3 and 23 (months, that is)

Last week DD turned 23 months old and DS, 3 months old. They grow and change so fast, as anyone with kids knows or anyone, period, has probably heard from people with kids!

DD's vocabulary continues to grow and she's hit the parrot stage big time in the past week or so. The funny thing, is she'll repeat anything. The scary thing is, she'll repeat anything. Definite points for NOT baby-talking or using 'baby' words for things. She's getting way better at saying real words which, in turn, makes it easier to understand what she's trying to say more often. Nothing frustrates a toddler more than not getting what they need (or want) or a toddler parent like not knowing WTH they want or why they're screaming. Sometimes we have to ask her to repeat herself, but at least (I think) she knows we're trying.

She received a box of Lego Duplo blocks from DH's parents for Christmas and was only vaguely interested in them for two whole months. Then, pretty suddenly, she drug them from her room to the living room and started playing. Assembling and disassembling them over and over, then showing us what she built (most structures are called "big car" but that may be partly my fault for asking) . Sometimes she asks for help to put pieces on top, since she mostly stacks them as high as she can reach. It is definitely fun to watch her level of concentration expand.

She still loves DS and gives him hugs and kisses and pats all the time. She frets when he cries and tells him "it's okay." She likes to lie on the play mat with him and she brings him her toys. She tries (maybe too often) to feed him her snacks and give him drinks from her milk or water cup, "Baby need that?!?"

DS is the sweetest baby. He's focused and alert, as all babies are as they start to clue in to the world around them. He smiles and coos and he has, in fact, farted and then laughed. Maybe DD did it, too, but I had to tell DH that this was definitely his boy. DS wants to get moving so bad, you can see the frustration building sometimes. He can grab my thumbs and pull himself up to sitting and then to standing (I don't pull him up, just hold him steady), he can roll on his side, he can wiggle his way around his bassinet or anywhere else you put him down. It is only a matter of time before he's rolling over and then, next thing I know, I'm chasing two.

I'm really enjoying my time with them.* Getting to see DS develop has been just as much fun as it was the first time around with DD. Getting to spend the time with DD has been priceless. She may not remember (once she's older) me being home with her, coloring her 'house' or in her color book with her, playing with her blocks or reading with her, but seeing her grow and change every day is something I will remember and cherish.

Our first two 'babies.' Almost 6 and 10 years old.

*As you can tell, by the month-long posting delay. I really did have this all ready to go and never hit 'publish.'