Ralph: Celebrating 28 months!

Ralph's biggest milestone in the last month has just come in the last few days. We hadn't totally been trying to potty train yet, mostly laziness on our part but a little over a week ago, when getting ready for bed and putting jammies on, Ralph proclaims "I go potty", goes into the bathroom, takes his own diaper off, sits on his little potty, and goes. The next night he starts the same way but brings out the diaper and says "I roll it up" as we do when we throw it away. Obvious ly he knows what needs to be done. Early last week daycare asked us to bring in underwear, so the next day Ralph goes to 'school' in Percy (from Thomas the Train) underwear. The first few days did not net much success. He had an accident or two but mostly held it. On Friday, we were going to back off a little and put him diapers but when we got to school he wanted to wear his briefs so we changed. He had one accident and one success. Saturday, he was mostly in a diaper since we were running around and not ready for the challenge of being out and about. He did proclaim half way through church that he peed in his diaper. Sunday morning we were really doubting Ralph as he was 0 for 3 in less than an hour but after nap he earned more than a gold star and yesterday he didn't have any accidents (other than the misdirection while in the bathroom). Today, he had another stellar day. Hopefully we are on the way to saying 'bye bye to diapers' as one of his books encourages.

Ralph continues to provide a narrative for about everything he does and sees. He wants to do things his way or by himself . . .even if it takes twice as long we (try to) patiently wait. He is very inquisitive and continually asks questions . . . even when he knows the answer. He loves visiting Grandma & Grandpa and everything their place has to offer. He also loves visitors but does not have as many as he'd like.

Ralph's biggest 'issue' right now is needing to be re-trained on going to bed by himself. Since moving to the big bed he has gotten into the habit of someone laying with him until he falls asleep which is taking up to an hour some nights. I don't think any of us are ready to 'fight' the battle yet but know we will have to soon.

Henry: Celebrating 7 months!

It's hard for Henry to maintain his focus and look at the camera when he is always watching his big brother. Ralph was sitting next to me with his 'camera' and Henry couldn't help but look at him.

Watch out world! Henry is now a tummy crawler. He is in the early stages - arms doing most of the work but he has managed to crawl under chairs and near other objects that he ends up running into and then isn't too happy that he hits his head.

Henry sleep continues to be a mystery. After a rough Sunday night a few weeks we decided something had to change. Going back to the basics, we finally had some success with 'shh-ing'. We tried it months ago and never had much luck with it. Success only came this time with a lot of it and kind of forceful but he ultimately he did fall him sleep in the crib by himself. It was a short lived success and we seem to be back to a combination of drinking to sleep, rocking, maybe shh-ing, maybe a little crying in bed but ultimately being 'rescued' by me for comforting. Sure, the goal is to have him fall asleep on his own but also trying to make sure his tummy is as full as it can be, and unfortunately he sometimes falls asleep before we accomplish that part.

On the other hand, he seems to have a definite nap pattern. Maybe not specific times but a definite need for a morning, noon-time, and afternoon nap. More times than not he will take it in the crib. Once in a while it'll have to be the bouncy seat.

He is doing pretty well with sitting up on his own. Even in the reclining high chair, his swing, the car seat, and one of the bouncy chairs he tries to sit up straight.

He is also doing pretty well with holding is own bottle, when he wants to of course.

Baths are now fun for Henry. Mike showed him how much fun it is to splash in the tub - and Henry agrees.

Henry has tried all the stage 1 vegetables. He seems to like squash and sweet potatoes best as he ate the whole little container of each in the same setting (different nights). He is starting on the fruits. He has also tried a real mashed banana and mashed potatoes. Like everything else, its all about the timing.