Walkin and Talkin

Wow, where did all the time go?  The countdown to Hank's first birthday, easter, the beginning of the summer, the end of the summer---would seem like a century, right?  Wrong.  The time is flying by and I feel like we are getting caught up in the day-to-day of it all to stop and  smell the roses.  Hank turned 1 on March 1.  He started walking shortly after.  Meanwhile, Jackson continued to turn into a big boy--attending mother's day out---behaving perfectly during his haircuts--helping with baby and things around the house--doing things that seemed so out of reach just 5 months ago. 

 We accidentlly missed the easter egg hunt that was held in our neighborhood.  Mommy got the time wrong by 30 minutes.  Since it takes an act of God to get out of the house with everyone in tact, that became more a feat that one would think.  The babies didn't notice, but Jackson is very "with it" now so I could never pull off a mistake like that again.  They were able to get rocket icee pops and see the easter bunny though.  A sweet friend of ours gave us some of the easter eggs from his basket.  (Thanks Erin--I owe you one). 

 After Hank started to walk---he started to run----I wish I had eight arms and legs.  That way I would have a chance to keep up with both of them at the same time. 

 Hank has decided that he can deliver orders to everyone in the house--never obey requests to do anything--ever---and hit, throw, and scream/fit pitch.  He is a live wire and in that phase where he will completely lose control over himself if you take something away from him.  He is very interested in dangerous items and expensive items.  Cords to lamps, wall outlets, knives, and glass are among his greatest interests.  Chokable items, nonedibles, heavy things, cell phones, monitors and remote controls make his eyes light up in a way that nothing else can.  Can we say exhausting?

2 Stinkin Toddlers; 1 Big Mess

Some how it is already March and Hank is already one.  Some how Jackson is 2.5 years old, talking in sentences and manipulating everyone.  And some how Maw Maw is very sick in the hospital.  We are praying for her right now.  Only a miracle will turn things around.  Hank is crawling all over the house and is interested in any electronic item he can get his hands on.  He wants our cell phones, the remote control and wants to push buttons on the computer hard drive.  He is scooting from one piece of furniture to the next and thinks he can walk.  He bumps his head every single day and is usually sporting a major bruise on his face.  We have had 3 ear infections so far and face the possibility of tubes.  His milk and egg allergy keep us spending lots of money at Whole Foods, but the excema has all but gone away entirely, so it is worth it.  His snotty nose is a thing of the past as well.  We are not getting anymore vaccines right now as I have read that they can be a culprit to allergies in babies.  Hank can say "mommy", "dadda", "night night" and "no".  He is starting to copy additional words you say.  He understands quite a bit, including "where is Jackson" and "no" and "watch your fingers" (tends to slam fingers in drawers).  He is nursing only twice a day or so and has to drink Hemp and Soy milk which are not that great tasting.  He is such a smiley baby and sleeps well. 

Jackson is a big boy who goes to school and explains his wants and dislikes very well.  He is in charge of the household and lets us know exactly what he wants us to do to make him happy.  He can make up some crazy tall tales and told Mia that he broke his arm at the park and had to go see Dr. Whitaker.  He is smart cookie but does not like to perform much for mamma.  I have to sneak to get information out of him (like getting him to tell me colors of things).  He is very rough and tumble right now and does not want to do much coloring or art.  He is a cartoon buff and likes to read books with me at night.  Hates to wash his hair and get his diaper changed. We had made some progress on potty training but he seems to have lost interest.  We will work on it again over Spring Break.  With both of them moving all over the house and getting into literally every nook and cranny in the entire world, it is very difficult to keep things tidy and organized.  I sometimes wonder if I will ever get it together again. Of course that day will come and I will miss them being little and messy.  They are my sweet babies and part of me wants it to stay that way forever. 

Too Stinkin Cute

Here are some pics taken right before Christmas.  I know.  A moment of silence for the cuteness.  It should be illegal.  Trust me though, it really is a good thing that they are this cute.  Otherwise they might be in for some trouble. 

More Cuteness

 We had some pics taken of the boys very early in December.  When I get the disk from the photographer I will post more.  They are adorable and I have promised myself I will do this every few months because they grow up so quick.  Jackson is starting to realize that Hank is going to be a fun playmate.  He wants to rough house with him a little, which tends to go over surprising well with Hank.  Hank will defend himself if his brother gets too rough by pulling his hair! Hard!!.  Jackson knows how to get Hank to laugh and it is just precious to watch them laugh together. 

Santa and His Helpers

Jackson and Hank went to visit Santa Claus a few weeks before Christmas at Favorite Laundry down the stree.  Jackson was immediately skeptical of the whole situation and was not easily bribed with candy.  Hank loved Santa and tried to grab his beard!! Jackson was not humored by Santa sneaking up behind him and the promises of lovely toys on Christmas day wouldn't crack a smile on his face at all.  Thank goodness Mia was able to get some super cute pics which went on our Christmas cards this year.  I think she broke a sweat and almost passed out trying to get them to laugh, but it was all worth it.  Jackson could sing several Christmas songs and loved reading books like Llamma Llamma Christmas Drama and Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I was truly impressed with how many words to the songs he knew and how much he was able to understand about Christmas in general.  We watched The Elf on the Shelf a million times and Jackson got his own elf from Mia which he named Chippy from the movie.  I cannot find Chippy to this day and have no idea what Jackson has done with him.  I hope Santa understands.  We also went to the Galleria to let the babies see all the Christmas decor and ride the carousel. 

Holidays a Gone Gone

Well the holidays came and went and took me with them.  Just kidding.  I'm still here.  I am here, right?  Halloween was a blast.  The babies were skeletons.  I found cute glow in the dark skeleton pjs from Gymboree, so after the trick or treating festivities, we came home and went to bed in those silly outfits.  Jackson got to trick or treat 3 times.  Once at his school, then at the trunk or treat at his church/school, then in our neighborhood.  He scored tons of candy.  We even went to the little festival in our neighborhood.  Most of the activities like horseback riding and face painting are not on his age level, but the jump jumps are a big hit and he saw Sparky the fire dog.  Hank just looked around and giggled.  We got a handful of trick or treators then turned out the lights at 8:00.  It was warm outside most of the month, so we got to play outdoors nearly every day.