Happy Kids

Beau is really starting to like us I think! I was worried for awhile that he wanted a new (quieter) family because he wasn't too smiley. He's really been happy the last couple of days, so I think he's decided we're ok. He smiles when I talk to him, and coos and goos a bit. I haven't captured a smile on camera yet, but I'm getting closer!

Lincoln was quietly playing today when Kevin happened to walk by. Here's what he found!!!!

Apparently we hadn't been specific about what surfaces were approved for the markers. I think we've covered all the bases now, and I hope Linc only uses the markers on paper from now on. He didn't get in trouble this time, but he's been warned!

Other than floor art, Lincoln has become totally obsessed with puzzles lately. Big Bird and Elmo floor puzzles occupy lots of his time, and he's really gotten good at these new (3 year old) wooden puzzles. We still have alphabet, number, and animal puzzles to work . . . I dump all the pieces in a pile and line up the boards. He has to decide which board it goes on then where. I know he needs the challenge because those were getting easy!

Zacchaeus

Lincoln's favorite song this week is Zacchaeus, and he loves doing the hand motions too! We practiced taking video with the webcam after lunch today. (We had the webcam out for Skypeing with Minnie and Bubbes.) After a giant lunch of a hot dog, a hot dog sandwich (that's what he calls the bun!), sweet potato fries and carrots, he topped it off with a bowl of M&Ms. All that singing is hard work, and he really worked up an appetite! Lincoln loved watching himself sing, and I bet we've done it a thousand times this afternoon!

Here's a translation in case you're not familiar with this song. Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way, he looked up in the tree. And he said, "Zacchaeus, you come down. I'm going to your house today."

Bubbles and Baths

Sweet little Beau really seems to enjoy bathtime. He's moved up to the reclining tub, and it's much easier for Mommy! I don't think it's really clear in this picture, but he's quite the chub! The official weigh-in is 11.5 lbs (at 6 weeks)! I think that's pretty hefty, especially for a kid who started out in the NICU.

Linc and I opened a new bubble package this afternoon while Beau napped, and nothing makes this kid happier! Sometimes he is happy to cheese out for the camera (or camera phone in this case), and sometimes he yells, "No cheese Mommy!" I guess I caught him in the right mood. Note to self: before taking important Easter pictures, hand him a new bubble set!
I met with Lincoln's teacher today for Parent/Teacher Conference. They do this a few times a year to make sure we're all clear on the developmental goals and where he stands. He's doing great and has already met many of the 2-3 year old milestones. Miss Syreeta marveled at his communication and vocabulary skills, of course! She also noted that he plays well with the other kids and really enjoys the activities they do. We're going to work on cutting with preschool scissors, tossing the ball underhanded, and communicating our feelings (mad, sad, etc). I've been taking Linc to school a lot lately (instead of Kevin), and he's totally excited to go each morning. As soon as we get in his class he says, "Later Mommy! Take Beau home!" It is a wonderful feeling that he loves his school, loves his teachers, and loves his friends . . . I always dread that he'll cry about me leaving him there, and I'm happy that's not the case!

No Pants

When I picked Lincoln up from school the other day, he was so proud to show me the hat he'd made. I couldn't believe he was wearing it, but he was so excited about it. He wore it all the way home so he could show Daddy. We were changing his clothes when this funny thing happened:

Mommy: Here are your shorts, Lincoln.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: No, you need to put these on so we can play.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: Don't you want to go out and play. You have to wear the shorts to go outside.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: What do you want to do?

Lincoln: Watch a movie.

Mommy: You have to wear these to watch the movie.

Lincoln: No pants.

I thought about the parenting strategies I knew and decided we were going with no pants! I had offered him choices twice (going outside and watching a movie) that required putting on the shorts to do something fun. He chose no pants each time. So no pants! What a weirdo! The funny thing is, he wore the shorts to school today without even mentioning no pants. I guess he just didn't want to wear pants! I try to go along with his independence with limitations, but sometimes a kid just doesn't want pants.

While Linc was in school today, Beau got to play with one of his cool toys! This electronic Mickey book reads stories aloud with lots of neat sounds. Beau enjoyed listening to it and the songs at the end of each story. Don't tell Linc that Beau's sneaking his stuff!

After all the fun stories, Beau fell asleep. I hope he enjoyed the quiet playing because it wasn't long before a loud Lincoln was home ready to destroy the peace.

Happy Easter

It was a very Happy Easter indeed. This is our first picture as a family of four. I guess I'm slacking because Beau is already 6 weeks old! At the last minute I got the boys matching outfits. I didn't think I would be a "match-y" kind of mom, but it was precious. I think I should do it while I can because they'll refuse anything of the sort before I know it. I'm sure I have a biased opinion, but those are some pretty cute kids!!!!

Hmmmm . . . maybe I should rethink that last statement. I tried to take a picture of the boys before church and this is what I got. Beau was crying and ready for a nap, and Lincoln was in "a mood" about having his picture taken. Hey, it's not all smiles and cute pictures around here!

We met Nana and Pops at the Hyatt for brunch, and it was fantastic. Linc loved the food (we all did) and ate a huge plate of delicious turkey, green beans, fruit and a waffle. I asked if he wanted cake at the end, and he shoved his plate away and yelled "CAKE, CAKE, CAKE!" Yep, he's my boy!

The Easter Bunny came to visit while we were out and left a few goodies. Some of the eggs had chocolate kisses in them, and I think that was Linc's favorite part. Beau's eggs had pacifiers. He's not really interested in the passy most of the time, but it helps calm him in the evening when he's getting tired and fussy.

We had a great church service, yummy lunch, fun with Nana and Pops, long naps, cool presents, lots of egg hunting, and tons of laughing. What a wonderful day!

The Hunter

It's official - Lincoln loves to hunt Easter Eggs! We spent a few hours outside this weekend hunting eggs and had a great time. He has trouble waiting on me to hide them. Sometimes he goes inside to wait, but he really likes to wait right by the door and spy on me! Everytime he sees one, he gets so excited. Even if I hide them in the same spots over again, he still thinks it's new and exciting! Oh, the joy of being two!

I loved hiding eggs for my little hunter. He talked about where he found each egg . . . "hide in the bushes on the top" or " hide in the tree at the bottom" or even "hide under the leaf". I guess we had a lesson on spatial elements today! The baskets may remain out for a few days to take advantage of our new game. Surely the neighbors will understand if we're still hunting eggs next week!!!!

Fun Times

One of Lincoln's favorite things to do is help me get Beau up from naps. He always wants to climb in Beau's bed, and occasionally I allow it. The mobile is of no interest to Beau yet, but Linc thinks it's pretty cool. (He does complain that it moves too slow though!) Beau's probably thinking a giant invaded his peaceful little bed!!!!

We had lots of fun and extra guests at Mi Cocina this week. Terah, Hayden and Ethan were in town to visit the Hoggs, and Linc loved the boys. He warmed up to them quickly when they showed him a cool app on their iPhone. I don't know what it was, but Lincoln would shriek with laughter. He kept yelling down the table, "Mommy, he bump a head!" Too early to introduce violent video games . . . I think not!!!!

Of course, we bought the app as soon as we got home! He and Daddy did lots of giggling. Linc's new thing is to cover his mouth when he laughs.

It's been a fun weekend so far, with a little shopping, a lot of playing, and even some Easter Egg hunting. Stay tuned for super cute hunting pics!

Lincoln-isms

Someone still loves to teetee in the potty, and it's even better with a Potty Book too! He's totally going to kill me when he's 16!!! I'll show these pictures to every girlfriend just to embarrass him!

Lincoln says the funniest things these days. I am definitely his best translator, and I listen really hard and think with a completely open mind when he's telling me something. He's pretty patient about repeating what he's saying until someone figures it out. Here are some of my favorites:

He says - What it means

Hockiler - Helicopter

Ockadoo - Octopus

San A Nono - San Antonio

Polka Tail - Pony Tail

Want EIEIO - O Organics Milk

Excuse the total darkness of this video and enjoy the sweet singing. I couldn't resist posting our version of Rock A Bye, Baby, even though my phone didn't pick up any picture while filming. (It was pretty dark in Linc's bedroom, and I guess the phone didn't catch the nightlight.)

Lots for a Mommy to Love

I love reading to these boys. We all sat down for a few books the other night and had lots of fun. Lincoln has been reading "The Five Little Pumpkins" to me lately. He's so funny (and very proud of himself) when he knows the words. Of course, he wants Elmo and Ernie to hear the story too. I don't know if we're ever far from Elmo and Ernie. They accompanied us to Target today, though I insisted they wait in the car for us while we shopped. He reluctantly agreed, after asking a million times if they'd still be in the car when we got back.

I love when Lincoln wants to hug Beau . . . I'm not sure Beau feels the same! I'm constantly reminding Linc to be careful, be gentle, be easy, etc. I don't think any of those are concepts a toddler understands though.

I love that Lincoln loves Easter Eggs! To my surprise, Lincoln asked on the way home from school if we could "do the eggs and put on stickers"! I was thrilled - I think I've finally found an Easter Buddy!!! I happily boiled a dozen eggs so we could get started. He was elated when he saw the kit had Mickey's gang. He even gave me a few minutes of wearing the included Mickey Ears.

The best part of the whole process is the stickers . . . he waits as patiently as a two year old can while the eggs dye and dry. I'm sure that takes an eternity to him! Luckily Beau is napping well right now, so we have plenty of time for eggs.

We now have lovely Mickey eggs to display. Don't tell Linc, but I tossed the previous batch of Easter Eggs. They definitely don't keep for long, and though my container is smell-proof, I decided they'd served their purpose. He immediately spotted the egg dyeing kits at Target tonight. Of course I bought it!!!! This is the best money I've spent in a while!

Playtime with Beau

Even though we spend a lot of time with Big Brother Lincoln, I try to get Beau a little quieter (solo) playtime each day. It must be much nicer to play without a toddler yelling and trampling all over the place. It looks like he's really checking out these fish!

Beau really doesn't like being on his back, but sometimes it's necessary. He looks a lot like Lincoln (at one month) in this picture. I must remember to retire this shirt - it's totally stretched to the limit!