A Persistent Superman

Some funny stories from our morning walk...

Last night James slept in his superman outfit, and he was still wearing it when we went out for our morning stroll. Usually when we turn around to go home James asks to walk. Actually he asks to "James walk home". Guess that means he is done with walk. This morning he was really stopping to smell the roses, walking slowly and looking around as he walked. I kept calling his name, "Come on James, we need to walk home". And he ignored me. No surprise there. But then I started saying "Come on Superman, we need to walk home" and he started to respond. He would repeat "Come on superman!" and start walking really fast.

We walked by Dan and Christine's house and James immediately sprinted up their front steps and to their front door. He was trying to open the door when I told him that Dan and Christine were not home. He looked puzzled and said "Play Dan. Play Tine." I repeated that they were not home. He walks slowly down the stairs. Suddenly he smiled and started off running again, this time to their back gate. Again he tries to open it. Finally I told James that they were at work. He thought about that. "Dan work. Tine work. Daddy work." He looked satisfied with that explanation and we continued our walk home.

James is starting to mimic Luke's babbling and they were both saying "BABABABABA" at the top of their lungs for a good portion of the walk. They kept a great beat and I think it made me walk faster.

Polly want a cracker?

In just the last couple of days James has started repeating everything we say. EVERYTHING. Time for John and I to really watch ourselves. There are only so many times you can trick him that you actually said "firetruck". His latest favorite phrase is "Oh dear". Learned that one from a veggie tales. All day I hear "Oh dear, puppy walk" or "Oh dear, Uke need eat"...you get the idea.

Here is a video of James counting. He is really proud of his new trick. My favorite is when he skips numbers or repeats numbers....1-2-4-5-1-7-8-9-10!

Time for Bed

Anyone look tired to you?

The boys decided it would be way more fun to stay up and play then go to bed at 8:00. It is now 9:00 and we have one down and the other is about to follow. Love these kids! The way they giggle together is so precious.

Luke had his 9 month appointment today and he is doing really well. He is right on track with all his major milestones except for his gross motor skills. No surprise there, this is one social little fella. And our PT once a week is really helping him. So I left the pediatrician's office with a spring in my step.

Stats:

Height: 31 3/4 inches (100%)
Weight: 20 pounds 10 ounces (45%)
Head Circumference: 17 1/2 inches (21%)

Jazz in the Garden

Jazz in the Garden Rules:

1. When you arrive go immediately to the big fountain in the center of the Sculpture Garden. Then stick your feet in....heavenly on a hot day!

2. The food stand doesn't open until 4:30 so bring some snacks.

3. Always get a pitcher of Sangria. Yum!

4. You get in trouble if you don't put your shoes back on after the fountain dip.

5. You also get in trouble if you roll your double wide stroller over the sculptures...even though they are made of steal beams. And even if it was either run over the edge of some "sculpture" or run over a group of picnickers.

6. Ice cream always makes the evening end on a high note. James and Luke both LOVE ice cream. And so does their mommy.

Cars

"Beee, play cars!" - James

Luke is always happy to play cars with big brother!

James gets upset if Zion gets too close to the cars. When that happens I hear "No cars puppy! Puppy all done. No no no no cars puppy!" He can be a little possessive when it comes to his cars. But he always shares with Luke.

Luke's eyes are still so blue! And check out his strong arms during tummy time!

Sippy Cup

He's in love!

Pancakes!

We headed into Eastern Market this morning, bright and early! Uncle Dan and Aunt Christine even woke up early to join us on our pancake excursion. Blueberry pancakes all around, yum yum! I think Luke felt a little left out because he snarfed his snack of yogurt bites and then kept eyeing my bacon.

Luke kept turning his hat to the side...he is a little trouble maker in the making! He LOVED watching all the people.

James didn't want to wear his hat, but Uncle Dan's hat worked just fine. We also decided he is a very thorough window shopper, he didn't miss a booth.

Inside the market there were fans everywhere. James was in heaven. So were John and Dan, they both purchased some tasty sausage and bacon.

After our big morning we all came home for naps. What a great Saturday!

My Guys

To spice things up we played in James' room this morning. James loved it and kept saying "Play James' room". He was so proud.

We played puzzles in the blue chair. James' new word is sharing. So every time Luke has something James wants we hear "Share bee, share". Interesting that sharing means asking for whatever someone else has.

Then James realized I was taking pictures and gave me his best side.

Then I asked him to please sit up so I could take his picture. So he dive-bomb hugged his brother. Luke is very used to this. James prefers full contact hugging.

And then my Luker surprised me by balancing next to James STANDING on the chair. Oh my word we are making progress! It didn't last long, just a few seconds....but I snapped the picture just in time.

Bath Time

Luke loves bath time! He will stay in there until the water is stone cold. And I love that sweet smile, so I let him stay in as long as he wants.

Today is our wedding anniversary. Six years! Wow!

My bathing beauty.

Sitting, standing and my little charmer

Luke loves to sit up, and is getting so good balancing while sitting. All this PT is really helping Luke develop into a sturdy and strong baby.

He is also really interested in standing, but still needs some help balancing on those LONG legs.

My sweet little charmer.

My little engineer/zoo-keeper hard at work. I love that all the animals get to mingle together in James' zoo, Quiz for the day: Can you find Waldo?

Puppy Love

We love our puppy Zion! James loves to snuggle and give him hugs. Zion isn't always a fan of all this affection...but we like to think he loves the boys just as much as they love him.

A kiss for Zion

Yuck, hair in the mouth!

Zion is always near Luke when he is eating. Let's just say, Luke sometimes drops food and Zion is always very eager to help pick up after him.

We love Zion!

Time for lunch

Anyone hungry?

Independence Day

We are celebrating today with food, friends and a kiddie pool. Life is good!

Next up...fireworks.

Happy Independence Day!