Back on the Wagon.

New Years Resolution: don't fall so behind on blogging that you are a bit overwhelmed by where to start. 22 days into the new year, I decided tonight is the night to write. So here I go...not out of obligation, but because I enjoy writing and reflecting on these little beings, our happenings, their milestones and so much more...

I intend to circle back on the holidays missed and these little guys turning 3, but for now it is just an update on where we are in January 2012. Satisfied and thankful to have healthy family and friends, embracing excitement for the Super Bowl activity over the next few weeks and loving the growth and learning we see daily from our babies.


We continue to be surprised by Bennett's imagination and curiosity. His backpack transforms to his oxygen tank when his firefighter duties call. Bennett continues to seek answers to understand the world around him. He loves to recite and act out stories from books. When the stomach flu hit his little body in early-December he was brave. When we discussed and made the decision to give away ALL of his pacifiers to other babies he was even more brave (although I was in tears). He is on a second round of antibiotics for a double ear infection he has had since two days after Christmas and yet he is still sleeping great.

And a personal favorite, a few weeks ago Bennett said, "Mommy, you're the best." I think my reaction has only spurred him to repeat the compliment 759 more times, but who is counting...

The relationship between Bennett and Elly Rose continues to grow. He often calls her "sweetheart" and takes pride in greeting her when she wakes in the morning or following a nap. He is working on sharing his toys with her and allowing her to be "part" of his imaginary play. It is difficult becase she doesn't comprehend what he is trying to create, but wants very much to be with him. When Elly Rose learns a new trick or word, Bennett is so excited and gives her the confidence to do more.

We are seeing more toddler Elly Rose and less baby Elly Rose. At 15- months, she moves about the house with confidence, climbs with even more confidence and has shown us glimpses of a tantrum or two. Following Bennett's double ear infection, she had the same. Like her big brother, she has been a trooper through the cold/flu season. We sent her out into the snow this weekend (for a full 4 minutes). Wrapped in Bennett's arms, she took a quick trip around the back yard in the sled.


She is determined and at times, fiesty. She doesn't allow Bennett to take toys from her like he could a couple months ago. I think she will be a little fighter. On the flip side, she can be really shy...hiding in our shoulder at church and when she wakes from a nap, she likes to snuggle. Never a big fan of Fenny, she has come around and likes to give kisses and hugs to doggy.

A sample of determination. By the time Christmas rolled around, we had removed nearly half our ornaments. She would find a way to reach them and take them off the tree. At our New Years Eve gathering, she was the first "dancing on the table" - their dining room table. Helped herself onto the chair, climbed straight onto the table and promptly stood up in the middle of it. We never even had a glimpse of "climbing" from Bennett at this age.

I am fortunate to work with many wonderful parent volunteers. The moms often ask how Bennett and Elly Rose are doing. They listen and smile and then say how fast this all goes and how much they miss what I am doing. I really try to remember this. I think I have written this before, but I love every stage more. There are things I miss about a previous stage, but there is so much reward in seeing the progress of their learning and growing.