It's Erin's Turn

It seems Jeffrey has taken over the BLOG in the past month or so with all of his antics. Erin is still her own beautiful self. She blossoms more and more every day. Her verbal skills are amazing and she says some of the cutest things. She loves to sit in her room and play with her "guys" (Little People). Her room looks like it has exploded with Little People. She can literally hide in her room and play with them for an hour.

She's also "reading" her books more and more by herself. She turns the pages and talks the story out loud. Sometimes if Jeffrey wakes up from his nap while I'm in the middle of things she will go into his room and read him a story. She has also memorized many of her favorite Little Einstein episodes and recites them while she watches them. She's even got parts of Finding Nemo memorized. Listening to her watch these is just really cute.

She still loves to run and jump and climb and swing and slide. We takes walks around the block and she looks for the dogs and cats and geese and ducks and swans. When we get back she will play in her swing and slide and in her little sandbox outside. She always asks if she can push Jeffrey in the swing too. As long as she's gentle he doesn't mind it.

Anyway, she's growing up so fast. I just wanted to fill you in a little more on everything she's been up to.

Here's Proof That He Still Can Smile

Just thought I'd provide proof that the swimming has not totally ruined Jeffrey's life. He still knows how to shine that brilliant smile.



and oh yeah...he can do this



and this...



Go Jeffrey Go. He is certainly not my baby anymore he's almost a toddler!!!! He takes little wobbly steps everywhere now, still falls a lot and crawls when he really wants to get somewhere but he's certainly on his way. Look out world, Jeffrey is on the move.

"I Do Not Like to Swim Mommy"

Lesson learned - Jeffrey does not like to swim. I was really excited about taking Jeffrey to his swim classes because Erin loved hers so much at this age. Well another big difference between the two of them - Jeffrey's not such a fan. The first few classes he was ok. Not a huge fan but not miserable. By the end of the session last Saturday Jeffrey was no longer shy about professing his discontent.


I Do Not Like to Swim Mommy

So Jeffrey and I will not be taking another swimming class any time soon. I expect he'll still love the beach because the water will be shallower and he can just sit and splash if he wants (and eat sand and grass and other lake features).

I'm glad we took the class, but he simply didn't enjoy it. Some parts he was okay with. He was pretty good about floating on his tummy with his arms out or over a floating barbell. The last thing we did in class was play with a ball and floating basketball hoop. That was a blast. He'd even try to "swim" after the ball to get it. I believe he even cracked a smile there. He did get one dunk under the water because I wanted him to have that experience. He did pretty well with going under, but at that point he was so mad at me already I don't think he could have gotten any madder.

So we will look for another special thing to do just us because swimming is clearly not the answer. Maybe we'll try again in a few years.

Pictures together

I have been trying for a couple of weeks to get a good picture of the kids together. I believe my efforts are going to continue to be futile. Erin is much more interested in trying to take the picture herself that sitting cute and giving big smiles. Jeffrey sees me bring out the camera and immediately comes charging for me. He so rarely sits still in the first place and getting him and Erin to sit still at the same moment is virtually impossible. Nevertheless I have managed to get them in the same frame at least twice in the last week. Mind you both are not looking at the camera, but still I think the pictures did come out kind of cute and I just wanted to share them. Here we go.

The set up for this one is pretty obvious. It was a gorgeous day at the park yesterday and I let Jeffrey sit and ride with Erin. He thought it was pretty cool until Erin started rocking just a little too hard.




For this one I tried a new tactic of having them sit next to each other rather than have Erin "hold" Jeffrey. They are both on the bottom step of the stairs. I had to give him a toy to get him to sit in one place long enough for me to back off and get a camera. He was much more interested in the pitcher from the toy kitchen than looking at me, but Erin's expression is priceless.

Rules of Hide & Seek According to Erin Wynne

Erin LOVES to play hide & seek, but she has her own set of rules that are simply adorable.

1: Erin prefers to be the seeker.

2: Counting goes someting like this - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12... 14, 18, 14, 18 ... Ready or Not Here I Come!!!

3: Closing here eyes while counting is optional.

4: One must count from the stairs, no place else is acceptable.

5: You should call to her from your hiding spot for her to find you.

6: One you are 'found' a shout of "Boo" is required from both her and you.

7: A circular area to "hide" around is very helpful (such as grandma's foyer, dining room, kitchen and living room).

8: On the rare occasion she chooses to hide, hiding in the middle of the room or yard and yelling "boo" as soon as seeker opens his/her eyes is totally acceptable.

9: Always look in the last place you hid for her, she's bound to be there.

10: Much laughter is essential.