More from Rochester

Here are a few pictures from our days at Thomas and Nathan's grandparents in Rochester. The first picture shows the boys checking out the lights on the tree. Thomas is checking out his new vacuum cleaner while Nathan is playing with a wire frame with beads. The last two pictures show Nathan rocking on a toy train while Thomas was up on the couch patting his new cousin on the head.

Lately Nathan has taken to kissing the fish style. He sucks in his cheeks and gives a big smack. Thomas on the other hand is getting a little stingy with his kisses. He is better at giving them if you tell him to go kiss so and so, but if you ask for one, chances are, you won't get it. It's very cute to see the boys giving each other a kiss.

Updates!

New Years Update!

Dec. 26 we went to the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester New York. The boys loved it! We have every intention to frequent it as often as we are in western NY. We met my brother, Tim and his wife Kelly there (they live just around the corner from the museum). Matt's parents also came bringing Nate and Tommy's cousin Noah. The first picture shows the boys playing shadow volleyball. They thought it was hilarious. The next picture is Tim and Thomas on Sesame Street TV. There were a few different station for digging in the "sand". The museum also has a kid-size grocery store with carts just their size. See Nathan riding the conveyer belt? That was his uncle's idea! The final picture shows a small train we rode with the boys including Grandpa. Video will follow! We also checked out their butterfly conservatory. Nathan actually held a butterfly on his fingers. After a few hours of playing, we had lunch at the museum with Tim and Kelly.

We had Christmas at Matt's parents in Rochester. The boys still were learning about unwrapping but towards the end they seemed to get the hang of it. I must admit, there was one specific empty box that seemed to enthrall them! It was just big enough for them to climb in. Isn't that the way? Nathan also had a heyday throwing out the wrapping paper. He loves to throw out garbage. Is he neat or does he just like having a job to do?

Wednesday, Dec. 27 we drove up to my sister's house in Ontario. We were about 2 miles from the border and realized we didn't have the children's birth certificates! I had their blue cross/blue shield health cards which we had to show the Canadian border. What a thing to forget! The big highlight in Canada once again was the four wheelers! We wrapped them up warmly and off they went for a ride. We also went public skating one afternoon with the boys. Having not skated for at least 2 years and also trying to carry a kid turned out to be a challenge! I didn't fall but I did hang onto the side when I first got on.

Having traveled for 10 days using pack-n-plays which Thomas was able to climb in and out of gave him the courage he needed to climb out of his crib when we first got home! We thought he used the rocking chair right next to his bed but turns out he uses the end to balance himself as he throws his legs over the side and then he slowly lets himself down. He didn't even crash! I'm glad he stayed in his crib as long as he did! Nathan still can't get in and out of his pack-n-play or crib. He needs just a little more height and a bit more upper body strength.

No new words lately. They were sucking on ice cubes a few days back and Thomas kept saying hot, hot! I guess we better work on the word "cold".

We are enjoying being outside this week! mid 50s and sunny! Nice for January.

The boys finished their last skating lesson for this session today. They had a make-up class yesterday. As they were headed onto the ice, they both burst out crying (typical). Thomas went first and I was left with Nathan. I got on my knees, looked him in the eyes and asked him to stop crying, be brave, etc… He cleared up and didn’t shed another tear yesterday or today! We can not underestimate their capable to understand. Thomas actually seemed to do better picking up his feet and his coach told me today that he would have actually skated on his own except for the death grip on her finger. Nathan, whose balance seems to be just as good, is a little more cautious in picking up his feet. He was just skulling. Thomas who didn’t seem to cry the first few lessons had a tough time keeping it together yesterday and today. I think his cold is starting again so that may have contributed to his reaction. He is back to coughing and runny nose.

The boys received letters today in the mail from Santa, postmarked North Pole. Very cute! Apparently, he will be making a stop here because we have two, good little boys although it did mention they are supposed to be good up to Christmas and the year so I guess they better watch it!

Another skating video. By the way, Thomas is in the red coat and Nate, the blue.

In the first picture, the boys are eating their Sunday night popcorn behind Daddy's chair. I just thought they looked cute on their little picnic. Later that evening, they found the box of Q-tips and were having a hayday. When it's quiet, I start to worry. The next picture shows the boys in their toybox. Sometimes when they are fussing, I'll set them in it and that's enough to distract them from their tears. Thomas finds himself interesting perches. Using the window ledge, he climed up to the dining room table and is enjoying the scenery. There is a very busy hanging birdfeeder at that window which may have gotten his attention.

Both boys love to tell each other "No, no, no, no!" I have started to explaining to them that telling mommy no, just doesn't work. They tell the dogs no all the time too. Yesterday, Thomas found a little nook between the toychest and the couch, pretty much just enough room for himself and he was making sure Nathan wasn't going to fit in by telling him No! It made me so sad because Nathan just wanted to be with Thomas.

Nathan is super at saying Thank you. He actually helps me unload the dishwasher by standing on the door and handing me every (or close to it) item. I always say thank you when he hands me something so I think that is where he learned it. It is amazing to hear him say it without prompting it.

The other day, Thomas bit Nathan for which he was immediately sent to bed. After he had some quiet time there, I went to get him and told him that he hurt Nathan, that he should give Nathan a kiss and say sorry. We walked into the room, headed straight for Nathan and both boys did a big smooch. I want them to learn to be affectionate even with each other so we really encourage this like every time Daddy leaves or each bedtime, we all get and give kisses!

The other day we were at a doctor's office. I was whispering to the kids and they were whispering back. Another patient pointed out that it was very cool that they were whispering....I hadn't even thought of it until she said something.

I'm really excited with the ice skating. Nathan is definitely having a time with being with strangers. Hopefully this will subside; the coach is very patient and just keeps trying to settle him. Seeing the other children out on the ice definitely distracts him in a good way. Thomas didn't cry much at all. He actually took a few steps on the ice and played most of the time! Before they went into class, Dawn the owner asked me to walk them around on the rubber matting with their skates on(the entire area outside the ice) to get them some idea of picking up their feet. That's actually how they teach on the ice. They chant "1, 2, 1, 2..." which will eventually be "1, glide, 2, glide..." This is getting much to complicated....good night!!

Couple of Videos

Since Jen is busy, I thought I would post these. The first is of the boys second skating lesson. Pay particular attention starting at the 2:00 minute mark. The second is from Thanksgiving...