Swimming lessons

We have two little water bugs.  Izzie was in her second session of swimming lessons by herself, and Levi got to try it for the first time with Daddy.  Isabel loved it, and Levi was obsessed.  By the end of their sessions, Izzie was a master back floater, held her breath underwater really well, and even learned to like jumping in the pool.  Most noticeably, my darling with no upper body strength actually managed to get herself out of the water on her own.  Levi couldn't wait to slide into the water, learned how to hold his breath really well, and basically had the time of his life licking and chewing and relaxing.  

At their first lessons, Izzie's teacher was trying to help the kids understand they can't reach if they come off of the steps.  She dropped a toy in the water away from the steps where they wouldn't be able to touch.  She then asked, "Can you get this toy?" to a little boy who said "Nooo..." (he was on to her).  My darling Izzie, when asked the same question, shouted "YES!" and jumped in the air with her fist held high.  I was so proud of her for being brave and confident... and yet... she was clearly missing the point.  The teacher told her to go get the toy then, and my little-miss-not-so-daring surprisingly jumped right in the water and grabbed the toy proudly before dropping like a rock.  Her head popped up once, and the look on her face was like, "Oh, crap.  I get it now."  The teacher let her bob a bit before rescuing her and talking to her, but the lesson was learned.  Later, when looking through the pictures, Izzie saw the ones of her during this time and said, "That was NOT a good idea."  Hilarious.  (I'm betting you can guess which picture it is below!)

Camping

Annual camping trip with the Abbotts and Dan.  Delicious food, wonderful friends, and mosquitoes that nearly carried the small children away.  The kids had so much fun playing together!

Summer is Here

Izzie's last day on the baby side at Dimensions. (Although she is very clear on the fact that she will ALWAYS be my baby.)  She is now officially a preschooler -- no more toddler rooms for her.  I held it together and didn't cry (win) but man it makes me sad!  At least I still have my little buddy there!

And I can only be sad about her move up for a little bit, because she is ecstatic about preschool.  She gets to choose her own activities and there are a zillion places to explore and she is loving it.  Plus, for the only time ever, her and Caden get to be in the same class.  Until we send him to kindergarten this fall, but we can't talk about that...

They are so happy to see each other EVERY TIME

More room to roam!

We drop Levi off first and pick him up last, so we
still use the doors on the little kids side.

Izzie loves having Caden around, but her teachers say she still spends
a good chunk of her time "doing her own thing".  Like a teddy bear picnic.

Painting is her most favorite thing of all!  She does it every day!

Glue, tap shoes, a purse, and beans.  What more does a girl need?

And lest he feel forgotten or neglected, here is the little man...

Apparently his friend was not a fan of all the pictures taken of him...

I Blinked

Learned to twist the tops off his bottles.  "Yeah, Mom?  This thing's not working..."

I blinked and 9 months of this man's life disappeared. My only saving grace is that he has pretty low motivation when it comes to hitting those developmental milestones, so I can still trick myself into feeling like I have a baby.  BECAUSE I DO.

No teeth.  No crawling.  No pulling himself on things.  But he does get up on all fours and do a wiggle bottom move that is pretty spectacular.  And he can wiggle and wriggle and roll just about anywhere.  If he cares enough.  But quite frankly, from his perspective, sitting in one place is also awesome.  

Favorite book: I Love You, Stinky Face. He smiles so big every time!

Favorite food: anything that can go in his mouth and be chewed. Specifically blueberries and green beans right now (as I type this I'm pretty sure I'm flashing back to Izzie loving the same things...). The other day I gave him a Ritz cracker and it was like a holy experience - he treasured and held that cracker forever in his little hands. I don't think he ever actually chewed it. I think he just held it up to his mouth and kissed it until it was gone.

I win!  Sister caved and gave me her pancake!

I wondered if he was ready for toast...and then he inhaled it.

The Ritz cracker.  Look at that face and pose.

Favorite activity: knocking over stacks of blocks and throwing things

Favorite spot: high chair (see "Favorite food" above)

Favorite sound: Dada

Favorite song: This child is blessed with a treasury of songs that the three of us have made up for him. I will spare you.

Favorite toy: Jeffrey and/or his piano

We love you, sweet angel boy.