Boys, Boys, Boys

watching tv

I live in a house of boys! Good thing I love being outside, splashing in the pool, and talking, talking, talking. (Oh, and watching tv, too.)

Tytus' vocabulary is exploding these days. It's usually after vacations/visits with other people that trigger new growth in the boys. So, after we were around several cousins for the weekend, I've noticed a big jump in more than one area. The most obvious one is Tytus' ability to repeat and remember any word I say. Up until this point he would attempt to copy what I was saying, but there were times when he just couldn't get it to come out right. Not a problem anymore! He can repeat any word now, and he's talking in sentences a ton! It's so much fun to have conversations with him! Here are some memorable things he's said this past week:

• Playing in Witten's crib: "Where's Bear Boy? (a name he made up on the spot) Oh! There he is!"
• Getting dressed on morning: "Mommy, put on this pretty daddy ring please." (while handing me my wedding ring)
• Naming his trucks outside: "This is Peter (the scoop). Where is Daniel the dump? 
• Something daddy hears often "Wave bye to daddy?" Then we go sit on the blue bench outside to wish him a good day at work.
• Something we both get to hear often: "Love you Mommy/Daddy!" followed up by a kiss :)

favorite summer activity

He would count "one, two, three", then we would both run and jump in the water.

And the list could go on and on. Some days I feel like all I do is talk. It's a constant conversation. But I know it won't be like this forever, so I'm soaking it up! 

6 months

Here's our happy six month old. Times are just getting more and more fun with him, too! He's sitting up really sturdy and loves to play with Tytus and his "big kid" toys. We've started giving them baths together in the big tub, and it's crazy how quickly he's learned how to steady himself with the waves, splashing, and water being poured over his head. I guess that's what happens when you have an older brother. He also loves going to the pool. We set him in his float the first time we went and he just sat back and sucked his thumb while watching everything going on. He's such a chill little guy!

Our most recent activity has been playing in Witten's crib when he wakes up from his nap. So, I'll leave you with this:

Unfortunately Tytus isn't really showing off his new vocabulary. :) You'll only hear a few phrases from him since he's trying to imitate Witten. 

Quote of the Day

We're sitting out in the driveway watching the garbage truck make its way down the street. As it's getting closer to our house Witten holds on to my fingers to stand himself up. Tytus is now standing up and talks to me about how he can stand up all by himself. So, we talk about how Witten is still pretty little and needs lots of practice and stronger muscles to stand up by himself. Tytus looks right at Witten, bends down to give him a big hug and looks at me while saying "I love babies!".

Five Months

Witten is such a joyful little guy! He's pretty easy going, loves to be around the action, and is ready with a big smile and squeal any time you want to talk. He's sat up some on his own but still tends to slowly lean forward until he's almost folded in half. I'll let him hold my fingers to push himself up straighter, but he's been known to push my hands away so he can sit up alone. :) Determination! Sitting up and standing up are two of his favorite ways to check out what's going on. Lately we've been out in the yard pulling up grass, digging to level our steps that make the path to the back yard, mowing, playing in the pool, etc. Since most of us are busy with our own little projects, Witten usually just hangs out on his blanket under the tree. No toys necessary....he loves watching the leaves blow and occasionally checking out what we're doing.

practicing sitting up all by himself

Witten has become incredibly predictable when it comes to napping and eating during the day. If I'm distracted or preoccupied with something he'll definitely let me know that he should be in his bed. I'll sing him a song as we shut his windows and he'll settle right in for a snooze. I love hearing him cooing in his bed when he's done napping. I usually go in to see him looking up for me, and once he spots me I get a huge smile, a little wiggle, and he hides his face so we can do it again. Silly guy!

Waking up!

Looking up at the mirror on his changing table after bath time.
 He'll just talk and talk and talk to himself.

On Mother's Day we dedicated him at our church and pray that he grows up to know Christ personally and shine such a bright light. Wit means "life" and Charles (his middle name) means "free man". When we chose his name, our prayer was that he would experience true life as a free man in Christ. Everything else falls away when you live to bring Him glory! As we dedicate him we want our closest friends and family to help keep us accountable for setting an example, showing him the way, and guiding him into God's loving arms.

Right after the dedication

Best Time of Day

Right now my favorite time of day is the afternoons. It used to be the hardest and may be hard again as we pass through the different phases with two little guys....but right now it's so fun! Usually Witten wakes up to eat around 2/2:30 and we get to play some, just the two of us, while Tytus finishes up his nap. It's really fun to just spend some time playing and talking to our little bug and enjoying him all by himself.

He loves swinging outside. I'll say "Ready, set, go!" and he'll giggle as he flies up high.

 Once Tytus is up we all play outside or eat a snack inside then head out for a walk. Over the past week we've walked the trail in our neighborhood and picked flowers along the way. Witten naps in the stroller while Tytus and I listen to the quiet as we walk. Tytus points out what flowers we should pick to bring home and usually asks to either check up on the construction on one of our streets or visit the park. Then we make it back home to get ready for dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening before bed.

Imaginiation

It's the best just to sit back and watch/listen to what Tytus is thinking and making up. It ranges all the way from mimicking familiar situations (like feeding his stuffed animals and putting blankets on them for their naps) to new funny scenarios. One day last week he brought out his bag of blocks and started building a city without saying anything or asking for help. I asked him what he was doing and he described a house, a bridge, and showed me where the train goes through. He made the sounds and everything, so I had to take a picture. :)

getting started

giving a tour of his creation

So proud!

Last weekend we spent most of Saturday running errands. One of the last stops we made was Sams to get some new tires for Ian's car. We dropped off the car and walked around while they worked on it. After we checked out they were still finishing up, so Ian held Tytus up to look through the windows to check out what was going on. We talked about how the wheels were old, how they lift the car up to work on it, and that the new wheels will be safer to drive on now. Since then it has been a part of our daily conversation to talk about daddy's new wheels. Usually he says "NEW WHEELS" with a huge smile and his hands up in the air. He's reenacted it several times with different tools and props....one day with his tricycle, another with his little green truck, even out in the sandbox with his little diggers.

4 months

Our sweet little guy

Witten is four months old now and so much fun! I remember this is when time seems to fly as they begin to learn so many new things. He's working on sitting up on his own, still loves tummy time, and LOVES to talk to people. He'll also pull up if you hold his hands. I think the most fun is when we're outside on a blanket and he gets to stand up and talk to whoever is around. He can see his brother (most likely throwing a ball or running around) and hear all the fun noises. It's getting to be really pretty most days, so we get to spend a lot of our time out of the house. Cherishing this time and loving both of our boys!

Happy Easter!

Jesus is risen and we can celebrate and truly live because of it! He has blessed us in so many ways, and we live to bring him glory in how we raise our two boys, love each other as husband and wife, and try to treat others the way He shows us in His word. Here's how our family has grown through the last three Easters:

2011

2012

2013