Growing boys

When Liam is cleaning or if he finds something out of place, instead of saying where does this go, or this doesn't belong here, he says " where does this live?" everything, living or none-living, lives somewhere! Its my favorite. Chad favorite thing he says right now is "Last day" instead of yesterday he says last day...in fact, sometimes it doesn't even half to be a day ago, sometimes he's referring to the time before his nap as last day...actually we aren't quite sure if he knows the difference between going to bed at night and taking a nap. "Mom can we go to the park like we did last day?"

Matix is only 14 months and has both his lower molars completely in! teething was rough but he is such a good eater now and the teeth are just adorable. Now talking is  whole other story, still no words from little man but he has a great sense of humor and uses grunts and pointing to communicate.

Liam is still begging to learn every day. I bought him a subtraction kit that was on the clearance rack at Walmart and he begs to "Play the number game" every day. He puts the little foam bloke in a straight and orderly line beneath the number and subtracts the number next to it and writes the difference on his white board. He could do it all day. He still hasn't learned how to write all the numbers but he can add and take away and loves when he gets it right the first time.

Matix understands a few words. Snuggle. Kisses. Come here. Chew more, no-no, and Wrestle. I'm sure he understands more than that but those are the words he'll respond to every time. He refuses to communicate and gives a a smirky smile when we ask him to say "mama" or "dada". He knows what we want and he loves playing hard to get. I bet if Uncle Brennon asked him to say it, he would, he would do anything with Uncle Brennon, in fact, his first high five was one Sunday to uncle Brennon. They have a cute little relationship.

Liam loves company and while he can self-entertain effortlessly, he prefers to be with others, even if they're just in the same room. He longs for closeness and is so sensitive to the energy in a room. Today we were backing out of the parking space at the library and behind up where the handicap parking spaces. And elderly gal was backing out too so i stopped to let her finish but she didn't see me and just as i honked, she hit the gas a we hit ends. I screamed and said oh no a few time, and after checking the kids and my surroundings i grabbed my insurance and took care of the situation. ten minutes later I got back in the car to explain what had happened to Liam and he kept saying, "Oh, mom, I'm so sorry about the car, that makes you sad huh." and "I'm sad we got in a little accident, that makes you sad and scared." after my nerves were completely calm about 20 minutes later, I explained to him that it was a little accident, it could have been worse and everyones ok, so its ok! He responded by saying, "Ok, accidents happen and we're ok, so its ok! I feel so much happier now! how do you feel mom?".  I reassured him I was a very happy girl and we carried on as usual but I'm so grateful for his natural empathy and concern for others. I know we both have a lot to work on but Liam and me, we know how to care for each other and heal hurt feelings.

Matix is getting faster and stronger, he does this thing when he's anger where he just starts kicking and punching whatever he can get a hold of. He hates being on his back and hates even more when we have to do stuff for him, like give him baths, feed him or change him. If he could he'd do it all by himself. His independence is equally matched with his desire to be snuggled so it all evens out. But his desire to explore and take risks and try new things is a refreshing energy in our days. Sometimes it ends in bonked heads and toilet water hands but other days he climbs new heights, find new toys to play with and discovers new things he is capable of. I hope he never looses he daring nature.

Liam and Matix are as brothers as brothers can be. They play in Liams room with toys, they watch Daniel tiger and dance in circles. Liam teases and Matix tatles on him. But what i love the most is the wrestling. Coming from an all girl home, there were few wrestling matches and most of them ended or started in tears or drama. These are much more fun. Liam pretty much just lets Matix beat up on him and laughs as hard as he can. When he bites, Liam teaches and when Liam gets out of hand he gets reminded that the big brother has to have the biggest patience.

I just love these boys, each day is more learning and more fun. This second kiddo is reminding me that phases good or bad are just phases and they end, so we're trying to enjoy it all!