42 Weeks

You're pulling to stand more and more, and enjoying the view.  You're quite proud of yourself when you grab onto my hands and get up first to your knees and then to your feet.  You'll even hold on and take a step or two.

 

You'll point to things now.  I'm not sure you're pointing to things as a request just yet, but we're able to share a moment looking at the same thing when you point it out to me. 

You've reached that stage where filling up containers is irresistible.  You like to put things away.  I have to check the trashcan by the desk for toys you've decided need to be dunked.  You'll also pull open the bottom drawers to take things out, but you always manage to pinch those fingers when trying to close it back up.

Freddie continues to be your favorite person even though he takes great pleasure in snatching things from you.  Often you protest but you are also going along with his games as well, allowing him to cook things in the kitchen for you and tolerating his dressing you up.

He climbed right on up to fetch his milk.

You've been sending me messages about food preferences.  Anything you don't want goes straight to the floor.  This morning you held out for bagel and cream cheese.  You also fuss incessantly until I give you whatever it is that we're eating. No more separate meals for you, baby boy.  Everyone eats the same thing.  You also like to eat with a fork just like everyone else.

I love watching you imitate us.  You're copying sounds and facial expressions.  I smile when I see you scoot over to put your head on a pillow after seeing Dada or Freddie use it, and when you catch me watching you we share a chuckle.

You're always my baby, Chubs.  Always.

Tats!

This is quite possibly the biggest hit from the Easter egg hunt.  I'm sorry he's lived three whole years before experiencing the joy of a {temporary} tattoo.

Easter Sunday

Early morning surprises from the Bunny...

"Cootie" is a perfect game for Freddie to play and he LOVES KitKat!

Sharing!

Umbrella and easel were big hits.  The easel from IKEA is a DEAL!!!

Playground at the beach...

Exploring...

Digging in the sand...

Best quote of the day from Freddie:  I LOVE getting dirty!

Picnic lunch...

Muppets movie (which mostly consisted of dancing to the tunes)...

Easter Eve

Getting instructions.  Can you see Freddie?

There was an egg hunt in the yard with friends...

...which was a huge hit with Freddie.  He loved racing around picking up the eggs and was so tickled to find that there were treats inside each egg.

Hans was a spectator, but enjoyed the sun and the bites of donuts and candy passed his way.

It was a beautiful, crisp, spring day.

We prepared for the Easter Bunny's visit by dying eggs later in the afternoon.

Charlie twitched with anxiety as a potential mess was looming. 

Thankfully purple fingertips were the only casualty. 

Hans was just a spectator yet again. 

We finished off the evening with a few bunny books, courtesy of a special package from Aunt Mary.

In Chase Bank

Mama:  Here's the bank.  Freddie, can you hold the door open for the stroller.

Freddie:  This is the bank?  Where are the otters?

Mama:  Otters live and play on the *river bank.*  This is a bank where you can keep your money.

I suppose we need more books about our community and fewer books about animals.  The teller was very kind and patient and talked to him about the machine that counted out the bills.  I promised a visit to open his own bank account with the money from his piggy bank.

By the way, we had a very similar conversation about "cheeks" this week as well...two kinds of cheeks, on your face and on your heinie.  Everything is a vocabulary lesson. 

41 Weeks

 

You've been on the outside longer than the inside, my dear.  I can barely remember what those weeks before you arrived were like.

Gimme another french fry!

You are finally pulling up and reaching for things. 

Motivated to get Mama's phone, but had to stop to gnaw for a bit

You scream and howl the entire time though.  I imagine you are expecting someone to come to rescue you and just hand you whatever it is you are working so hard to get.

You're also pretty steady once you're up and will lean in to balance yourself so you can use your hands.

You have added saying "bye bye" to your wave..."BaBa" you say.  So sweet.

I love hearing the kazoo from the next room and knowing you're playing a tune.

I also think you are saying "banana."  Makes sense, as you always want more.

You're a good snuggler and lean in for hugs and kisses.  It never ever gets old.  I've been holding you a little longer before putting you down to bed at night just to feel you nuzzle up on my neck.

We love you, Chubba.  Big as the world.

All About Freddie*

My favorite color is...red.
My favorite food is...peanut butter sandwich.
My favorite game to play is...kitchen.
My favorite ice cream is...Sponge Bob.
My favorite instrument is...the slide whistle (he first answered tuba, but quickly changed.)
Something that makes me happy is...sunshine.
My favorite book is...Tiki Tiki Tembo
I like when Daddy...gives a kiss.
I like when Mommy...plays.
When I grow up...I want to be big.

*All things subject to change by the end of the hour.

Lovin'

• Brothers
• A walk in the rain
• Costco
• Chicken Salad
• Junior's Cake
• A "butterfly circus"
• Two wheeled bikes
• Early bedtimes
• Stealing sips of his margarita
• Library trips
• Fridays at the zoo
• 5 chrysalis being watched

Concert

Sunday afternoon we saw Dan Zanes and Freinds at The Metropolitan Museum.  If you have kids and aren't familiar with Dan Zanes as a children's musician, you should definitely check him out.  Most of the parents in attendance were 40 somethings who probably gained an appreciation for Dan Zanes and the Del Fuegos long before thinking about having children.

The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium at the Metropolitan is a perfect venue for family concerts.  It is small and intimate, but gives a feel of a setting for a "real concert." If you haven't yet noticed, we take the boys out and about at every opportunity.  I want them to learn about the world whenever and wherever they can, and they always leave with something. 

Much like the Yo Gabba Gabba concert, Freddie was a little overwhelmed in the beginning and gave us the cold shoulder, acting as though he was 13 and a bit miffed at having to attend a concert with his parents.  He warmed up towards the end, and got into the music, but Hans enjoyed the show from start to finish.  His eyes were locked on the stage and he wiggled, clapped, and cheered through the entire set.

Freddie's been talking about the show this morning.  I knew he was impressed with the harmonica playing and he'll probably ask to play the spoons at lunchtime.  Mission accomplished.