More Noise, Please.

Clint just wrapped up an extremely busy Finals week, and we're thankful to have iur "Daddy"/Husband back. The kids have been really desperate for more time with him. Marin scans the room & when she sees Clint, her eyes light up & she grins his way, for as long as he'll give her his attention.

Marin is cooing & gooing, gurgling & blowing raspberries like crazy.  She loves to be vocal & is starting to show preference for people she recognizes with gorgeous eye-twinkling smiles,She is also a magnet for her sweet big brother's attention, which helavishly gives her. Jonas is a wonderful helper & the best BIG brother imaginable. He loves Marin so much. He loves to be next to her whenever possible & tells her how pretty she is & how much he loves her.  He's anxious to teach her about the world, but is satisfied just cuddling her, [rotecting er, translating for her  & watching her grow for now.  Marin is also able to reach out & grab toys with more coordination now & sit up with little support. She is such a sweet baby & is content most of the time...but if she is unhappy - everyone knows. ;)

Jonas celebrated his 3rd birthday at the zoo this year.  About 10 kids & their parents  made it out to join us.  The kids donned tails & visors with ears & rode the Cenenniel Choo-Choo around like little leopards.  I wrote a whole post about it, if you need to know more. It turned out ot be a great party.

Jonas has been really asserting himslef lately. He feels very independent, and wants to do everything by himself. He also has learned to say N..O...a lot, much to my dismay. He 'll tell me "No, I'm not going to do _____ (Insert whatever I just asked him to do here). " Then he'll wait to see my reaction.  He's getting into trouble a lot & is at the stage where whatever is in his reach is fair play. If we go out to eat and there are cabinets, he's into them. BBQ bottles, at eye level....what a great toy! YIKES!

He is really testing me lately with tantrums and BIG displays in public places. He likes to see how far he can push me. Mom said not to touch the tv, but maybe I can touch the frame around the tv...is this okay?  At the dentists office during my exam the other day, he kept raising and lowering the chair I was sitting in, as the dentist was consulting me & Marin was screaming. My doctor was very understanding, but after asking Jonas 15 times to stop politely, I was getting embarrassed because he just ignored me. Jonas is really showing me that he makes a choice to behave....or not to.  He loves preschool, and although he is presenting his teacher with the same "listening" challenges, he is doing very well there.

Jonas started group swim lessons at our gym. He's doing well, but I'm not sure he's ready for the group environment yet. In order to get him to focus (even minimally) on what the teacher is saying, I have to sit right beside him & block him from the pool toys - which are irrresistable to him. The teacher bypasses him several times during the course of the lesson, because he's not participating & is not ready for his "turn".  She suggested that I look into private lessons. I'd love to do that, but they are pretty expensive. I may just wait until Jonas and I can spend some time in the pool together over the summer. Maybe I can help him some.

I've been sewing up a storm lately.  After I sent Jonas to school in his "tie" t-shirt, they commissioned me to make them for the pre-K end-of-year program,  I also have a few t-shit dresses to make....which I have no clue how to do. Better get busy!