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...

Thanksgiving Shots

Here are a few from Turkey Day!

First Skate

The boys skating lessons will be once a week, 45 minutes long. Dena, who was with Thomas, said she thought they did well with balance while on the ice. They both cried a good deal of the time totally due to mommy separation. The coaches tried to stay separated too because the boys were also making each other cry. I am with them 99% of time so this is really good and they learn to skate in the meantime! I was really happy with the manner in which the coaches dealt with the boys. Very gentle and they even wiped their noses! The earliest they teach the kids to skate is 18 months.

Thomas is surprising us with words! He came into the kitchen the other night, set is cup on the counter and said "more". I asked him if he had a dirty diaper and he nodded is head and said "yes". He has been right about this enough times that I know he is aware of it. I think Nathan knows too but when I ask him (and I know it is dirty) he won't answer me.

I handed Nathan a cup of water the other day so that the handle was intentionally in his right hand. He very carefully rotated the cup around so that the handle was in his left hand and then took his drink. He is consistently doing things with his left hand, like throwing a ball.

Yesterday at the library, a baby was playing with a ball and it rolled away from him. The mother asked her little girl to get it and Thomas was already on his way and grabbed it. The little girl took it from him and returned it to her mother even though the mother had changed her mind and was trying to let Thomas have it. I was right there and I said that likely Thomas was just going to bring it to her anyways. The mother sort of smiled at me and was probably thinking "yeah, right, lady...wishful thinking!" But it all happened again a few minutes later and sure enough Thomas ran and got it and gave it to the lady. He probably has no idea that was a polite thing to do, but both boys have always been really good about getting things that drop for me or each other.

I expected to upload video of the boys ice skating, but, they couldn't got because of their colds...

This is from this morning at the playground.

Happy Thanksgiving!