Happy 1/2, Luke!

Luke is officially one half today (but he is a WHOLE lot of fun - sorry, I couldn't resist). He is sitting up a little bit better everyday. He has developed a slight little temper. He doesn't really throw fits per say, but he makes it known when he wants something. He usually wants whatever Trey has, and wants to do whatever Trey is doing. He will throw himself backward against us in his efforts to get where he wants to be. We went to the pool the other day and he got so frustrated because he didn't want the toys we brought for him to play with; he wanted Trey's floaties instead. He practically leapt out of my arms and grabbed hold. He actually held on so tight that when Trey went to pull away the swimmie came off! He's getting a little bit clingy lately; I'm thinking he is hitting his first separation anxiety phase (Trey had about 10!). He is cutting teeth too, which makes things a little rough as well. We can see his two bottom teeth underneath his gums, and one has begun to make it's appearance. Luke can stand for a long time as long as he has something to hold on to. I actually think he stands better than he sits (if this is any indication of what is to come, we are in for some fun!) He drinks from a sippey cup now, and is starting to show preferences for things (like Trey's guitar :). He weighs in over 16 lbs and is near 27 inches. Mostly he is just a happy, healthy little boy. 

playing guitar like big brother

Trey is still a ball of fun. His new thing is wanting to grow up. He continually asks me about different things wanting to know what will make him "bigger". He says things like, "Mommy, does yogurt make me bigger?" On the way home from the grocery store last week he said, "when we get home, I want a healthy snack". Later that same day he said he was hungry and I asked if he wanted a bowl of vegetables and he said, "sure!" !!?!?!?!?!?!?!? He still says he wants to be a pilot when he grows up, which is, I think, why he is in such a rush to do so. He loves the pool and loves to pretend. Here is a picture of him pretending to be Abraham on his long journey to a new land (notice little Isaac under the tent as well :) 

He is starting to understand God a little better, I think. For awhile he used to not like praying and he had been known to say that God scared him. Now he says things like, "God helped me" and "God healed my booboo". He doesn't resist praying anymore, and he even says prayers by himself at mealtimes (of course they are the same every time, but it's a good start). He is learning to write his letters, and doing quite well. 

Showing daddy how he can use the touchpad on mommy's laptop

I love my boys and my SUPER hubby! We had a fantastic father's day. We kept it cheap, but still had fun. We made shirts for Daddy and the boys to wear. We painted rocks for daddy that said, "you rock, daddy". And we made a family coat of arms decorated with things about daddy. We also had an Indian food feast for lunch followed by a guitar hero jam session. It was great!!! Thanks for being such a fabulous daddy, Gary!!!!

Growing up

Trey is becoming very independent and very grown up. Aside from doing the dishes, washing his hands, brushing his teeth, and going potty all by himself, he has found an array of new talents. My friend, Jamie, recently posted on her blog about how Brandon colored inside the lines for the first time (for those of you without 3 year olds, that is a BIG accomplishment). I thought that was pretty cool, and then two days ago Trey walked up to me with his magna-doodle and showed me a picture he drew of me. I was shocked! It actually looked like a person!!! I had to ask Gary if he helped, but he didn't. Here is a picture of me!

I seem to think that every stage he goes through is the most amazing; right now I'm sure that this is the best. Even though he tests boundaries daily, and has even been known to outsmart us, it's incredible to watch him grow and learn. We had playgroup at our house last week and I couldn't help but smile to watch Trey with his friends. They all shared so well. I often heard Trey say, "yes, you may" in response to his friends' polite requests to play with his toys. Trey, Katie, and Brandon all held hands and walked around the house together. Very cute! The other day I tried to trick Trey and Brandon into eating squash by telling them that we were going to play a game and see who could eat their squash first. I asked who was going to win, and Trey said, "not me". Darn! Another mommy trick out the window.

Trey and Brandon did this puzzle mostly by themselves

Trey also recently earned a special treat. He worked really hard and helped out with chores around the house. We made a chore chart and once he filled it he got to go and buy a toy that he wanted. We made him "pay" for the toy with his chore chart so that he could make the connection between working hard and earning things. As soon as that last sticker went on the chart he wanted to leave immediately and go to Target. He told Gary, who was in the middle of typing some e-mails, "come on, daddy. We are leaving without you".

Luke is beginning to sit up unassisted. He is still so happy! He has begun to "play" with Trey. When we go on walks Trey will face him in the stroller and play with toys with him or just talk to him, and Luke laughs harder than I have ever heard him. I struggle to nurse Luke during the day because Trey hangs onto the arm of the rocking chair and talks to Luke who pays attention to him instead of eating. Luke still wakes up at night, because he's hungry because he barely eats during the day. He chooses playing over eating.