- Both boys have darling speech impediments. I just love a cute speech impediment on a toddler! Blaine's main one is to substitute "f"s for other consonants- especially when before an "r". So some of his words and phrases are: "flayfround", "flose your eyes", "fruck" (that's a fun one!), Frammy Fris (Grammy Chris), etc. Pierce's main one is to use a "b" for "th". It's so cute to hear him say "bis" and "be park", etc. I love it!
- We have had a little potty training success over the last month or so. For awhile Pierce was really into it and every time I asked him if he wanted to go, he would. But, for some reason after a week or two, he lost interest and now most of the time both boys just say no when asked if they want to try. I'm not sure how to get the motivation back. They got big boy underpants in their Easter baskets, so I'm thinking about just trying a day of underwear and seeing if being wet does anything. My fear is that any kind of pushing could set us back.
- They know about the baby, but don't really bring it up on their own. They know it's in Mommy's tummy and oddly they both refer to it as her. I've suspected possible girl, but never told them. We'll see I guess!
- They have no desire to transition into certain big boy things- beds, no pacis, potty training. These are all things that I'd like to have done before the baby comes, but I hate pushing them into it. I realize the paci thing never would happen on its own, but I'm definitely surprised that they are still so desiring to stay in their cribs. I guess when it's the oldest kids, they don't have an older example to desire to be like. I'm worried about throwing too much at them, but thankfully we have time to take baby steps now.
- They both still have their nicknames, but are less insistent about being called by them. Blaine used to correct us all.the.time. He is still faithfully Little Baby Puppy and Pierce's current (and for awhile now) is Mr. PettiboneandMickeyMousey. He's in a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse phase and Mr. Pettibone is Goofy's cat from one episode.
- We got them an early birthday swing set that I'd found on Craigslist a few weeks ago. It's a Rainbow set and, although it's 12 years old, it's been great shape. It's brought some of the neighbor boys over to play and I wasn't sure how the boys would be with it. Pierce especially can have a tough time sharing things he's passionate about, but since all the boys were older they thought it was great. So now they have some new playmates in Lukas, Jayden, and Braelin. They know each of their names and love hanging out with the big kids when they get a chance. The weather has finally warmed up, so it's wonderful to have an easy post nap activity. In fact, they were out there for over 2 hours yesterday! They also love their sand table and the corner sand pit. They seem like such big boys when they come in smelling like the outdoors with filthy hands and sandy hair. :) They even hang out by themselves out there while I keep the back door open!
- They still use their train table a lot, but I wonder if the train obsession is slowly fading. Possibly because they've finally accumulated more than they even know what to do with! Nothing else has replaced it though, so we'll see. We're headed to to a Day Out with Thomas the weekend after their birthday and they are so excited! Every time the commercial comes on PBS they happily remind me that we already have our tickets!
- They love to have "races" (esp. Blaine who insists on being the one to say "on your marks, get ready, set, go!), but often the indoor races consist of a follow the leader obstacle course. I love watching BJ participate in the swinging from the couches and monkey round offs that are included. :)
- I spent my longest time away from them a couple weeks ago when I went to visit the Kleinbergs in NC for 4 days. They stayed at Abbey's one day and BJ was home the rest. I was excited to get away for a bit, but so sad to leave them. I had prepared them the day before though and they handled it so well. It's so nice that they can understand things now. They had a really fun boys weekend and we face timed everyday. It was a very happy homecoming though!
- Eating is about the same. They have their ruts of what they eat and I don't think anything new has made the list in a long time. Blaine is sometimes good about trying something, but Pierce usually refuses even with dessert offered as a reward. He is a stubborn kid. I need to be better about persisting and continuing to offer new things. Sigh. I'm still holding out hope.
