Deb and Dominic's Blog: June 2010

Here it is June and the boys are growing like weeds. Here's what's new.

AJ:
He continues to be a dream baby, and is getting more fun as he ages. He turned 5 months old a few days ago. Simple eye contact will make him smile ear to ear, and he giggles with the smallest amount of interaction. He makes us laugh constantly. Developmentally, he's able to hold toys and can sit (tripod style) for quite awhile. I have to say though, the kid is a bit chubby. It's the cutest thing! Today he wore a shirt in size 18 months. He's got roly poly arms and legs, and cellulite on his bottom. His neck is non existent, and at last count he had 3 or 4 chins. It takes extra effort at bathtime to clean in those cracks and crevices. We have no idea what might be hiding in there. One time when the remote was missing I started getting suspicious. We wouldn't change a thing though - it's completely adorable and endearing. He's such a jolly little guy. Sometimes we feel like we should pinch ourselves for having such a sweet, happy, easy baby. He's been sleeping through the night since about 10 weeks and only cries if he's hungry or tired. I take that back. In recent days he has decided he hates the carseat. He definitely knows how to notify us of his displeasure in the car. Usually, belting out the lyrics to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star can settle him down, which can get interesting. I'm the first to admit I'd never win American Idol. Even Cohen sometimes says, "Stop singing, Mommy." AJ's eyes are an amazing shade of blue, which I hope he keeps forever. So far, early indicators say he's getting Dominic's personality - laid back and cheerful. I can't imagine what life was like without this funny little dude.

AJ's continuing to go to Jessica's for daycare. We're happy with her and the routine of making two stops every morning and afternoon is not terrible. Eventually he'll move to Little Endeavors, but not yet. He's been 100% healthy since birth - unreal!

Cohen:
He's creeping up on three and definitely adds to the humor in the house. When he's not chattering away, he's singing. He makes up is own lyrics to common melodies, like "Mac and cheese, mac and cheese..." to the tune of ABC's. He also has interesting interpretations to common nursery rhymes like Eppy Bitty Spider, Hicky Dicky Dock, and Dumpy Dumpy Sat on a Wall. His language skills continue to increase by the day. He comes up with the funniest stuff. "Mommy, who puts the eggs in chickens' bottoms?" No matter how I would have responded, it undoubtedly would have been followed with a series of "WHY?" questions. He also asks "Member when...?" all the time. Like, "member when Kraeton threw the ball at my tummy?" Why yes, I do remember - considering it was only 4 mintues ago! His activity of choice this summer is anything that involves a ball, bat, hoop, racquet, etc. He's showing the most promise (and interest) in basketball. He just started the preschool room at Little Endeavors and I'm amazed at some of the stuff he comes home with. Today they drew family photos, and his included five proportionally-sized scribbles with legs (Dad, Mom, Kraeton, Cohen and AJ) and two extra smaller scribbles for Buzz and Rudy. Definitely a keeper. He can write his name and a few other letters, and can count to twenty ten (you know, the number that comes after after 29). His best friend is Nathan. It's so cute when Cohen gets to school and Nathan runs up to him and gives him a hug and kiss and says I love you Cohen. Cohen is not at all interested in potty training, despite the pressure he (and us) are getting from school. I wish I could wave a magic wand - I find it hard to be consistent in our training efforts. Cohen affection for his beloved Teddy has reached epic levels. One day we left Teddy at McDonalds and you'd have thought the Titanic sunk. Needless to say, we didn't waste a second before jumping in the car to fetch him. I worry what will happen when Teddy expires. He's been patched and stitched and restuffed so many times already. If he were a cat, his 9 lives would have been up long ago.

Cohen likes AJ more all the time. At first there was some forced affection and I think Cohen's only use for his brother was a new hill to drive his cars on. But there's more sincere care and protectiveness. It's nice to see.

Kraeton is just finishing up 6th grade in Algonquin. He's keeping busy with baseball and his new dog, Bumper. We've been lucky enough to see him several times in recent weeks. He's turning into such a mature, pleasant young man and we're so proud of him!