The Little (15 month old) World of Samuel Shores

Matt and I are daily amazed at this little guys' growth! This morning we started counting the words he says now, which we think is at 20, and literally a week ago I would've only been able to count 5! It is so fun at this stage because they get so excited when they learn a word or sign and then when you affirm them with repeating it and cheering for them they get all giddy and excited! It's adorable. So my favorite scenario that's happened a few times now is at dinner. This is usually a stressful time because Sam is serious about success when it comes to being served his food, especially dinner. Well I think he's turning a corner now of having a little more patience, but the last few nights when he saw me beginning the dinner process (reaching for pans, getting out the ingredients) he follows me into the kitchen and uses one of his new words, "diiiiinnrrrr" and starts stomping his feet and clapping his hands as if to say "good job Mom, keep cookin'!" Then when I open the fridge he gets right behind the door to shut it closed (which he thinks is being really helpful because I asked him once to close the fridge). Last night after this routine when the fridge opened he reached in and grabbed a tupperware of tortellini, handed it to meand starting clapping and stomping saying "noooo-lll" (noodle). My other favorite part of this process while stomping for food is I tell him to say please and he says "peas" and pinches his nipples over and over (the sign for please is rubbing your hand in a circle on your chest). Matt and I love to watch his intense emotions of life (sounds familiar) like when Matt and Jake start chasing around the house, or especially when the an outside door opens. Sam starts in with "DO (sounds like dough) DO! DO! DO!" and the arms go pumping up and down with a speed walk! He also does this arm pump right after he throws a ball and says "throw" which also comes out as DO. One of Sam's favorite activities is playing outside, especially with a hose and in mud. We got the boys rain boots the other day and as soon as we go outside, Sam make a b-line for his boots and brings them to me saying "booot. boooot." Yesterday he worked very hard for probably 20 minutes carrying chunks of clumped dirt and dumping them into his bucket of water that he filled up. He loves to play with toys, quite content doing it all by himself. Right now he loves his ball popper (but shoves everything that fits down there: batteries, forks, blocks...). He also loves blocks and any book about animals. He is developing some good dexterity like opening lids to food and drinks (greaaaat). Also he is amazing with a spoon and fork. He really gets it and prefers to eat with one than bare handed. All of these things are so different from how Jake was/is that it is so fun to see there different personalities! He is just such a joy and delight to our family (most of the time ;))

The Little World of Jake Shores

Recently I've noticed that Jake is at a stage that everything is clicking. After TWO AND A HALF years of lessons and working REALLY hard on it, I am excited to share that Jake is finally rolling over all by himself! (See the video) Last week he had Blaire who is amazing, but not his weekly teacher. She had him rolling over consecutively which means he's actually getting from point A to point B now without help (PRAISE THE LORD!) Other fun things that have clicked: Potty Training (another huge praise!) and even often dry through the night which always shocks me. Pulling up his underwear and shorts and putting on his shoes (which he has always much preferred others to do for him, even his friend, Mia!), riding his trike (although he doesn't really enjoy it for too long-but he does love ringing the bell!) and this week he has started pouring his own milk in his sippy cup and filling his water cup from the fridge dispenser. Finally, he can now sing his ABC's from start to finish. He had asked me about a week ago when we were getting my tea at AJ's if he could have the "ice cream cone cookie" from Barb's bakery that they sell there. Well...these cookies are 2.50 so I don't just buy them any old time. So trying to think quickly without saying "it's too expensive" I said that as soon as he is able to sing his abc's by himself we will come back and I will buy him that cookie. I don't know, just trying to give him a little incentive as he usually does well with. He has been obsessing over that cookie and practicing the song daily, it's hilarious! I am so proud of him for all his "big" milestone accomplishments, and also kind of sad that he's growing up. In September Jake starts preschool two days a week and he can hardly wait. He talks about it all the time. Lately when I ask him where he learned something he says or does he says "from school". I have to remind him that that's not possible, he hasn't started school yet! He must just be so excited at the prospect of learning new things at school I guess!

The Rockstar and Girly Girl

This morning I watched Mia and Halle for a little bit. Mia wanted to play hair and I was HAPPY to do pigtails for her to live out my dream (with the daughter I don't have). Of course Jake wanted to join in so all three of us put "product" in Jake's hair and his pose SO FITS the look he was going for! Tough guy! Later Mia touched his poky hair and he said very seriously to her, "I'm a rockstar Mia"

Swim lessons in the bathtub

Lately Jake has been very obsessed with his swim skills, ribbons, etc. He has all two ribbons proudly hung on the fridge and tells every guest that enters the house "this one says I backfloated all by myself and this one says Awesome". He has been working REALLY hard with Lena to get his rollover ribbon (our fingers are crossed for today!) but the stinker will not STAY on his back after he rolls. So Jake explained to me that Lena always tells him 'almost' when he's working on his rollover. The other day, Tyrone from the backyardigans had a ribbon and Jake said with a smile "I get ribbons!"
So with all this talk about swimming I should not have been surprised to witness this scene in the bathtub the other day...the boys were in the bath and I went into the kitchen for a second (I know, I should not admit that!) I heard Sam fussing and Jake yelling at him, "SAM, STAY STILL!" I briskly walked into the bathroom. Sam was laying on his back trying to flip on his tummy but couldn't because Jake was holding either side of Sam's head, pinning him down and said, "I got him mom! He's backfloating!" I don't think the Hubbards will be hiring him anytime soon!

Adventures of Jake Shores

So I feel like the only time I write is when I have some bogus story of what Jake has done or said, but it always just stands out to me as worthy of mention.
The other day I went to put my wedding rings back on, which I had placed on the sofa table, and only my wedding band was there, not the engagement (expensive) one. I immediately freaked out and frantically asked Jake where it was. His response was "I needed it to hold my bity"(vitamin). I kept asking him where it was but no response, and then I remembered he had been reaching into his pullup earlier, so I peaked in and there in the croch of his pullup was my ring, with a bity fit snugly inside it!
Next story: this morning apparently Jake woke up at 4:40am (after going to bed at 8:30). I was oblivious until he asked for milk at 5 which I stumbled out to get. Jake smelled sweet, and he told me he had to show me something. He took me to the kitchen and did his usual presentation with his hands out like when a curtain unveils. There on the ground was paper muffin cups spread out with vanilla and brown sugar poured in each (as well as all over the stove top, cabinets and floor). His response was, "I wanted to make a treat". (AT 5 IN THE MORNING!!!) No picture this time, I was too pissed. Although in hind sight, I'm proud of my 3 year old cooking partner for remembering at least 2 crucial ingredients when we bake cookies together!