development updates

So the last post was a little long with all the holiday goodness but I don't want to lose track of all the fun development the kids are experiencing.

Daniel is getting closer and closer to being 3. Sigh. Now when people ask how old he is I find myself saying "he'll be 3 in April". Such a big boy. I can't even count how many months he is anymore. Well, I can. It just seems like too much work!

He is so much fun these days. Cognitively he is really making strides. He remembers things now that happened in the past and can recount events. He counts to around 15 or so, sings his ABCs, can say his entire name, and interestingly he can recount rules only when they apply to Ryan. He already likes to boss his little brother around and is so quick to remind him of the rules yet he isn't much a fan of following them himself.

One of the most fun things to watch is how his imagination is unfolding. He can now play by himself for a while and he tells stories and makes sounds.

One of our favorite Daniel-isms is: "I think he do's" or "I don't think he do's" This is usually the opposite of whatever we have said. He is kind and loving. He is mischievous and testing. He is stubborn yet frustrates easily and quick to ask for help. He is hilarious and helpful.

Tantrums are, there. They last much longer than they used to and no one knows what quite sets him off. But I guess that's what he is supposed to be doing and "just a phase". I hope.

He absolutely adores his little brother. Loves making him laugh. He gets right up in his face with a big grin and makes funny sounds and Ryan's face just lights up. It's so fun to watch them entertain each other.

Ryan is now 10 months old. Ack, that happened way.too.fast. Sleeping has overall, gotten better. Waking 1-2 times a night and I am definitely waiting longer to respond to him in hopes he will put himself back to sleep. He is just starting to love table food and pretty much done with purees. He finally got his first tooth this past Friday. He loves sitting, clapping, watching balls bounce, music and his big brother. He is super duper close to crawling. He lunges forward but just can't quite get his foot out from under him. He scoots on his bottom and pushes himself backwards when he is on his belly. He gets sad when toys get taken away or if mama leaves his sight. He says dada, mama, giiii, nana. Little chatter box. Oh and he said mama for the first time on Christmas. Love!