Mimi

The past couple weeks Tristan has started calling Maranda "Mimi" instead of Mommy. Not all the time, and often when he is feeling silly. It is clearly an intentional nickname and he gets a little grin. We call the boys all sorts of nicknames (currently I call Tristan "Peanut" and Kieran "Butter") so it is very cute to see Tristan returning the favor.

Boys are now roomates!

Starting tonight the boys are now sharing a room, and Mommy and Daddy have their own room for the first time in 5 years!

Kieran loves his new "look-out" bed. Now the main task will be convincing him that things don't need to be continually launched off the upper bed from his cannons....

Tristan's 1st Mile

On a hike to Council Crest last week Tristan ran his first mile. He did a bouncy short legged sprint down the trail without stopping except when we forced him to get a water refill. Based on the mile markers he went 1.2 miles in a full toddler sprint, laughing on every 3rd or 4th step. Parents were exceedingly greatful for the exhausted nap that followed.

Kieran's New Teeth Are On The Way!

Okay, so don't be alarmed by the title! Kieran was really excited at the dentist today to see an X-ray of his new teeth getting ready to push his baby teeth out, he thought this was super cool!

Tristan's New Assertiveness

Though Tristan has always been a very determined young lad, as he approaches his 2nd birthday we have noticed a marked change in his desire for independence. While this transition is natural and to be expected, nonetheless it caught us a little by surprise when our sweet boy started giving us strong feedback on what he would or would not do! Here is a picture back from the end of August where we first noticed this new element to his personality. We were leaving a water park where he had been playing with his friend Adah, when Tristan decided he did not need to hold our hand on the way back. Interestingly, he anticipated this request, because neither Maranda or I had asked him to hold our hand yet on the walk back. As we were walking I was puzzled by his arms clasped tightly around his body and a stern look on his face. When I finally asked him to hold my hand on the sidewalk to cross the street he vigorously shook his head and clenched his arms even tighter. Then it clicked what this odd behavior was all about (I hadn't been sure if he was cold or what!). We both are still laughing at this moment caught on camera!

I think it is amazing to see a young personality unfolding and a little person striving to individuate themselves. It really is a stunningly beautiful process when I can find the separation from the pressures of parenting to take it in!

Backyard Tree Frog and Insect Melodies

This is a short recording of the ambient sound in my backyard tonight. Every night sounds like this, but the tree frogs and insects are especially loud after a heavy rain like tonight.

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The hidden pocket

Last night Kieran picked up a round piece of colored glass that was part of a set of baubles Maranda gave him, and then proceeded to reach down toward his long john pajama pants. I said "Kieran, where are you going to put that, you don't have any pockets." He gave me a patient grin, then reached into his long johns and pulled out a ziplock back and placed the object in within the others, then returned to his long johns.

I am pretty sure he slept with that ziplock back down his pants actually...

The Pig That Stole My Heart

I have been going back through pictures this weekend and have had a chance to do some reminiscing. Those that know us well are aware that various animals have come into our lives at different points over the years, but none so special as one particular little girl named Chloe. Even though I know that Chloe has been thrilled with her new home in the country away from pesky dogs, I had a deep yearning to once again scratch her belly as we lay on the futon together, hear her soft grunting, and feel her warm nuzzle against my hand. She was and is the pig who truly stole my heart.

Tristan Practicing Favorite Words

Very cute audio clip of 18 month old Tristan practicing some of his favorite words.

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The Boy Who Doesn't Sleep

Kieran has been convinced for quite some time that he doesn't sleep. Whenever the topic comes up he tells us that he stays awake all night, just like an owl. Given his playful nature (and the fact that he takes after his goofy dad in creative story telling), at first I though he was intentionally being playful. However, clearly he is not just playing and is firmly convinced that he DOES NOT SLEEP. Now occasionally he admits to closing his eyes, but that never, ever results in actual slumber. Maranda commented that it makes sense really, from a four year old perspective. I mean, you are never conscious of being asleep, right? Yet, I still find it quite funny that every night when I wish him a good sleep he says "don't worry, I won't sleep" with complete certitude.

Overheard

Kieran told Maranda today that he hasn't decided if he wants to be a genius or an expert, LOL.

Tristan - Day 476

Tristan is coming up on 16 months old and he is quite the fearless and energetic boy. He is also very, very determined. In fact, if I had to pick only two words to describe Tristan right now, I would choose fearless and determined. He is quite the climber and is on top of anything and everything he can pull himself up onto, which are increasingly high locations.

He LOVES to push things, especially the laundry basket. He will push the laundry basket up and down the hallway with glee. Almost anything that can be slid can end up taking a trip with a determined toddler leaning into one side. He is quite adept at maneuvering out of corners, replete with grunting and heavy breathing!

Tristan loves books these days and brings books to use constantly! Often he will walk up to me or Maranda with a book, turn around several steps away, back up and plop down holding the book up for us to read (which is followed by an insistent "uh uh uh" if we don't comply!). His favorite book has a picture of a butterfly on one page. Maranda showed him how to make a butterfly with your hands and every time he sees that page he gets a huge grin and clasps his hands together moving them in and out in wing motions.

Probably my favorite thing about Tristan is that he is a snuggler! His older brother was always hard to catch still, so extended snuggling sessions were sometimes hard to come by. Tristan loves to snuggle and since he was very small will lay his face against your neck or shoulder and press his little body in tight!

Morality and Existential Thinking @ 4

Kieran continues to surprise me with his awareness and thoughtfulness about life. Several times recently he has lain in bed with me at night after turning off the light and told me that he wishes grandpas could become Daddies again and that Daddies would never get old. When I ask him why he wishes Grandpas could become Daddies again he tells me that he wishes no one would ever die.

In moments like these I don't know what to say except what I am feeling as well, so I say back, I wish people didn't die too. I reassure him that death is natural and not to be feared, and that it takes a very long time for a person to get old and die. It is just so surprising that he continues to think about such deep issues at four years old, I don't know whether to be happy or really sad at this... I mean, I think it is amazing and show tremendous awareness, but every kid needs a carefree childhood, I don't want my boy to end up pensive and anxious....

I am also surprised by his ethical convictions. For example, the other night at the parent torture that is know as "Chuck e Cheese" I brought Kieran up to a game that already had some tickets sticking out but not claimed by the previous player. He had been looking up at the screen as we approached so I didn't think he saw them. It was a difficult game and he only one two tickets. Normally this would frustrate him as he likes to do well, but I was hoping the "extra" tickets would surprise and please him. At the end of the game I said "Look at all those tickets!" Kieran paused, and then without a word reached down, ripped off the tickets, and took the two most recent tickets off the end, leaving the rest on the ground. I asked him why he didn't take all of the tickets and he responded that those were someone else's. Despite my explanation that the last kid didn't want them, I ended up the one pocketing the tickets.

Kieran continually reminds me that children are a gift and a constant surprise, even as our heart aches for them when they are sad or when they struggle to succeed.

First Signs of Spring

Shots from our front yard, covered by snow only two weeks ago.