It's hard for me to believe our sweet little girl is already seven months old. Something has clicked in just the last week and she suddenly seems like a much different baby. She has started to roll around the room. She is sitting up straight. She isn't yet moving forward, but has inched a little here and there and is slowly beginning to figure out how to use her legs to help her. She's talking with sounds like ma-ma-ma-ma-ma. She went for her first run in the jogger last weekend. We've sat her in restaurant highchairs using the fabric seat cover we have. And we've moved her from the infant carseat to a new convertible carseat.
During our Thanksgiving dinner I asked Thomas and his cousin what they were thankful for. Both being 2-1/2 years old, they ignored my question and continued on with what they were doing. At home this morning we talked about our trip to Seattle. Again I asked him what he was thankful for and this time he quickly answered "slippers and my rabbit". A perfectly honest answer from a toddler.
When asked what we should do for Grandma's birthday, Thomas was quick to reply "make her a birthday cake!" so that's just what we did. He wanted to make her a white heart cake with candles. Not sure where he came up with this idea, but he's been talking about it all week. So this afternoon we baked her a birthday cake and, later at her house, he put the candles he had picked out on the cake for her. Unfortunately it looked better than it tasted but it's really the thought and effort put into it that matters most, right? He had a great time making it and really wanted it to be special for her. Happy birthday, Grandma!
Thomas demonstrated and then helped Meredith sip from her first sippy cup. Not sure how much, if any, she's actually getting but she seems to be enjoying holding it and putting it in her mouth.
Thomas gives his first peanutbutter & jelly sandwich a thumbs up.
Today Thomas hit the 2 and a 1/2 year mark. I love this age! He's so much fun and a joy to be around. I often find myself watching Thomas do or say something and think to myself wow, he really is just like his dad! People have told us his physical appearance is a perfect blend and he resembles both of us in different ways. I believe this and think his personality is the same. A little of his dad and a little of his mom which seems to be adding up to a really neat little guy. And one who is pretty chatty. Some interesting things we've heard lately...When asked why he didn't nap one afternoon, he told me he was "cleaning the lint out from his toes". Seriously. And for the record, I have personally witnessed how meticulous he is so I can see how this activity may occupy him for a full two hours.
"Mmmmm. I like yucky sauce." (translation: I like Teriyaki sauce.)
When asked about Christmas gifts, he'll sometimes respond "college money". (We've been practicing this one!)"I is."
"Thank you. You're welcome." You know, just in case the recipient of the Thank You didn't hear or simply forgot to respond back with You're Welcome. Thomas has you covered.
"Dad, you have a hurt penis... and a Harley!" (explanation: recent vasectomy)
...seen a Ghost Dog? 
...sweat so much during a nap that you woke with wrinkled fingertips? 
We returned to the Oregon Coast this weekend for a much-needed breath of fresh air...
Managing these two can be a challenge at times, but special moments like these make it all worthwhile. Watching their relationship develop and grow and seeing how much love they have for one another never gets old. It could never get old...
