October 2012

When Helen was 9 months pregnant, a coworker told her, "the best thing about having two kids is that you really appreciate having just one." At the time, it seemed like kind of a cruel thing to tell someone when it's entirely too late to have just one.  But one year later, we can both appreciate what she was saying: when you're hanging out with two kids all the time, you forget that they each have their own personalities. While it's fun to see them playing and giggling together it's pretty cute to see them on their own as well.

This month we didn't do much at all, but Helen and Ava did go on a mommy-daughter date and you could tell she's never felt so special. Ava had "Ava-skeeters" (ebelskivers) at a restaurant and went shopping, and didn't have to share at all :)

This month James finally went from wobbly steps to wobbly strings of steps. He also started stacking blocks and rings. But lets be honest, the most exciting achievement this month was a full night's rest for all as James FINALLY slept for 11 hours straight.

12 Things About James

1. James falls on his face at least once a day. Most falls are due to poor balance but a good portion are due to sister abuse.
2. James used to eat anything but now throws all his food on the floor. Brody has a new-found interest in the boy.
3. James loves to dole out high fives. It makes him giggle.
4. There's nothing better than a hug from James. He lays his head on your shoulder and pats your back.
5. He now ventures down stairs backwards
6. James really likes tunnels. His teachers recently had to rearrange the classroom so that he would stop climbing through the cubbies and landing on his head.
7. He also loves to sit in baskets...wicker, laundry, you name it, he'll climb on in and hang out for a while.
8. After a few weeks of hating the pool, James is now a regular little goldfish. Swimming is the highlight of his week.
9. James has added "B" to his alphabet, and can now say book, bottle, and ball.
10. We're not sure James will ever learn to fully walk.  He took a few steps five weeks ago and got his fill of the whole thing.
11. James has seven teeth and sports a high-fashion gap between his front teeth.
12. Our little guy barks at both our dog and the neighbor's cat. When he wakes up, James woofs until we bring Brody in his room to say good morning.

I am One