Another busy month...

So again, this is delayed being that the last month of my school semester was incredibly busy and stressful. It's surprising how a "3 hour class" can take up all of your "didn't have so much free time to start with" time and really take the fun out of it...but now it's over! YEAH! Oh, and on top of that, we also had to figure out and coordinate completely re-doing all the plants in the front flowerbeds as well as creating a whole new landscaping space in the backyard...all time consuming - perfect storm kind of timing it felt like to me!...

So, the weather was really weird at the beginning of the month, to the point that we were all grabbing for our winter clothes again, or blowing us over with the strong winds, sending us all in a spiral of "isn't this Texas? and it's April, right?!" leaving us with days where outside just wasn't an option - very bizarre! But that just meant we got to enjoy some more indoor activities - a favorite being the Science and History Museum! Lots of fun things to explore and play with there, running all over the place, kind of a hectic place to be, but the kids love it! We were able to have a good friend and her daughter come along with us one time this month, so that was extra fun!



Drew is enjoying more and more 'big boy' games and such these days. His favorite thing of course is still his soccer games! He's scored goals at almost all of his games and Daddy has started a stat sheet to track his soccer career already - sounds like something Papa would do! :) We had a blast with soccer, and enjoyed the fellowship of parents and kids so much that adding in something else to do in an already busy schedule was lost in the fun! I think we are all a little sad it is over for awhile, but summer is just not a great time to do anything outside unless there's water play involved, so we'll survive until the fall. He's also started to learn to play the "Hot/Cold" seek and find game, though we have a bit more learning to do! He loves watching movies and playing the Wii "Race Car Game" MarioKart. He is so proud of himself for all the harder climbing stuff he can do at the parks now, and we are pretty impressed too - it's hard to step back and let him figure it out, but it's been worth it! Everything can be turned into a race, and he loves to go fast! He likes his 'big boy' bike, but when he wants to ride extra fast, he'll turn to his Big Wheel every time.




He has this thing about playing with strings/tails - it's like he has an endless imagination with anything that lets him swing, wrap, tie, etc. anything and he will play with it forever. I don't know why, but it just really puzzles me how a shoe lace can be that entertaining! He is also to a point where sometimes he is silly in ways that are only funny to little boys - he just makes weird noises or does something completely random and it will be the most hilarious or entertaining thing to him or his friends, and we will just wonder, what in the world was that about! I'm sure that type of thing happens for a LONG time!



Two things that I had to write down that Drew said this month...the day after Easter, first thing he said to me in the morning was "Can Noah go to school by himself so I can play with my new toys?" - I was amused and surprised that he would even think about that, especially since that almost NEVER happens! But at the end of the month, the two boys were playing and I heard Drew say, "Noah, you're my best friend." My heart melted in that moment and I prayed that would always be the case, on some level at least! :)

Drew and Noah have had quite a bit of fun playing together this month. Drew has been especially good about leading and creating games for them to play together, outside the normal chase and race cars game. There's been more make-believe and pretend games between us all, they love to wrestle together (which requires close supervision of course!), and the trains have made a re-entrance into daily life and play. They are also enjoy a very silly version of Hide and Seek - the adherence to the rules are pretty loose, but we always have a good time!

We had a fun weekend in Austin, filled with all sorts of 'events'. What spurred it all was a cousin getting married...which was a very beautiful service and reception, though Noah and Mommy made a quick exit from the ceremony itself after a perfectly loud zerbert right before the bride entered the chapel - we are SO classy! But we also threw a surprise birthday party for Mom's 60th while we were there with some of her closest friends. Mom was completely surprised, though we all figured that part wasn't too hard :), and we had a nice time. The boys didn't last long, especially since they just wanted to jump in the pool the whole time, Matthew took them back to the hotel for bedtime pretty early on in the evening! We also got to see Uncle Kevin's soccer game, though the boys mostly played with all the dogs. And we also got to see some of Mommy's friends from high school - it had been a LONG time, so it was nice to catch up! It made for a very busy weekend and we had a nice time with everyone, but were very happy to be back home with no trips planned for another 2 months almost! It's hard keeping the boys happy and safe in places that just aren't made for little kids - but we all made it!

We got to see Uncle Kevin a bit more this month - he was able to stop through twice due to business trips and us being kind of on the way, so that was fun. The boys always love their play time with Uncle Kevin. Drew was so excited to play him in MarioKart and of course, there was soccer, chase, hide and seek and wrestling to check off the list too! :)



Noah just is keeping up with Drew more and more each month...it absolutely amuses me to see how closely he will mimic what Drew does. I love that he looks up to and learns so much from him, but if I'm honest, a small part of me worries that it's too much, but then maybe I'm just reading too much into it, but isn't that what Moms do?! But really, it's great to see him learning and trying so many new things. It's funny though, the toys we have out for Noah hardly ever get played with - they both just play with Drew's toys mostly.

Noah is talking SO much now! We are really starting to get him to tell us more and more things that he needs and wants and working on 'using your words' instead of just grunting. Of course, we still have to tell Drew this sometimes too, so there's that! But still, we just love his talking and singing - so cute! Our favorite word he says is "Yah" - it's just adorable how he says it. We've heard his teacher correct him at school to say Yes and we silently tell ourselves, that's a battle not worth fighting right now, because we just Yah right back at him because we love it so much! :) Another cute thing he's started is at bedtime, I always tell him I'll see him in the morning, and he'll repeat "Monin" over and over again until I'm out the door - so precious! He also learned to say "Gid-up" when Daddy is telling a story that involves horses, he even does the hand motions of using the reigns - it's so funny!

He moved up to the toddler class at school at the beginning of the month. He's been in between the two rooms a lot lately, but because of numbers, they were keeping him in the younger room. He's done a great job transitioning, only a little bit more clingy at drop off, but not bad at all. They really 'grow up' in that room - nap on mats vs cribs, no sippy cups, sit in normal kid chairs for meals, and use spoons to eat instead of fingers! They do all sorts of 'art' projects now, so he's learning to color and paint, etc. I can't believe it! But he's done really well. He's a mess when he comes home, but that's just the age he's at, so it's ok with us! He has a good buddy in the class, so we are happy about that too. Just growing up!...

He's been able to stay in the church nursery by himself for a few weeks now, which is great! Mommy had been staying in there to get him comfortable with it all and he's really doing well now, running right in with no tears! YEAH! He also did better at his haircut this month too - he still cries the whole time, but he didn't duck and dodge and swat like he has in the past, so we are making progress...

He's really focused on going up and down stairs by himself, often without trying to hold on to anything...we of course are RIGHT there, but he tries to swat us out of the way...he wants to be so independent! He's been able to go up 2 without any help or holding on so far - this is a big deal since we have a two story house! He loves playing at the parks and we are so fortunate to have several close by. He loves to swing of course, but has recently realized he can go down the slide on his belly, feet first, and he loves it! Mommy actually likes it better too because he ends up being slower and safer with his landings! He loves to jump, as I've mentioned before, but not only does he get off the ground now, he loves to jump off of things and that often includes using Mommy's body, and frequently at church! I don't know why that's a great game to play at church, but he sure loves it. I feel like a jungle gym every day really!

Noah is sweetly learning to fold his hands to pray and even tries to say them with us...he really likes the  'shark prayer', but does well with several, and he says and recognizes Jesus in several books. He has some favorite books we read at night, and he's able to say some of the phrases - we especially like Llama Llama Nighty-Night and Bedtime Kiss for Little Fish - sweet moments to end the day for sure!

Well, that seems like more than enough for this month...see you again soon!

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! :)