Child Development

The boys are growing up so fast. Some days I really have to pause and take in their changes. Nicholas is going through the "moody 3s". It's similar to the "terrible 2s". He is trying to understand what he can control, how far to push back, etc. Sometimes this results in very emotional meltdowns about what seems the smallest thing. For example, accidentally ripping a sticker when peeling it off the sheet. The other day at the park he got so mad because I sat in the dug out instead of the bleachers to watch him play invisible baseball. "The dugout is for the players!!" Tears poured and he ran for the fence in centerfield. And then it will be like the flip of a light switch. He will revert to being the kind and sweet little guy that tries to help out and be a big boy. He takes his own dishes to the kitchen, throws away his trash, and gets to the potty in time. I can't wait for him to get a grasp on his emotions and accept what he cannot change.
During rainy days at school the teachers have the kids practice yoga. The poses end up with kid-friendly names like the volcano (arms moving up as you exhale), the flamingo (balancing on one leg). And I think this one is the standard dog-something pose.


Within the past few months Nicholas's drawings resemble people more and more. A blob with lines for arms and legs. Big googly eyes, circle nose, and a smile. I'm proud to see the progression.


Travis is also making strides. Well, not real strides. He takes a step or two on a very rare occasion. At 13 months he hasn't found the reason to walk when crawling is just as good. His younger brother mentality is showing at school, so the teachers say. Travis is not afraid to take a toy and use another kid's shirt collar to pull himself up. Every car ride his main goal is to remove his right sock and shoe. You will hear a lot of grunting and whining if they do not come off easily, but he is determined for those five toes to be exposed. Also, he is doing a lot of babbling with intonations. I really don't know what any of it is, unless food is involved. If you ask him if something is good, you get a very excited "mmmm". His "all done" is very clear. I think an outsider would be able to understand it. Plus he is still a great eater. Anything put in front of him just about. Ginger snaps were not a hit, but Oreos...who can resist those. And here is proof for why I don't think Oreos should be eaten in public. All over your face and hands, stuck in your teeth and hair.


During my Mental Health Day - Type 2 when I was sorting his clothes, I found some of Nicholas's old overalls. He was so excited to see Travis wearing his old Osh Kosh train engineer overalls. He let him borrow his hat to match.