Spring finally arrived this month so we've been spending crazy amounts of time outside. Last year I picked up a slide, climber and picnic table at a garage sale. They've all been sitting on our back porch, along with the water table, waiting to be used. The first day it hit 50* outside we were all over the back porch. The kids were climbing, sliding, and running everywhere. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, oversize play balls, it has been toddler heaven in our back yard. Thanks to a fenced back yard, they can even play outside while I get dinner ready or switch over the laundry.
Someone was not happy about pictures.
I have to laugh at myself when I think about how worried I was that they were barely talking at 18 months. As much as I know every child develops differently, it's hard not to worry when you see that other kids their age are speaking two word sentences and they're barely saying anything. Seeing how much their speech has improved over the last couple months puts my mind at ease. B knows that H's name is Harrison and calls him "Harris," all the time. If you ask her her name, she responds with "my name." It's probably my favorite new speech development this month.
They are both getting better with letters and numbers. B knows most of her letters and can tell you them in order through J if you ask her what letter comes next. Both of their number recognition has increased to around 10. They are also both starting to sing along with songs. Brooke repeats the last word of every line in a song as you sing. Harry doesn't sing as much, but you better believe he's singing along if you sing one of his favorite songs. "Wheels on the Bus," "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat," "Ants Marching."
They are both getting better with letters and numbers. B knows most of her letters and can tell you them in order through J if you ask her what letter comes next. Both of their number recognition has increased to around 10. They are also both starting to sing along with songs. Brooke repeats the last word of every line in a song as you sing. Harry doesn't sing as much, but you better believe he's singing along if you sing one of his favorite songs. "Wheels on the Bus," "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat," "Ants Marching."
We aren't potty training yet, but we are encouraging them to use the toilet any time their diapers are off. Brooke's favorite sentence right now is "I pook." She says "I pook" at least 429 times a day which means her diaper comes off just as many times, and of course she never actually goes on the potty. They have both successfully went on the potty a couple times, but it's become obvious they are no where near ready. Right now it's just a fun game to them.
In an effort to get Brooke to eat more, we have implemented a new dinner rule. Everyone has to stay at the dinner table until we're all done. Harrison eats a lot and takes a while to eat, so this means we are all usually at the table for a good 30 minutes. Little miss picky will push her plate away from her and then gradually start eating off her plate while we sit at the table waiting on Harrison to finish. We only do this at dinner time and are pretty lax about breakfast and lunch. In the morning they have smoothies and cereal or toast while running around the house or watching TV. We usually sit down for lunch, but it's usually a much quicker meal.
Another struggle we've been facing this month comes in the sleep department. Brooke started climbing out of her crib again. She also taught Harrison how to climb out of his crib. I was greeted by B at the door to their room on more than one occasion. There was one afternoon where I went into their room 6 times to tell them to get back into their cribs. We invested in a Tot Clock, and it seems to be helping. The last few days they have gone down for naps without playing in their crib for 45 minutes first. They're also staying in bed until 8 every morning again. Brooke's wake time seemed to keep moving forward in 10 minute increments. We are trying to hold off on the conversion to toddler beds as long as possible. We also want to keep them in the same room, so we're trying everything possible to keep them in their cribs. I think the next step will be strapping them down.
Harry always wants hugs and asks for them frequently. Most of the time when he gets a hug, he also gets a few pats, a rub, or a tickle on his back. Now when I give him a hug, he pats me on the back. I just about die every time he does it. He is the sweetest little boy.
I am so looking forward to the last month before they turn two. We have lots of fun planned. The zoo opens in just over a week, Easter is almost here, 2 year pictures, and maybe even a trip to the lake. I haven't started planning their birthday party yet, so I better get on that.
Happy 23 months, Harrison and Brooke!
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