Go Big Red!

This afternoon we attended the men's Husker Basketball game vs. Illinois. The 4 pm tip-off was perfect for the afternap crowd and early enough not to interfere with bedtime. It was Henry's 1st game and Ralph's 2nd game. I was a little worried about Henry as the game was about to start. The lights were turned off and the crowd started to get loud but luckily he did not react. They were attentive, didn't really care who they clapped for, never asked to leave the seats to visit the concession stand (luckily, they do not know they even exist yet), and we made it the whole game! I know it immensely helped that our seats were so close to the action. When Henry sees a Husker N or Herbie he says "Go Big Red".

Photo was taken during the half-time show - frisbee catching dogs - it was a little tough looking at the camera when there was so much happening on the floor.

Brotherly Love

"There's a bond that brothers know and it gets stronger as they grow
A love that time and miles can't come between
We disagreed but in the end
There will never be two closer friends
And brotherly love is something we all need"

I ran across these lyrics tonight (okay, I went looking for something to put with the photos). I only hope Ralph and Henry's brotherly love continues to grow. I'm sure they'll have their moments (or months) of not-so-much love but it is so fun watching them help each other, play together, kanive together, and feed off of each other's energy. It may not be so much fun watching them lead/follow each other when they are getting into mischief but even then I secretly enjoy watching them work together. Sometimes they are so supportive of each other one will accompany the other in time out.

Yes, they are siblings and they are not perfect. They both have their moments of being possessive or jealous but neither lasts long.

Henry: Celebrating 26 months!

"I dump it out" (as illustrated by the books he dumped out), "I did it!", "Look at me", "ta-da" are some of the most frequently heard phrases coming from Henry's mouth.

His vocabulary has skyrocketed with words, sentences, and much narration. I have noticed he has substitutes the "b" sound for the "v" sound (ie. I want more tb (tv) and cober me (cover me with a blanket). He also leaves off the "s" sound in the middle of words (ie. Oacar for Oscar). Other words that sound very unique coming from Henry's mouth include syrup, ketchup, chapstick, and Dorothy Lynch. He still says "that's me" when he sees a photo of himself or Henry the train (from the Thomas series) rather than saying Henry.

Nearly a month ago, one of the ladies at church commented how musically inclined Henry is because he was keeping beat walking to front to give Father money. Henry is clearly musical as he'll start dancing when he hears something he likes. He has also added "Go Tell it on the Mountain" to his song list and is starting his ABCs. He also requests "Diamond in the Sky" a/k/a "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

Sometimes when I'm holding Henry I'll try to sing to him. Apparently I'm not a very good singer as he will put the palm of his hand over my mouth to get me to stop as he says "no mommy." He did request "ABCs" last night over and over though.

A few weeks ago Henry tried to get me to rock him to sleep a few nights in a row. We'd rock for a few minutes and I'd put him in the crib and he'd whine for "more rocky". He even woke up a few nights and asked for "more rocky" as soon as I walked in his room. Not being able to think of a good alternative, the only solution I could think of was to get rid of the rocking chair. The rocking chair disappeared one night while the boys were taking a bath (it was moved to our room and covered by a blanket - so nice things can still be hidden by throwing a blanket over them). Henry immediately noticed and wondered where daddy put it. We now read books on the floor and, after holding Henry for a few moments after lights out, he goes into the crib a lot quicker. It's still not always easy for him to go to bed but it seems to go a little better than it had.

Potty training is still off to a slow start but he will go potty just before bed about 85% of the time. We may have 1-2 more successful trips to the potty on the weekends but not always. The other week he finally acknowledged he wanted his diaper changed and actually got a diaper.

Henry likes putting puzzles together . . even if the pieces don't quite go together. He also loves "coloring" or scribbling on paper. He (and Ralph) also love to play in the car after we get home from daycare or running errands. One Sunday they played in it for nearly 40 minutes.

Henry moved up to the Toddler 2 room at daycare on January 23. At pick-up on the 2nd day his teacher commented he stayed at the table the longest during a coloring project - too bad the long attention span doesn't carry over to other areas in his life. Unfortunately he has carried the biting to the new room.

Henry does not like to be told no under any circumstances. Ah, yes, the terrible twos! One Saturday, while sitting at the top of the stairs, he was told no for somethinge. He did not like what he was told and threw himself backwards hitting his head on the floor - I'm just glad he did it upstairs where there's wood under the carpet vs downstairs where there is concrete under the carpet. Its not the first time he has thrown himself down - I'm just hoping he starts paying attention to where he is throwing himself.

Henry did come down with an ear infection a little over a week ago but other than that and a few fat lips he has remained healthy during the past month. I'm sure the warmer weather helped. Keep your fingers crossed he keeps healthy the next few months as the cold spell has hit!

An afternoon with an old friend

Ralph got a chance to hang out with an old friend this afternoon thanks in part to a little luck and good timing. Ralph & I attended Sesame Street Live with his friend Leighton and her mom. Leighton used to attend our daycare until she moved to a new daycare about six months ago. We get the kids together every once in a while but this is the first time we've gotten the 'big' kids together without the little siblings. They had a great time at Sesame Street, Ralph's first live stage show of any kind.

Upon returning to Leighton's to get our car, Leighton's Dad & brother were outside. The temperature was warmer than in the morning and it was hard to get Ralph to leave. First he watched Leighton's dad snowplow the drive a little more then he helped build a snowman (and tried to knock it over), then he took a turn for a quick sled ride.

After all that fun, it was time to leave. The reaction was very similar to last time we left Leighton's house. He was not at all happy to leave his old friend and is already asking to get together again.

Luckily, Henry didn't seem to mind having some one on one time with Grandma & Grandpa.

Fun in the Snow

After being stuck inside nearly all of yesterday, the boys wanted to get out in the snow. I did bring some snow in yesterday while I was trying to get some work done. It seemed to make a little more mess than last year - guess that's what happens when the boys are a year older and I didn't supervise as much as I should have.

I did get Mike to take them out this morning before the day got away from us. It wasn't the best time to be outside but I was afraid it was going to be the only time they'd have a chance.