One month to go!

Our big kids Nicholas and Celia are only one month away from 2 years old! While it is bitter sweet that they grow up so fast, I find so many things to love about each age. It is amazing to watch them grow and learn. Nicholas seems to have hit the terrible two's lately. He goes in spurts where his little temper gets the best of him. His main way of coping with frustration is to throw a toy. It seems like its taking him forever to understand that when he throws toys the toy gets put up high and he goes on time-out. Oh well....he'll figure it out eventually.
Celia has been such a good girl lately. She has her sassy toddler moments, but overall she has been so good.

Here are things they can do as 23 month olds:

1. jump with both feet off the ground without holding on to anything. Nicholas jumped 3 times in a row without holding on to anything today (like he was on a trampoline, but not - and not holding on to anything)

2. Celia says 20-30 words, Nicholas maybe 30-40? Its hard to keep a real count though. They can both say 2-word sentences with some words that they have (like 'bye poo poo', 'uh oh mommy' 'hi papa', etc)

3. Both can count 1, 2, (and Nicholas to 3)

4. They can identify most colors by pointing to them - more accurate lately. Red, Green, Yellow, Blue and purple are colors we work on.

5. They are really good at sorting colors into similar piles. They help me sort cloth diapers by color, sort megablocks, and other toys.

6. They can both run and both can do somersaults pretty good (well, as good as a toddler can do).

7. Celia remains really caring with Nicholas and very 'mother hen' to him. She can tease him about things and take toys from him, but really she is very good at sharing and being kind to him.

8. They love to laugh and play together. They are able to play together for a good amount of time by themselves without me intervening. But they do like mommy and daddy to

6. They sleep from about 7pm-7:30/8am and nap from 12-1:30.

7. They are both pretty good eaters. Nicholas is a more adventurous eater and likes spicey things. Celia will try some spicy things and then ask for milk quickly. lol

8. Celia is getting closer to being ready to try some toilet training (maybe a few months or so) - Nicholas has a long way to go in that area.

9. They both know how to set the table for meals. They help me empty the dishwasher in the morning. They both like to be given a washrag with soap and walk around the house and 'clean'.

10. They love to make forts or tumbling obstacles in the livingroom.

11. Nicholas has a big love for Thomas the Train toys and the show. Celia and Nicholas both like the pbs show 'Caillou'. Nicholas likes TV/movies a lot, Celia would rather follow me or play with toys.


Here are some pictures of them today on their 23rd month 'birthday'.
They were watching Thomas the train on our bed this morning all cuddled up in their blankets:



They are both becoming nice builders with Mega Blocks! Look at these towers they built!