I'm thinking since I'm going to have two boys close in age, they'll morph into "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" before you know it. I can't wait to see them interact and become buddies. I know we'll have some rough times, but I'm so excited that my first two kids are boys. Even though I always thought I'd have all girls (having boys was just never really an option in my mind, lol), these little boys are perfect for our family and I'm so glad God has blessed us with them!
Update on Thing 1:
Thing 1 (aka Braxton) is turning into one of the sweetest little boys! I love this little munchkin so much! He definitely has his toddler moments and tantrums, but what kid doesn't? Right now, his biggest struggle is hitting others when he is angry or feeling irritated. We're trying to stay consistent with discipline and reinforcing "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)
He is starting to put two words together to make short phrases. "Yes, mama/daddy," "No thank you," "More please," "Bye Kitty" and his newest phrase, "Elmo's World!!!" The other night when he was crying in his crib because he didn't want to go to sleep, we very clearly heard a three word phrase "I WANT DOWN!", but other than that, two-word is his big accomplishment. He also is getting very interested in counting and likes to pretend to count everything. I like to think he's brilliant and counting in binary because it's usually just "1...1...1...1...1..."
He is very observant. This kid can spot a Barney stuffed animal in a toy machine at the grocery store or an Elmo balloon clear across the store (yes, that was my kid squealing "ELMO" in delight at the top of his lungs when he saw the balloon). I love taking him to the grocery store produce section and letting him describe all the fruits and vegetables he knows. It really amazes me how much of this world he takes in and notices, even when he's not vocalizing it.
Lest you think my kid is nothing but a Barney and Elmo fanatic, I have been overjoyed to see him become more interested in prayer. We pray every night before he goes to bed and he knows he needs to be quiet and hold hands. It's a part of his bedtime routine that he loves and reminds you to do if you forget. When I'm done praying out loud he asks "pray?" and I briefly explain to him what I told God about. I ask him if he has anything he wants to tell God. Some nights he immitates me praying and some nights he starts pointing out facial features...it's unpredictable but my heart feels so full when I hear his little voice quietly mumble like he's praying.
And last but not least, Braxton is now completely obsessed with animals. All day we review animals and their sounds and he knows a wide variety! He loves playing with the cat that follows us to our apartment when we get home. I can't wait to take him to the zoo next week! Once we sell the house, a zoo membership is at the top of our "must purchase" list.
Update on Thing 2 (aka Kaden)
I'm 33.5 weeks pregnant. Wow we're getting close! Kaden has been pretty chill lately. Not a ton a kicks and punches like I'm used to. I think someone is running out of room. :-) Everything about the pregnancy is going fairly smoothly (minus the puking) and all my test results (gestational diabetes, anemia, etc.) have been coming back perfect.
We've been having fun getting the house ready for his arrival. His bassinet arrived and now I need to work on completing the sheet for the mattress. I almost have his baby towel done. We've been randomly setting out his swing, play mat and bouncy seat to work with Braxton now on not touching them. Hopefully he will lose interest by the time Kaden is actually here. My to-do list of everything that must be completed in the next four weeks is ridiculously long. I'm breaking it down into weekly accomplishments so I don't accidentally save it all for the end. This week's goals: call the pediatrician, finish the baby towel, double two meals for the freezer, and start the bassinet sheet.
We toured the hospital where Kaden will be delivered. Great facility! Very different than the Wesley Birth Center, and definitely more of a hospital feel, but overall we were pleased. We also got maternity/family pictures done a few weeks ago. I would put them up, but JCPenneys changed their format and now you can't download pictures to share on the internet (lame!).
I can't believe how good I'm feeling energy-wise. I still get nauseous, but I'm no where near as exhausted as I was when I was pregnant with Braxton. Choreographing the show, pilates on the non rehearsal days and chasing Braxton all day have all played a huge part in this. Today alone I taught dance for almost 2 hours, hiked and belayed Justin rock climbing all afternoon and then went to the mall with friends for baby shopping! Granted, I'm tired now but I feel so much better when I'm active instead of sitting on the couch watching my stomach explode. :-)
Can't wait to meet our new little munchkin!!
It was more reverse rappelling than climbing, but it was great to see Braxton be so comfortable with the rock. He did push himself up a few times once Justin placed his feet, but he was definitely more interested in smacking the rock with his hands than looking for places to grab. :-)
