all so happy to be home too, it was a dual celebration!

A week later, we hosted the Palmer family for Easter, which is always a real treat. Though I'll confess, this was about the time the stress of school was reaching a max for me, so I wasn't the most calm, prepared, or at times, pleasant to be around, so I apologize again! Though it was the 'in-law' year where would all normally have been with the other side of the family, everyone except Joel ended up being together on Easter due to other circumstances with all the in-laws, so we had a full house! (We celebrated Easter with the Glienke family while we were in Houston the week prior - with dyeing eggs, decorating Easter cookies, an egg hunt and baskets all included! Nana was more than prepared and excited as always!) The boys raked it in with over 150 eggs to find - that's right, we think there was between 15-20 dozen eggs for Luke, Drew, Noah, Jacob & Rhyder to hunt! And yes, 3 of those boys are under the age of 2! So, there's bound to be candy in our house for months if anyone wants to come and get some! But we had a great time, there was great weather (we played outside all day long, the boys loved it!) and a great reason to celebrate!

So, if that wasn't enough, there's all the normal adventures of boys growing up as well!...

Noah's talking continues to get better and better - he just loves to repeat words and play with his sounds, we are just so happy with this and it is absolutely ADORABLE how he sounds! Cutest stage of talking! He will repeat lots of single words, but will frequently use 2-3 word phrases! He has started saying "Ah-doo!" with his hand covering his mouth to mimic sneezes! He is also learning and starting to follow along and make the motions for some of the classic kids songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Hokey Pokey", "If you're happy and you know it" - so fun! He can really ham it up to get on your good side in just a few short minutes too - the looks he can give, you know he's just waiting for you to cave and be putty in his hands - he does it with visitors/friends that come over, the unlucky people that sit behind us in church (there's no way they hear much of the service either!), and strangers in the stores - he can win them over in seconds!

Noah has also learned the word "Sowwy" - sorry! Yes, we have entered into the beginnings of what can only be blamed on early onset Terrible Twos! We also hear the word "NO!" a lot more from him as well! It is obvious he is willingly resisting what we ask him to do at times and will just stare us down or walk the other way! Oh my! Maybe because it's starting so early, we'll be done earlier too?! His tantrums have reached a new level as well, throwing himself on the ground crying and screaming - oh the drama!

He is still quite clingy to Mommy, but has been more so a lot more this month, so that's always fun! Especially since it usually means there's some reason that's also causing him to be fussy, but no real way of knowing what, and we just get to guess and deal with it! YEAH! He also had some interesting nights of fighting going to sleep so badly, which we really haven't dealt with since he was a baby. It's almost as if he is starting to realize that Drew is still getting to play when he has to go to bed and he is SO mad about it! So, we've changed a few things and it has been better, but kind of crazy!

Despite all of this, he continues to be a delight and hilarious to watch him learn and grow! He is SO boy - loves to be outside, runs all over the place, never stops for more than a minute it seems. He is starting to be able to get both feet off the ground for jumping more and more, and loves to practice. He tries so hard to keep up with Drew, he just has no fear of trying anything. He will climb up things on playgrounds, etc. that just seem way to big for him, but he makes it work! And he's tough! Because he's keeping up with Drew, he ends up falling quite a bit, but usually just gets right back up - amazing! SO different than Drew! Even now, we think he's tougher than Drew! Classic second kid, right?! We love it!!

So, as I mentioned, Drew's big change this month was the beginning of soccer! He really does love it! He has lots of fun at practice and the games, and does really well listening to the coach, etc. He has had NO hesitation to play and get on the field. At the water breaks, he's usually one of the first ones back on the field - he gets a drink and can't wait to get back out there! He loves the running around and has been very good at scoring goals, which of course, is very exciting! He just lights up after the ball goes in the goal! It's hard to make sure he realizes of course this is not the most important part of the whole experience, because it is very fun and exciting! We ALL light up when he scores! Such fun!

Drew is a funny little guy...lately there's been a huge struggle at bedtime over pajamas. In the winter, he got to the point where he would only wear the ultra soft flannel type PJs and just drag his feet and drop his head with sadness if that wasn't an option. Well, spring and summer PJs aren't made of that material, for good reason. So we've had to find the softest PJs possible, and are still fighting off the long sleeves and pant flannel PJs that are tucked away in the closet! Sigh! On the up swing, he got his first haircut at a normal haircut place this month (rather than the kid place with movies and is of course more expensive!), and he did great! A huge improvement! So, maybe he'll be less specific about PJs one day too! :)

Another 'funny little guy' experience was picture day for his soccer team...it was of course on a morning one Saturday before one of his games and all seemed fine and good, Drew and Daddy in line, etc. Mommy had to take Noah to the car to get food because the world was ending because he hadn't eaten in about 2 hours! Sheesh! And when we got back, Daddy makes note that Drew refused to take his solo picture, despite bribes of candy! So we switched boys and Mommy tried and yup, it was NOT going to happen! He would not let go of me to stand to smile - I mean, he was clawing at me and my clothes. So we gave up and had to bribe him with food as well to stand for the team picture! And then, it was like a switch flipped, he stood and smiled and then agreed to taking his solo picture with the biggest grin on his face! What a trip!

He has really enjoyed playing with the DUPLO legos and the normal little Legos more this month. He gets to play with the little ones when Noah is in bed, and loves to play out scenes and adventures with all the figures, etc. - makes his Daddy proud! The two of them are quite funny and cute, playing on the floor with little guards and space men...! We also play Candyland and other games at this time too - a fun way to end the day most of the time. Drew also LOVES to play "I Spy" type games - at any time, but in the car is a favorite...though he's also good about singing to Noah sometimes to keep him happy too! :)

Drew got to have a sleepover at cousin Luke's this month too, which was a huge treat! We all got to see Luke play his indoor soccer game and then Drew got to stay for the night! Lots of games and silliness no doubt! We've also been outside and riding the 'big boy' bike more often, so that is fun too! He just loves being a big boy now and really wants to be involved in everything - wanting to 'help'. We are having to learn to be more patient to teach him these things and the boundaries, etc...you know, all the joys and responsibilities of parenthood!

So there you have it...another busy month in review...another to come shortly! :)

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!

1/2 way through the year...

Both boys are at their 'Half-birthday" mark this month and it's hard to believe we are on the other side on our way to 4 and 2! Time to start planning the next birthday party - HA! J/K! (Though I DO love throwing a big bash for my boys, no doubt!) But really, it's just hard to believe we are there already. I keep thinking about when Drew was Noah's age, we were getting ready for Noah...hard to imagine really! And no, that doesn't mean it's necessarily time to add another, though I know a Grandma and Nana that would certainly beg to differ! All in the Lord's plan and timing...for now, here's the latest...

Drew is just growing up to be such a good little boy! In case you thought I have this incredible memory to help me write this monthly blog, I will disappoint you and let you in on my secret - I have a calendar I keep for both boys and write what they did for the day, things they are doing this month, etc. And I've noticed something lately here - while Drew is changing and learning on a daily basis, his seems quite a bit harder to objectively record I guess...it's more of an abstract process...he's able to follow more abstract thought a little bit, and we are working on some 'higher level' cognitive skills rather...the concept of time and days/weeks/months - we are still far from understanding this, but something we are working on for sure and he's certainly trying hard to get it! We are working on more difficult puzzles and mazes as well as reading and writing. He's much more active at role playing and getting more creative with it - it's not always the same story over and over! He's more into games, etc. and in general able to follow more complex directions, and even able to accept some delayed gratification like you do in games, etc. He's getting better at sharing a taking turns with Noah and not immediately reacting negatively when things don't go his way, though there's still alot of progress to made in this area, but I feel like he's doing great for his age!

He's also a much better listener, at times of course, and a GREAT helper at home and school! We are so proud of him! We talk alot about making good vs. bad choices and it's really worked well for us...he comes home from school and it makes us so happy to hear "I made good choices!" It's great to realize how much more flexible he is and we can 'trust' him in different situations and environments versus the short-lived temperament and behavior in an environment besides those tailored strictly to children...it's just wonderful! There's a little glimpse of being able to do more and more enjoyable and different activities rather than contain and control the chaos...YEAH! (Oh, but then there's Noah!)

Some things Drew has been enjoying playing lately: Riding more on his big boy bike - he still prefers his Big Wheel no doubt, but is gaining confidence little by little on the big bike. Playing Wii games - he likes the Mater Tall Tales, but only because it's Cars, in reality, he enjoys PLAYING MarioKart much more...if they could just make MarioKart with Cars characters we'd be set! Loves to play "I Spy" games - either the books/games or in the car. Playing soccer! He even tries to hit headers sometimes... he can't wait for March to come (we signed him up for a Fort Worth team!) Enjoys crafts - painting, stickers, coloring, writing, play-doh, drawing...it's great to see him play like this and see how he interprets things! Playing outside in the driveway with all of our 'wheeled' toys...both boys love this part of the day when it works out! He enjoys playing and creating with Legos when the mood strikes him - a favorite is to build a zoo of course! He likes to role play with his animals some, but also his 'action figures' and Transformers. And then of course there are cars...cars, cars and more cars! Can't go wrong there...they are everywhere!!!

Some milestones per se are he is able to completely get himself ready for school in the mornings and more independent with some of those self-care items, which of course, is wonderful! He can buckle himself in the carseat, help with some things in the kitchen - we just need to more proactive about getting into that habit! He is getting more excited about trying to read by yourself...there are several stories he of course has memorized, so he'll read the story and he is SO proud of himself!..."I can READ!" he'll exclaim! It's just greatness! We will just encourage this as much as we can!

Drew still takes around a 3 hour nap in the afternoon, and usually no fuss or fight, but nighttime has been something altogether different...there are so many delay tactics and he moves SO slow, getting distracted by everything in sight! We try to keep it calm and quiet the hour or so before his bedtime (for his sake, but also b/c Noah is trying to sleep) but he still is so wired...it on average probably takes him an hour to fall asleep, but sometimes longer - meaning he's tossing and turning or singing, or playing, or kicking the walls, until 10:30 at night! And then of course, up at 6:30, ready and raring to go! UGH! So here just a few days ago, we've started using a CD our pediatrician has recommended several times to calm him down - it's a few relaxation bedtime stories and then calming sounds...fingers crossed it helps!!!

The boys are certainly beginning to enjoy each other's company more and more and really playing together - it is hilarious! They are able to share/take turns/play nicely together quite a bit, though there's still lots of quarrels...and Noah is starting to fight back - hitting, pulling hair and screaming are his favorite strategies, short of crying to Mommy to take his side...a somewhat welcomed and inevitable growth phase for them, but it does bring another aspect of discipline to the table. Drew is in general doing better about not immediately using his strength and size and while he screams in frustration often, is doing much better about not striking back - whew! Hope that sticks!

Noah's big milestone progress this month is all of the words he now can say! We are so excited to watch, teach and hear his vocabulary grow! It's so cute how he says his little words! :) Our pediatrician was surprised and pleased to hear he is doing so well in this area - I guess 2nd kids have a hard time getting a word in edge-wise, but Noah's making sure he is heard too! Words I can think of for now: "Brr" for being cold, Mii (milk), Ni-ni (goodnight), Be-be (baby or blanket), Bu-bu/be (brother), Ga-ga (ball - we have NO idea why this is how he says it, but it's very clear that's what he means - we are working on correcting it! HA!), Ba-be (Bradley - his buddy at school!), Ga (Car), Du (Drew), Go (Go - usually when playing cars :)), Pu-py (Puppy- his snuggly for bed/nap), Choo-choo (train). He can also say Nana and Papa, and is working on being able to Grandma and Grandpa. I know there are more and he knows all sorts of sounds for animals, etc. and he LOVES to repeat sounds and noises with us...there was one night we were seeing how many different letter sounds he could mimic and he got so into it, just waiting for the next one and so excited - it was adorable! Toward the end of the month, he has started to shake his head "Yes" now as well, where before, regardless of the question, it was always "no".

He started saying the word "No" this month, though he's been shaking his head no for quite sometime now. The first 2 weeks or so when he said it, it was the most adorable word in how he said it - it was very clear and annunciated with a perfect "O" shaped mouth! We giggled every time we heard it...well, it's not so cute any more - he says it ALOT and it's not as drawn out, etc...oh well! Cute while it lasted. When we were visiting in Houston one weekend, there were lots of things not to be touched, but certainly on the boys' level, so they both heard "No" alot while they were there, and apparently it was a very specific way because by the end of the 1st day, Noah would walk over to a particular item he had been told several times not to touch, he got close to it, stopped and said "No-no" while shaking his finger back and forth - just like we had been doing to him - we were all cracking up! But glad he learned that lesson - we'll be using that for sure! :) He also learned the word "Ow" while there, and learned to just rub whatever got bumped and move on - he's certainly our tough little guy!

He's also gesturing more and trying to communicate even when he doesn't know the words...he's learned to get our attention and then motion to "come here" or "follow me" - which quickly turned into coming and pulling on our hand or clothes to go where he wants us to! He's doing more of the same at school as well, and they are excited about it too! Matthew has played the game of "Noah, where's ____ (Daddy, Mommy, or Drew)" for quite awhile now, usually at the dinner table, and he's now starting to understand the game and will point to us correctly, and we are working on him getting to point to himself - that's really kind of a hard one!

He's able to point correctly (most of the time) to quite a few body parts, which is always a fun game and good distraction in waiting rooms or restaurants! He knows eyes (which he nearly pokes out every time!), ears, mouth, teeth, tongue (which he sticks out), nose (which he 'honks'), hands, fingers, feet, and head! He is figuring out how to make silly clicking noises with his tongue as well. His favorite book for a long time was his big "First 100 words book", but has lately been picking the Star Wars book (yes, of course we have a board book about Star Wars) and he turns as quickly as possible to the Yoda page, and also likes Chewbacca...Matthew has already asked when he can show the movies to the boys...I keep deferring or changing the topic of conversation! :)

Noah LOVES to play with doors, and we can't stand it! He loves to open and close the doors - which I'm not opposed to this, but I know how easily fingers can get smashed and it scares me every time for either boy...ugh! Also, he'll shut himself in a room by himself and then get mad...well, don't play with doors! He continues to love to climb up everything, but thankfully he's starting to figure out how to get DOWN safer by turning around with feet first - we obviously still have to keep a close eye on him, but I'm glad we are moving in that direction...to not have to fret about him falling off everything will be such a nice relief! He's also starting to insist on walking himself down the stairs - but of course with help...he fights us holding him to go down, which is good, but it's so much easier when they just let us carry them...until they learn to do it by themselves of course, which he can't do unless we teach him...I get it!

He such a mess - he loves to dump out a big bucket of toys into a big pile (our bucket of balls is a favorite, but he also likes Legos and Little People figurines) and then walks/kicks through the pile over and over to spread all the toys out over the whole room - great! Thanks Noah! That's perfect! :) Another random thing that just started at the end of the month - he's started to try to blow his nose into tissues - which is pretty hilarious and also seems pretty smart - obviously he's got 3 to watch and learn from, but still, we didn't try to teach him this one yet, and he's already trying! Funny!

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but Noah is very much a Mommy's boy...sweet and fatiguing. Well, this month we are starting to see small signs that he's moving away from it just a little bit! When people/family come by to visit, instead of clinging to Mommy because he thinks I'm leaving and they are staying, he will run up and play with them, giving them hugs and letting them hold him, etc. - it makes my heart smile so! I love to see him interact with others, and for others to get to play with him like I get to, but also, to know he can feel safe, secure and happy with others - only a Mother knows how important this is! :) But of course, we aren't there 100% by any means - he still looks around for me when he's unsure...what a mess!

We are starting to give Noah a bit of discipline and limits and his response has been interesting...there are times he thinks it's funny and laughs, and others when he will cry - he will just start to bawl! Our reaction to his reaction is just the opposite - when he laughs, we get upset, and when he cries, it's somewhat humorous. I do hope the fear and dislike of being reprimanded will outweigh the other of course, but only time will tell...

We had our FIRST SICK visit for Noah this month - that's right, almost 18 months! We were all impressed and happy about that! Now, don't get me wrong, he's had his share of colds, etc. and fussy moments of course because of teeth and such, but nothing giving cause for a Doctor visit until this month! Thank you Lord! It turns out it was just a random virus making Noah run fever for about 3 days, so not a big deal - we are so blessed to have such healthy little boys! And what a true blessing for Noah being so healthy so far! :)

He is starting to get a bit better at church these days, which is great, since the nursery continues to not be an option for him - nothing against the nursery, Noah just won't do it...so it's been a nice relief to actually be able to stay in church this month, though it's not like we aren't distracted of course...baby steps! But his tolerance for haircuts aren't changing - got another one this month and it was a mess, just like the others, and just like Drew...goodness, he's a screamer!

Noah's been able to experience some new, bigger boy activities this month at home and at school - he's old enough to play on the playground at school which he loves! He got to walk and run around at the zoo some instead of always being in the wagon and he did pretty good, and loved it of course! They've started to do more crafts with him - painting and coloring at school. And I let him play with Play-doh for the first time - so it's been fun seeing him get to start into more of those things and I'm sure he enjoys it all too!

We did have a wellness visit for Noah this month, so I have updated stats on him: Height: 34 in. (90%) Weight: 24 lb. (25%) A growing boy!

Another month gone by so fast, the next will too...until then!