So its been a while since I last updated on the boys and they are probably completely different little people now!  They are huge, full of personality and for the most part crack me up (when they aren't driving me crazy!)








James



Height:  approx. 34.5 inches (34inches 18 months)
Weight:  approx. 27.9lbs (27lbs 1oz 18 months)





William



Height:  approx. 34.75 inches (34.5inches 18 months)
Weight:  approx. 28lbs (27lbs 10oz 18 months)





Whats new: Development and interests

In the past few months the boys have really started to enjoy music and dancing.  While they have always enjoyed music they now will start moving/dancing whenever they hear a song.  They love getting up into the chair in the playroom, turning on the speaker and dancing away.  They will bounce, spin and come up with any other move they can think of to dance along to the music!

The weather here is heating up and with that we have set up our small inflatable pool so the boys and I can cool off, along with a sprinkler.  The boys love the pool and will request to have me turn the sprinkler on at least once a day!  They are becoming more adventurous in the water trying to kick and blow bubbles, they will even let me hold them on their backs to float some.  Being in the water I can see some subtle differences in their personalities: if they fall with their face in the water James will pop up and most of the time laugh thinking it was funny while Will on the other hand will start to cry, not at all amused to have his face go under.

Climbing has been big this month in the development category.  James is definitely my better climber at this point and very few this stop him.  He has started to be able to climb up into our kitchen chairs by himself, which are counter height not regular table height.  Will has been unable to do this on his own yet.  It definitely surprised me the other day to turn around for a moment turn back and there is James sitting up at the table proud as can be.

Along with climbing the boys have been practicing jumping, which really means they have been quickly stepping from one foot to the other.  Will has actually been able to get both of his feet off of the ground at the same time once or twice (just about maybe an inch or so) and then he promptly falls of his bum unable to stick the landing!

These last few months the boys have really started wanting to help me in simple tasks I do around the house.  They like helping me empty the dishwasher by putting all of the silverware into one drawer and attempting to lift our glass plates. It's very sweet and nerve wrecking to watch when I turn around from putting away one thing and they are carrying glass items over to me.  They also like to help with the laundry, this is usually helpful for the first few pieces of laundry and then they think we should shut the door and turn the machine on which means I end up fighting the while I try to load the rest of the laundry as quickly as I can as they continually shut the door, getting upset each time I open it again.


Whats new: Language and Understanding

The boys understanding of language, directions and what is going on around them is excellent.  They can follow multi step directions (when they want to), complete simple tasks: such as putting their clothes in a hamper, throwing out their dirty diapers, putting dishes in the dishwasher, etc.  They can identify most items in picture books or around the playroom.  They are also able to identify each family member by name, including the dogs.  

The boys use of language is coming along slowly.  They do have some words and are starting to attempt more and more.  The articulation of the words is still the biggest issue.

Words I've heard the boys say/attempt: puppy, bubble, excuse me, tractor, apple, ball, pop, please, water, thank you, go, Choo Choo, bye, hello, mommy, daddy, right there, Paci, up, honk, duck, uh oh, bad boy (in reference to the dogs when they are naughty)

This months favorites:

• popsicles
• bubble machines
• dancing
• trains
• tools