I really love my boys

Being a Mommy of my two boys is the best job and privilege in the entire world.  I always tell myself to stop for a second to admire all the wonderful things about them at this age…. And I know there are just countless things, but I seriously just cannot believe how freakin awesome those two boys are. And how there isn’t a single day that goes by that they both don't out do themselves with their incredibleness, sweetness, adventurousness, intelligence and skill.  So since I can never capture it all, here is just a few of my favorite things about them from this weekend. (in no particular order)

Nick:
-You always want to dance…. No matter where you are. You just want to get up and just move all those limbs and shake it and it cannot be any cuter.  Or hilarious.
- Like any happy person you wander around this world always carrying a tune. Sittin in the backseat, playing with the train, or just straight up wanting me to harmonize with you—you got a song in your back pocket all the time.
- Your endless hugs and kisses. And no hug is without a kiss to follow it up.
- You have the memory of elephant. Really you remember EVERYTHING. And we always underestimate what you know, and you can always put 2 and 2 together.
- You are adventurous and curious, yet cautious and mindful of your own body and others. Really, you amaze me for a two year old.
- Watching you play with your friends and cousins. Like this weekend as you ran back and forth with your friend Gus throwing rocks in the pond laughing and having the best time ever. You are quintessential

Chris:
-The way you gaze into our eyes with this looks like “ WOW, you are really here, how can I possibly be this lucky.” I always think you have such an old soul, you are so full of love
-How squeezable you are, and huggable and kissable.
-Your haptic nature and your ability to explore the world around you. The way you reach and handle almost everything just seems so advanced, it amazed me watching you in action.
-How content you are in general… as long as someone is with you. Life is pretty darn good.
-Your love for your brother, you are enamored by him and  can.not.get.enough.
-You can practically feed yourself, you can pull the spoon into your mouth, grab and eat almost on your own. How it is possible and you are only 7 months

Dear Nick- Month 30

Dearest Nick--


I cant believe we just past your half birthday and you are two and a half years old! Wow! And what a beautiful boy you are blossoming into.  You have such a sweet demeanor and energy about you, it's a joy to be around you and watch you grow.


I don't know where to start except to say that you certainly are one smart cookie. People always comment to me about how clear your speech is. And your vocabulary is growing so quickly. You converse now and seem to really love to talk. And sing!! I catch you singing in the backseat almost everyday and it's incredibly beautiful!  You sing even when there isn't music on,  any old song really even if you don't know all the words. 


You love to be outside and help water the garden. You LOVE to go to kings island and ride the Kite Eating Tree. And the roller coaster. AND the beetle bugs. AND the bumpy cars. You love to be out and you love a thrill. I love to watch you, too. You always want to be a part of things, and want people to enjoy whatever is it we are doing with you. And you are so very social. You can pick up and play with the neighbor girls, your friends at school, and any of your cousins at the drop of a hat.  My biggest hope is you continue to grow into your self confidence and your own person, because the person you are is amazing.


We still have a ways to go with potty training, but I am hopefully we will get there in due time.  We must try to focus on postives and enjoy this summer I have with you both because I love this time of a year. You LOVE to be around your brother and you are always helping him. Bringing him toys, helping to feed him, and even comforting him when he cries by stroking his hair and telling him 'its ok.' I cant wait to see the friendship that blossoms between you two.


I cant wait to see what he next six months will bring, I am sure you will continue to surprise me and amaze me with the new things you can do and say.,  Thank you for being on sweet and loving little boy- you light up my day every day. And I cant get enough of your hugs and kisses.  I love you so incredibly much--
Love,
Mommy

Dear Chris- Month 6.5

Dear Christopher (Robin—as I sometimes can't help myself),

Happy Half Birthday little buddy!! I cannot believe you are almost half way through babyhood, time just flies by! You are really growing into your own personality—and your size!! Still tipping the charts in the 90^th percentile for height and 95% for weight. You impress me with your 22 lbs of adorable cuteness and incredible smiles. Speaking of smiles, on May 15^th you broke your first tooth. So long toothless smiles, now here we are a six and half months and you have two adorable little bottom teeth. And I know more are shortly behind it since you chew your hands and drool like crazy.

The last month has not been the most healthy as we have been in and out of the doctor’s office quite a few times.  Lots of colds, lots of coughing and sneezing, fevers, ear infections, pink eye, allergies, the works.  You were sent home from daycare for a double ear infection and pink eye too just a week before we realized you were insanely allergic to so  wool mattress pad we moved over to another bed that you lost hours of sleeping from coughing and sneezing. You poor little guy! And the amoxicillin gave you diarrhea too!  Luckily you worked through all of that and here we stand, infection free ears and daddy was able to figure out what has causes you sneeze and cough so much.   Summer is only just beginning so I am hoping we are through some of the worst of it.

We started solid foods with you in the  last few weeks and I must say you want NOTHING to do with actual food. I have tried rice cereal, rice cereal with bananas, plain bananas, apples, carrots and rutabaga and nothing has given you slighted bit of interest. You turn your head, back away and yell at me to get it away. I hope the next month is more successful than the last.  You will get it eventually I know.

Your grandpa bob always says six months is a turning point for babies when they really get interactive and he has been right with all of his grandchildren. You have always been a cuddler, but I must say  you have eyes into your soul.  Mimi always says you melt her heart when she sees how happy you get when she walks into a room.  But really you are the one lighting it.  You have this gaze that can fill any heart with joy and love.  You have such a calm and laid back personality about you, and you love to be an observer. The happiest place for you is in someone’s arms surrounded by your brother and cousins so you can watch them dance and play.  You, too, love music and the sound of your brothers voice makes of all us smile.  You even talk and sing right back, you are much more vocal at a young age than Nick ever was and your babbles feel like they come from the heavens.

Dexterity must run in our family because you love to grab and touch things just like your brother. But of you have a very strong haptic nature and want to feel everything. You explore with your hands (and so far- not your mouth – thank gosh!) You are actually very accurate too with how well you can reach for things, grab  them and maneuver them around.  It’s always fascinating to watch you,  I wonder what you will be when you grow up.

The last month has been another great joy for all of us as we have had so much fun at family weddings, grill outs at our house, trips to kings island,  swimming with your brother at the pool, and so much more. I can't wait to see what the summer has in store for all of us. Thank you for being so completely adorable and lovable. We are the luckiest parents in the world.  We love you more than you  know! Happy half birthday!

Love,

Mommy

Dear Chris- month 5.5

Dear Christopher-- 

It's almost you half birthday- where has the time gone? I seem like a broken record saying that, but babyhood really does go by too fast.   You are right on the mark when it comes to hitting all your milestones- if not early.  You can sit up on your own pretty well, daddy calls you a level 1 sitter because sometimes if you turn your head you lose your balance and you tumble over. But in usual Chris fashion, you just go with the flow. In the next week you will be sitting by yourself almost completely unassisted. You have a strong core, you’ve always seem to be able to prop yourself up and hold position that appear to take a lot of strength. You love to be on your belly and generally speaking if we lay you down on your back it is just a matter of seconds before you are on your belly exploring what is in front of you.

You are fascinated by hands and just like your big brother, you have a very haptic nature.   You grab and examine everything we hand you. Keeping it in your hands for more than a minute or two can be a challenge, but you reach for it when your drop it now.   You also respond when we talk to you and you turn to look at us when we talk.  You are very alert and responsive, and so quick to smile when we see you.  Your smile melts hearts and I simply cannot get enough it.

Recently we have tried offering you some oats cereal since you are getting old enough to start solid foods now. But you wanted to no part of it. You don’t have any teeth yet, and really you aren’t showing many signs of teething yet either.  In the next few weeks maybe we will do some more experiments with cereal and other foods. You go to the doctor at the end of the month and I am sure she will give us the green light to start all kinds of stuff with you.  I can't wait to watch you explore it all. And I am sure Nick will love helping you. He loves you so much and always wants to share and assist you when you are upset.  He hugs and kisses you all the time, and judging by how you respond to him—you absolutely cannot get enough of him either. I can't wait to watch you both grow into such good friends.

I don’t know if it runs in the family, but both of my boys have been big poopers. I don’t know if it’s the diapers, but blowouts are a weekly (sometimes daily occurrence) for us. How does it happen? And how is it possible you can be so unphased by  it!?! You have a go-with-the-flow demeanor about you, you can be covered in poop and when we go to pull off your clothes you just smile and carry on like it’s no big deal.   Babyhood is so carefree, and you personify it perfectly.   You are so loving and lovable, I could smuggle and gaze into your beautiful blue eyes and brighten up the darkest of days.

This month you have been out with us on fun trips to Kings island, weddings, clam bakes, barbeques, family outings and been a joy though all of it. Can't wait for the weather to get even warmed and get you in the pool and do more fun outdoor stuff with your big brother.  So much to look forward too! Thank you for being such a beautiful and adorable little soul—inside and out. You are addictive and I am so thankful you bring so much joy into our lives. Can't wait to see what is in store for us next month.

Love you to the moon and back little peanut.

Mommy

Dear Chris (month 4.5)

My Dearest Christopher--




You are my little sunshine! I don't think I have ever met a happier baby than you (well, during the daylight hours). You are so full of life and so vibrant.... you smile just looking at us. And your love for your older brother is beyond words. I cant imagine you needing anything else in this world besides your brother on sad day because he seems to brighten your world any minute of the day. And I think the feeling is reciprocated, he seems to do anything for you and without pause will run to you and give you a kiss, or a hug, or just a pat if you need it.




You rolled over for me already which is amazing considering you are in the 90% percentile for your size. You definitely feel big at over 18lbs, but boy are your cheeks still completely and utterly adorable. You can grab and reach for things now, which makes the play mat and other rattles and toys accumulated even more interesting to you now. You can also stand up and play in your jumperoo and your johnny jump up we have hanging in our doorway. This will make preparing meals a lot easier now if you don't need to be held all the time. You are certainly attached to me-- but I cant blame you, I cant stand to be away from you either. I think this might play into some rough bed time routines right now (or lack there of)... but we'll get there.




You seem to be thriving at daycare and your brother loves to help with your drop off by putting your bottles away. I love to see you at the end of the day because your smiles are ever present.  You have always loved your baths and are pretty easy going in general. You take after your brother in the BM department though, blowouts and frequent outfit changes are a regular occurrence for us.  But in standard form you just go with the flow no matter what. This has made the last  four plus months with you so easy going,... from taking you to family events, bday parties, playdates, neighbors houses, you are a happy baby and love to be held no matter who is it and I love that about you.


I cant wait for the warmer weather and outside fun you will have this summer with Nick. I love our new little family of four and you have brought more happiness into this family than you will ever know. I just love you so much and enjoy every minute watching you grow. Thank you for being you, I love you so much little one. Cant wait to see what next month brings.


Love,
Mommy

Dear Christopher- Month 3 (.5)

Dear Christopher--

Welcome to this world! The last three plus month with you have been nothing shy of perfection.   You arrived on a sunny afternoon and your disposition couldn't be any sunnier. Unlike your older brother, you have been so vocal and animated from the very beginning. You have been talking to us since you saw us, and no-- not just crying-- actually making all kinds of sounds. You always have a lot to say! And we LOVE to listen.   You are pretty easy going in general, too. You will watch your big brother run around the house for hours on end and be happy as a clam doing so. He keeps you quite entertained. You definitely love him because no matter where he goes you want to see what he is doing. That love in reciprocal because Nick will run to you when he sees you sitting in the swing and start to cry, he will rock you and start up the music. Or bring you a pacifer if he thinks that will help. He has also noticed how much you love fans so he will run to turn it on in whatever room you may be and will watch it with you right by your side.  I cant wait to see you two grow up together, that brotherly love is so sweet and touches my heart to the core.



You are definitely one of the cutest and chubbiest little guys I've ever seen. Those cheeks of your are so amazing and incredibly irresistible. Your smile is contagious, and you were smiling at us earlier than your brother did. I got my first smile on January 1st (almost 6 weeks to the day) but daddy swears he saw some earlier. And i believe him, you smile at us and all we have to do is look at you. You are laughing now too and it's the best thing in the whole world.  You are ticklish too, we just rub that chubby little tummy and a gasp of laughter comes out.  We love your chubby-ness, your doctor says you are already in the 90th percentile for your weight. You've been in 6  month clothes for weeks now.  I bet you are going to be tall like your daddy. You are beautiful and perfect and I could just sit and stare at how adorable you are all day long.



You also are getting stronger by the day. You seem less bothered by tummy time, and you already have a strong neck and back. YOu can almost push yourself over in both directions, I could see that happening any day now too. Those fine motor skills are also progressing quickly too, just this week when i was watching you on your jungle  play mat I saw you reach out and grab one of those monkeys hanging down in front of you.



It's crazy how quick you grow and change when you are this small. Everyone seems to think you will have teeth early since you are already drooling a lot. But I dont see any signs of it right now.  You definitely take after your brother in how well you can fill a diaper-- i dont know how such little people can generate such large poops but ive moved you up a size in diapers this week because you need more room in those things.  I hope your sleep habits get better but so far you still do give us some full nights of sleep.  My favorite part about you is how happy you wake up and the smile you give us when you open your eyes and see us is better than anything in this world. The loving looks and how you can look so deep into our eyes, I swear you have an old soul. You are such an amazing little baby and I cant seem to get enough of you.



This month I went back to work and I miss you so much during the day. You seem to be doing alright and you take a bottle like a champ considering you didn't have any almost the entire first three months of your life. I miss being home with you boys while I am at work, but aleast the weather is starting to break and we have a lot of outdoor spring activities to look forward to with your brother while I am home.  I love you sweet little baby, cant wait to see what's in store for us in your fourth month. 


We love you so much,
Mommy

Dear Nick

Dear Nicholas,

You have changed so much I cant keep up with everything. And it scares me that i am missing things contantly-- the new words you are learning, your little nuances, your personality, your emotions, the little things that make you, you. Uniquely you, and just simply perfect just the way you are. It seems like you learn multiple words every day, you even put two words together now like "daddy work" and my favorite is when you say thank you- 'tank oo" ugh, just replaying it in my head makes my heart sing. YOu have really taken to a couple blankets ( you called it 'ee') and your stuffed mickey mouse ('mouse') and this other elephant that i am not sure how you refer to him. YOu pretty much drag them everywhere. YOu need them all in your hands when you get up in the morning, when reading your books at night, when going to bed. All the stuff in your hands you can barely see over it all, and it's ridiculously cute.

We just ordered your first big boy bed-- it should be delivered in the next couple weeks and you will make another big transition to a new room and a NEW bed. I hope you are excited as we are. We need to get a bookshelf in there asap to get all your books in there and we will have a new setting for bed time. We should also be finishing up the basement in the next few weeks so you can have a bigger-- better area for all your toys and games. Lots to look forward to those changes.

Your personality of ever apparent in everything you do. Yes, you do have some very typical tantrums that are unavoible for your age-- like those of frustrations when you cant do something, or when you absolutely DO NOT want to sit in a high chair, or at dinner time when you absolutely DO not want to eat. But on the positive side, somtimes when you are frustrated becaus we dont understand you-- just saying 'please' gets you exactly what you need (most of the time). Generally you are easy going and very social. So social that you say HI to pretty much anyone you pass ANYWHERE you are.... this includes walking up to get communion at church. Good thing you are unbelievably cute.

You have a big heart and you LOVE babies. In fact, so much so that you will stop in your tracks to look and touch one if you see one. We went to a baptism this past weekend and you didnt need any other entertainment besides the cute little baby getting a 'bath.' And then you held his hand afterward and wouldnt let go. The little things you do just make me want to squeeze you until you pop. I have a feeling that this is a good sign that you will be an EXCELLENT big brother in just a few short months. I know you will be a helper to mommy because you already are.

This has been one great summer since you are such a free spirit. It's been such a joy taking you to amusement parks, family parties, cookouts, pools, parks, playdates,vacations, weddings and more. Your love of music continues to amaze us, and it's simply adorable to watch you break out into dance albiet in the car, in our living room, or in the center of 40 people at my best friends wedding. That was one of the best memories was watching you dancing and having the time of your life to the live band at Caroline's wedding. Everyone there was drawn to you by your cuteness-- you spent the entire evening on the dance floor! Right now, you cant get enough of the song Ants go Marching One by One... i am pretty sur eyou have listened to it atleast 1,200 times in the last week. And you keep wanting it.. "MARCH!!" Fortunately you are so polite and sweet when you ask. How could we say no? And how can we not lovve watching you actually march around the living room in cirlces for an endless amount of time.

I am also amazed by your wide taste palatte. YOu genunely love to eat fruit and veggies.. AND I LOVE IT TOO!! You expecially love peaches now (good thing they taste amazing this time of year!) and apple-- specially apple sauce "sauce." But you will also eat any berry, melon, or banana that comes your way. YOu even like pretty much any citris fruits too-- lemons, limes, oranges. You would probably like grapefruits, too, if we kept them on hand except your mommy and daddy absolutely hate them. But ill buy some just for you.

Boy do i miss you when i have to go to work. Mondays and tuesdays are expecially hard becuase of all the time i get to spend the days before. I think about your non-stop.... and i could pretty much watch you interact with the world and do nothing else for the rest of my time and be the happiest person on earth. You are beautiful both inside and out, and it really shows in everything you do. I mean it when i say i cant get enough you... you make my days happier just by getting to be wih you. And the hugs and kisses you freely give out certainly only make it even better. You love to snuggle, you