Evie is now 2 years old. And she acts like it. It was almost magical. One day she's sweet and does what I ask her (for the most part), and the next day, the word "No!" suddenly become her favorite. I've been trying to be good about not phrasing things that are really important (safety issues, etc.) as a question so she doesn't get it in her head that she has options in those instances, but she doesn't really care. It's still "No!" I can say that time-out has been extremely useful so far. We've nearly mastered not pushing Alex down when he's doing something she doesn't like. Now we scream for Mommy instead!! Hooray! Her vocabulary is growing like crazy. She's a little chatterbox who comes up with new sentences everyday. A while ago, she was telling the cat "No kitty-cat, these are my noodles. No cat! Bad cat!" She's also learning to sing the ABCs! Right now, she tends to skip a lot of letters (E, MNO, R, UV) but she gets better everyday. She also sings "Fly Me To The Moon" and a few other songs. Our biggest accomplishment is moving into a Big Girl Bed (that would be a toddler bed for now). She's been doing well, although we did have to take a step backward in terms of falling asleep, but at least she's sleeping through most of the night!
Alex is a big 11 month old. Less than a month, and he'll be 1 year old!! He's getting more and more personality everyday. He loves to pull himself to standing and cruise around the furniture. He has just begun walking. Right now, we are up to a few steps, and they are very small. He doesn't get very far very fast so he won't walk a lot. He loves to dance, both on his own and up in my arms. And, last but certainly not least, he is talking much more. So far, it's mostly baby babble, but I have heard some "ma ma", "da da" and "ba ba" in there. He's even called out "Ma ma" when he sees me! Plus, I swear he says, "Yeah" everytime I ask him a question. His favorite toys are anything with wheels: cars, trucks, strollers, etc. If it rolls, or he can spin the wheel while the toy is upside down, it'll keep him amused for quite a while.
Steve and I are doing great. Steve is busy with work, and has taken up a hobby of his own (to balance out against my bell choir). Friday nights are now fencing lessons for him. He's only had 2 so far, but he has loved both lessons! I have taken on more responsibility at work and have become the substitute lead preschool teacher (only until the regular teacher comes back). I'm really enjoying planning lessons, working with the kids and just having fun! Evie comes with me to the preschool (even though she's too young by a year - I love the people I work with!) and Alex stays in the nursery. It's been an interesting adjustment, but I hope we can continue with it. Once the regular teacher comes back, I'll be just assisting again. Still a happy prospect!
Alrighty, time for the pictures! Enjoy!
Evie out playing in the snow (1/21/07)
Evie's 2nd Birthday (1/28/07)
Alex on the piano and standing up (2/7/07 & 2/11/07)
Evie's new big girl bed! (2/26/07)
Playtime with whipped cream (We love fingerpainting!) (2/28/07)
Evie's Art Time (using water on a chalkboard) (2/28/07)
