Four Months and Counting

Four months is just a glimmer in their lifetime but we have learned so much and feel like we have made strides to get to know each other. Many people say it will really take a year or so for them to fully bond with us but the boys do know that we are here for them always and they even accept that and show us they know it. They test us on a regular basis to make sure we are really committed to sticking this out. Small tantrums and crying and the ever popular slamming the door, force some time-outs. Mostly we just feel like a family and have the best weekends when we get to do everything together.

January 22, 2009 we got to finally use a wonderful gift from one of Greg's co-worker's who has a business where they make hand and foot prints into ceramic clay. We made them at their home lab and the boys had mixed feelings about putting their feet into clay.

This is a finish photo after a run in the rain. Mommy really needed it and I wasn't going to let a little rain keep us indoors. I think the boys really liked it! At least a chance to use their warm coats.

Bacio is getting a lesson in patience and the boys are learning to be "gentle".

Valentines day brought some cards from the family and two dollar bills from Great Grandpa and Grandma Doubleday. Alex is counting his money and deciding if he wants to give it to Mom and Dad to put in his bank account.

Cards from Grandma and Grandpa.

Some incrediblely cute faces!

Eating a snack. They always sit down together. On the entry mat, on the fireplace step or this time in front of the leather chair.

This is the pre-feeding position that they would assume when we start to make a meal. Luckily this is getting much better and they are not having as much anxiety with food preparation.

This is my favorite photo of the boys. This shows the relationship that the boys are forming with each other. They really love each other and are becoming good friends.

Gross motor skills have advanced the most of any attributes and we are working on the verbal stuff alot. We talk to them and are amazed that we are starting to get some words back at us. They understand just about everything we say to them. They know at least 10 or more bodyparts, foods, directions, toys and playground stuff. The most popular words are "nanna", "melmo" and "night, night". Of course the standard "da-da" and "ma-ma" do get used often. Ryder has a new sound that he says in response to "What does the cat say?", it is soft and "meow" sounding. "Crac-ker" and "turtle" have started to show up more often. Alex's first word was "turtle" and Ryder's was "Mama".

We went to the Santa Barbara Zoo today and the boys really seemed to enjoy seeing and pointing to all the animals. We have a pass for the year now so we will go many more times I'm sure.