Beck & Ellery: 2012. Off to a great start.

We have noticed a difference in Ellery's independence and self confidence lately. She can still be shy but opens up a lot more than she used to. I catch her waving to people in other cars, talking to the guy at the cash register and letting people into "her space" more than ever. I think we owe most of this new behavior to preschool. Last Thursday was the first day where there were no tears or any hesitation during drop off. And she asked to go back in as we walked to the car after school. She's got some pretty hilarious things coming out of her mouth and not so funny things going up her nose. She's discovered that little things like Cheerios, dried apples and shredded cheese fit nicely in those nostrils. I warned her that doing so might earn her a trip to the hospital and she hasn't put anything up there in a few days. This girl loves her brother. The other day we went to get Beck from his afternoon nap and she says "Beck awake? Oh, good morning sweetie! Hi sweet boy!" (while caressing his cheek) I didn't expect her to love him as much as she does and it brings me so much joy. I guess I better soak it up because it wont always be this way.

Beck loves his big sis as well and when he's not pulling her hair out (he's a terrible hair puller!) he seems to be enamored with all things Elle. I think I've already said how much this boy gets into, and it aint slowin' down! He is into EVERYthing! My sister says this is normal and Ellery was abnormal but geez. It's difficult to keep up with him AND get anything accomplished. I fold a shirt and stop to see what he's into. Run to take the trash out, run back to see what he's into and before I get to the door I hear Ellery shouting "Mooooommy! Beck in a plant!" I enter the front door to find him and the floor covered in soil, moss and leaves. I was vacuuming the other day while he and Elle were playing in the playroom and he managed to get the vacuum cord wrapped around his neck. What? You have all of these toys and you go for the vacuum cord? He's curious and quick. A dangerous combination. He'll be walking soon too, yikes. He's standing solo for brief moments and walking behind anything that he can move. He also finds it to be quite fun to put something under one or both hands and crawl. It was tupperware today. While he goes to anyone, he's definitely a mamas boy, which pleases me to no end. He even passed up the plant today while crawling towards me... true love. As exhausting and messy as this stage is, I wouldn't trade it for anything...

My grandparents, Ann and Wendell, came down for a couple of days. It was so nice to see them and for the great grandkids to spend some time with them...