23 month ramblings

On Friday I took Nathan in for his 2 year checkup. It was a little early, but I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't have to cancel due to baby girl's arrival. There was only one shot, and I think Nathan put up more of a stink about the band aid than he did the shot itself. Once we got the shiny bandage off his leg, his happiness reasserted itself. Developmentally I think he's right on track, and the Dr. was happy with how well he listened (he was in a very cooperative mood that morning). I even think his Dr. kit from Aunt Kylleen and Uncle Andrew paid off dividends when he was having his heart listened to and his ears checked out!

He's still long and lean - shocker.
Height: 35.5 inches (90th percentile) - I wonder how much longer he is lying down though, since I swear when he stands next to a yard stick he looks more like 34 inches.
Weight: 25 lbs. (25th percentile)

He's talking up a storm, repeating almost everything we say and happily taking our requests into consideration. I love communication. I adore it. I think it's pretty much the best thing ever. I can't decide if i love that or his generally hugging and kissing nature more at the moment. It's a toss up really.

Conversation while getting ready to go outside-
Brian: Ok, let's get your coat on.
Nathan: zip (it) up
Brian (to me): I think your talking about what you're doing all the time is really paying off now.
Nathan: Paying off.

Now for the photos. One of Nathan's favorite things to do with Brian is bring in our trash cans. I don't know if it's just because it's one of the few things he's been able to do outside this cold cold winter, or if it's how loud the cans are as they bump along, but whatever it is, he LOVES it. Don't mind the rather unique outfit...the hat was a present from Brian's Uncles Patrick and John and he's taken rather a shine to being called our little monkey. It's technically part of a costume, but hey, as long as those ears are covered, I'm not too picky.

Speaking of funny get-ups...

someone was trying to hide from me

We got to see Liz and John and the kids this weekend too! It was lovely to have some hanging out time with no agenda or timelines. The kids played great together. It's really fun to see a real future for actual "playing" together, rather than Zach and Leah having to let Nathan get his way. I mean, that's still basically what happens now, but at least I can see where we are headed.

I just love how often Brian ends up being a total jungle gym for the kids whenever we all get together. Nathan wasn't a huge fan of just Leah being on his lap, but was happy to share. We also got to witness Zach doing some honest to goodness reading of Dr. Seuss, and let me tell you, it's crazy impressive for 5!

And finally, Liz shared a few pictures she got of some of the kids sitting on baby girl. I love both of them, but absolutely adore the one with Nathan both because he's smiling so well and because I have so few pictures of me pregnant with my boy. Homestretch!

Nanny Kay and Pop Pop

We had a great time with Nanny Kay and Pop Pop two weekends ago! I have taken way too long to get these posted. They had an especially good time in the snow. Pop Pop created an igloo on our deck and there was some pretty great sledding. Brian and I got an amazing kid-free brunch out of the visit, and Nathan absolutely loved all the attention. 

Splish Splash

Singing in the rain! 

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

I had the best time celebrating Mom and Dad's birthdays at Liz and John's house! Brian and Kay were visiting (that's another post) so I went solo and brought Kay's cupcakes. Let's just say I had my fill of dessert at lunch. Thanks to Liz and John for hosting!

Dress up and Eva!

Necklaces! They are big right now. As are tea parties. The necklaces are great for coordination (getting them on and off over and over) and counting. We count them as they go on and off and he likes to call out random numbers once he gets past 2. He's also a big fan of trying on everyone's shoes right now. Boots are especially big winners. 

A week or two ago we even got to see Eva and her mom! It was great to see them and crazy how much Eva has grown. They were similarly impressed by the fact that Nathan is walking and talking now since the last time they saw him he was still crawling. He was incredibly comfortable with Eva though, which makes me think that he still remembers her (they FaceTime with Cathy periodically).  Let's just say that we were all a little surprised when we got the kids to hug and they both look so thrilled about it. Darling.