May 2011 Update

Magnus and Arlo are both developing so fast, each in their own space. We just enjoyed a quick look back to Fall 2008 and Winter 2009 to see what Arlo was up to at this point and it seems Magnus is pretty close to "on track" with his big brother, or just a little bit slower. He's now got a pretty good grasp on sitting up, he grabs for everything within reach, puts it in his mouth, then tosses it aside and moves on to the next thing. Faces and smiles are particular favorites to grab for. He LOVES getting kisses and smiles from ear to ear if you lavish him with little pecks. He's ticklish, laughs at toe nibbles, reaches out for us and gives big hugs when we pick him up. He's constantly babbling "daddadadada" and "hmmmmmmm". Mag is enjoying the solid foods - pears, bananas, carrots, broccoli, prunes. He tried a teething biscuit the other day and loved it so we need to get those in the mix. He's going to sleep pretty much on his own (usually with a little crying but it dies down fast) and still spits up but that seems more related to a current cold he's got since it had subsided for some time. Toe grabbing, seems to be teething, rubs back of his head when he's tired, doesn't want to be alone much but loves the bumbo. He and Fluf are buddies.

Arlo is nearly 3 - 1 week countdown! Today he asked Sam if he could go look in the window well in the driveway for praying mantises - that's where they had found several LAST YEAR, and he remembered it on his own. Pretty amazing that he can reach back that far in his memory! He's an "attached" kid, really happy when he's close with us, but also seems to be getting bored easily and then takes on a more devious mentality. Those times, he is pesky with his brother, gets an evil little laugh and does all the things he knows he shouldn't. He's also prone to some temper flare ups. Today, for example, he didn't get ENOUGH sorbet when I gave it to him and therefore decided he should dump it out on the floor. He then mashed it with the bowl and spoon, and rubbed it all over the floor. Luckily, it was the kitchen tile so once he'd calmed down about the whole thing I was able to just walk in and silently hand him a towel and he cleaned it all up himself too. He's in that funny stage where he can be so loving and sweet and cuddly and then turn on a dime and hit you over the head or find ways to push buttons you didn't even know you had.

People are really happy and inquisitive about Magnus's red hair. It's charming. Aside from the hair, he and Arlo look A LOT alike at this age. It's fun to look back and see that, cause Arlo has changed so much in 3 years it's hard to remember what each phase was like.

The boys are so lucky to be in the good hands of their dad all day, they don't know how fortunate they are! Their days are usually filled with playdates and play groups, soccer tots, the playground, backyard hanging out, lots of shared meals with our neighborhood friends, birthday parties and brunches on weekends, etc. We are really excited about the PG Pool which we've joined with several other families we hang out with in the neighborhood - they'll be able to play there almost every day if they want, enjoying the shade, big sandbox, climbing toys, kiddie pool, and other kids. We went to the opening party last weekend and are really looking forward to being there this summer after seeing how much our kids loved it and how instantly comfortable they were in that setting. I'm sure there will be ample posts in the near future about the pool...

In the meantime, look for a birthday update sometime soon.