My Favorite Thing

I love the feeling of Dominic's little arm wrapped around mine when I hold him on my hip.  So simple yet so precious.

I can not believe how big he is getting.  I remember with Andrew how once he got to be about 6 months things just seemed to happen so fast and all of a sudden he was a big boy.  I am noticing Dominic change right before my eyes.  He is now sitting up and standing with support.  His facial expressions are much more dramatic and he's cooing and interacting so much more.   

He loves to watch Andrew and laugh at him.  Andrew still loves to give him hugs and kisses.

Rice Cereal...YUCK!

This is Dominic's first meal.

He was excited until he figured out what was going on.

"Yuck!"

"Help!"

"You can't make me!"

Needless to say he was less than thrilled with rice cereal.  The next few times we tried to feed him, he refused to open his mouth, lips pressing tightly together.  Jarod figured out that if you can pry his lips apart with your finger you can stick the spoon in and he will swallow!  We gave up for a few weeks, and tried again today and he did a great job.  I wouldn't say he devoured it like Andrew used to do, but he did open his mouth willingly most of the time and finished the whole bowl!     

It's Great To Be Outside!

We have been loving this weather!

 

We have been able to spend most of March outdoors which is so not normal.  I still won't let myself believe that winter is over because I just know we are going to get that April snowstorm or cold freeze that will kill all my beautiful flowers and blooming trees.  But we have been taking advantage of the sun while it is here.  If I let Andrew be outside ALL DAY he would be as happy as can be.  He is content just pushing his bike, strollers, wagon, tractors, lawn mower up and down the sidewalk.  He never gets bored with it.  He's been doing a much better job of listening and staying within the boundaries that I have set for him, but there have been a few times that I have had to run after him with a baby in my arms and bring him into the house kicking and screaming.  Not fun.  I have had to assure all my neighbors that I do not beat him because that boy can scream!  If we can avoid all the temper tantrums, we should have a lot of fun outside this summer.

I have been itching to get my hands in my garden and start planting things!  I know it's too early but I can barely hold myself back.  I did do some cleaning up in my back terrace.  Last year I planted some new plants there and since I can't remember what I planted, I'm having fun watching it all pop up this year! 

Brotherly Love

Dominic, you are such a patient little boy. Thank you for being a good sport while your brother was being a little too rough with you!  Andrew was having so much fun rolling you back and forth across the living room floor.  And you were having fun too, smiling and giggling the whole time.  Andrew loves you.  He loves lying on top of you, poking at your eyes, pounding on your back to get you to burp, and pulling the socks off your cold little toes.  Thank you for loving him back.

Family Fun at the Zoo

Here's some pictures from our day at the Zoo.

It was fun pointing out all the animals to Andrew.  We spent most of our time and energy chasing after him because all he wanted to do was run in the opposite direction we were going!  It's a good thing Grandma and Grandpa Kastl were there to help.  Later in the day we met my parents and the Casadys and saw more of the zoo with them and then headed to Old Chicago for dinner.  The whole day turned out to be a lot of fun.  I have to admit I was getting a little stressed thinking about all that could go wrong that day...mainly, temper tantrums from a tired 2 year old and not being able to find a place to eat that could seat all 15 of us.  But everything worked out great and we all had a lot of fun!

It Begins...

Just recently we have noticed that Andrew has become a little territorial over his toys.  Dominic is getting bigger and has started grabbing at anything close by.  He is especially drawn to Andrew's tractors that light up and make noise.  This worries Andrew.  He furrows his brow, starts whining and takes his toy away from poor little Dominic. 

Up until this point, sharing hasn't bothered him.  Other kids would take away the toy he was playing with and it wouldn't phase him.  He'd just pick up another toy and keep on playing.  But now, I have noticed a change in him.  He is beginning that wonderful "terrible twos" phase and is constantly testing me.  His tantrums are getting louder and more dramatic, he doesn't like to listen to me, and he's learning the word "no".  I know this is just a phase he will grow out of, but in the mean time I will pray for patience and strength.  And if anyone has any pointers, please let me know!