Josie 2 1/2

2 1/2 already?! I'll probably be saying that years from now, but really, it goes so fast. JoJo is a full-fledged toddler - becoming more independent and more opinionated every day. Sleep is going pretty well (no naps on most days). We sing her to sleep in your crib at night and usually she's asleep after 3-4 songs. "You are my sunshine", "Favorite things", and "Rainbow connection" are in the usual rotation. Some mornings she's up early, but that's slowly getting better. We're planning to move her into Oli's room one of these days, but haven't taken the plunge yet because their sleep schedules are a little different. We've been working on potty training and it's slow-going but she's doing well. She eats like a champ and I'm so grateful for that (especially with another kid who is super picky). She's energetic, smart, and funny. She likes drawing and can draw a few letters, shapes, and simple faces. Everything she says these days is cute. I need to start documenting it better. The other day when I was eating a brownie she helped make she said, "Mom you're so happy. They're (the brownies) so delicious for ya." Her singing and dancing is also adorable. She is affectionate and gives us all hugs and kisses.  She has the softest skin. We love you so much little one! xoxo

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Oliver 4 1/2

Our first-born is 4 1/2! Ever since he turned 4 he has been asking when his birthday is, so we decided to do a mini celebration for his half birthday. It turned out that the weekend of his half birthday his cousins were in town to celebrate Bodie's birthday so we took everyone to the Mall of America and the kids rode rides all day on Saturday and Oli had a blast.

This kid is full of life and so full of emotions. He feels things deeply and brings out emotions in us as well, both good and bad. This age is really good overall. He's liking school a lot, has made some friends there, plays well with Jo (most of the time), and shows signs of being a rational little person. He still loves music, dancing, and books and has recently taken an interest in drawing. Chris got him a notebook and he has been filling it with things he likes (which is mostly candy). He's also working on writing his letters and can sound out and read simple words. Since Bodie visited he has taken an interest in Legos and can follow the instructions to put some pieces together by himself. He has the best laugh. Over spring break I volunteered at his school one morning and was struck by how happy he seemed and how often he was giggling. He's young enough still that he was really excited I was there (instead of embarrassed by me, which I assume he will be one day). He wanted me to sit by him at snack time and circle time. Such a sweet boy. He's also full of questions. "How do the clouds stay up in the sky?" "How is cereal made?" "Why is dad smarter than you when you're the teacher?"

This age is also full of challenges. Picky eating continues to be a challenge and is a daily stressor for us. I think the other thing that stands out, as I mentioned above, is helping him learn to cope with his own emotions. Disappointment is particularly hard. As I try to help him it often makes me think about how the things he's struggling with are still hard for many (most?) adults. Chris got him a desk lately and he loves drawing and "working" on it. And it just so happens that when he's really emotional he has been able to leave the situation and go up to his room to work at his desk. Time outs have never worked for him (they usually just amp him up more), so the fact that he's able to do this and calm himself down sometimes has been a real blessing.

He challenges me, makes me smile, and has made me feel things more deeply. Being loved by him and loving him makes me feel incredibly lucky. Happy half birthday my best boy!

Lots more photos below.

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