Buddies

James and two of his buddies, Josh and Charlie, played at the Children's Discovery Garden today. They had a blast running wild at the splash pad and wading area. 1st day of October and we hit a record high of 90*.

James:
- Started sleeping in Daniel's room this week... James has never been the best of sleepers. I was up with him every few hours for the first 6 months of his life. He then slept through the night for about a year until he could escape from his crib. Since being in a "big boy bed" he's had some good nights where he lets us all sleep and lots of other nights. For a while we stuck glow-in-the-dark stars on his ceiling for the nights he slept in his bed the entire night. We started that about six months ago and there are maybe 12 starts on the ceiling. Some of which were put up because he took a good nap. He does nap well--once I get him to fall asleep.
Anyway, Mike had the brilliant idea to move him in with Daniel last week and it's worked well. He loves the company and we love not having his company (in our bed).
- His new favorite thing is "Choo choo tracks." He loves to drive over them and he even does the "chug a chug a choo choo" as we approach them. Currently he lifts his feet and hands as we drive over them.
- Because Mike and I are amazing parents, we sometimes use the word "Stop" instead of "No"... it sounds more positive. Okay, in actuality, we usually us both words in one sentence and now that's one of James' favorite things to say. Whenever Mike or I do something he doesn't like, he'll say, "No, Mommy. Dop." (that's how he says stop) It's the cutest thing in the world and I have the hardest time taking it seriously. Just the reaction he's going for, I'm sure.
- Loves, I mean, Loves Car Rides. First thing in the morning he'll start begging to go for a car ride. In the evening after we've been in the car for half the day he'll still be asking for a car ride. They are especially fun right now as we are surrounded by road construction on all sides of us. Tractors. Bulldozers. Dump trucks. Steamrollers. Excavators. He loves it.
- Has this love/ hate fascination with Dinosaurs. He's a tough and brave kid on the playground but when it comes to big, dark, or noisy things he turns into this scared little kid. So, the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point has all three elements to scare him and whenever we walk through it either Mike or I have to carry him. Yet, he still begs to go every time we drive or walk past the museum. I think it's like me and spiders. Absolutely disgusted and frightened, but can't take my eyes off of them. All in all, he is warming up to them and last time he actually sat in the stroller instead of needing to be carried!
- Has had this new breakthrough with animals. Once again, a little frightened by them because they are big but getting used to them. His new thing is bunnies. A neighbor has two and he just could not stop holding and loving and loving one of them. We're thinking about asking Santa for a kitten this year (to be delivered in January when we get back from California). Both boys LOVE Ama's cat and I think it would be just what we need for entertainment during the snowy and confining months of January-March.
- Loves, loves, loves his brother. I love the way he looks at Daniel. Just with total love, adoration, and fascination. Daniel's is already his best bud and he can't get enough of the little guy. Before they started sharing rooms, the FIRST thing James had to do every morning was see, hug, wrestle, and cuddle with Daniel. It's the cutest thing, and everyday Daniel is a little bit bigger and tougher to be able to play back. Daniel's been in nursery a few times and even there James prefers to play with him over other kids in the room (probably because he knows that Daniel won't beat up on him or steal his cars).
- Is such a delight! Though there are moments where we want to lock him outside (oh, wait, I have done that) when he's crying at the top of his lungs and times where we just don't think we can take another minute of his delightful 2 year old episodes, he is an absolute joy and delight. I absolutely love, adore, and appreciate his tender little personality and I'm so grateful to have such a special little spirit in our home. WE love you kiddo!