Blocks

I have the pleasure of watching four 2-year-olds almost every day. They are a blast most of the time. Today won the prize for funniest day because they build/knocked over towers over and over and over, laughing hysterically each time they fell. Check out this video:

Terribly Two?

Jane is definitely in the throes of the terrible twos. But, honestly, it's not so terrible. Perhaps having 4 kids ahead of her has made this easier. Most of the time (not all, but most) I just laugh at her. She gets into everything on the counter. She carefully watches what we do and tries to imitate (including taking off her diaper and trying to wipe herself - but we haven't done any potty training yet, so that was simply just a BIG mess!). She dances, she giggles, and she has terrible angry fits. I love two-year-olds.



After Jane discovered some illicit chocolate...

One night after we had finished dinner (but unfortunately hadn't cleaned up yet), Jane took her potty-chair bowl to the table, filled it with macaroni and cheese, and ate some more dinner. Yum!



Childcare Friends

For nearly a year, I have been providing in-home childcare for three two-year olds. So, with Jane, that makes FOUR 2-year-olds. You may think I'm crazy, but I have really enjoyed it!  It has been an especially great experience for Jane, who has a blast with her friends Claire (aka Claire-Bear), Liam, and Will. I look forward to seeing them become preschoolers together. I'm already planning some extra fun field trips for after winter is over.

Here they are with the snowman we made a couple weeks ago:

 One week later, due to unseasonably warm temps, our snowman looked fairly sad...

Silas Turns 7

Silas recently turned 7. He's in first grade and is enjoying his new school and lots of new friends. He is an excellent student (he hasn't missed one word on his spelling tests all year, as far as I know). Silas is conscientious, achievement-oriented, competitive, and responsible. He is also sensitive and sweet. Although he is only 7, he consistently wakes up on his own at 6:30, practices his piano for 25 minutes - and almost always without having to be asked. He can clean a bathroom without complaining. He gets his homework done every day after school on his own, as well. I was thrilled to attend a parent-teacher conference and hear the teacher say, "Silas LOVES LOVES LOVES geography and history. I always know Silas' eye will be on me at all times as he intently listens during those subjects." Silas frequently likes to wow us with his knowledge of all things history.

Silas absolutely hates to lose. I have yet to see him lose a board game without getting upset. We are working on that. He enjoys talking in a fake baby voice to get us to laugh. He LOVES to impress his older brothers. He tries hard to tell funny jokes to get them and all the rest of us to giggle. If Silas only knew, all he has to do is start giggling and we'll laugh at HIS laughter. He has the best laugh!

Silas enjoys Lego, Wii, Computer, Reading the Secrets of Droon book series, playing soccer, playing with Jane, playing with friends, and much much more. He is a great brother - very accommodating and helpful. His siblings really like him. We are so grateful to get the opportunity to be around Silas each day. He is a gem! We love you Silas!

 Silas' Birthday Party.