So, the primary purpose of this blog, to me, is to remember some of the magical moments of these beautiful children of ours. Here are a few gemstones of the last week or so - a few things I just don't want to forget:
Lyla really is the center of Cade's universe these days. She's the first thing he thinks of in the morning and the last person he wants to be away from at night. He's repeating every little thing that comes out of her mouth - from a clear as a bell version of "raspberry" tonight at dinner to his own version of Knock-Knock jokes, he is copying every thing she does. He really does think she is magic, and it's the sweetest development of our summer.
"Cade-isms"
Cade has a language all his own, beginning with "owl" his word for his sippy cup. His words are becoming more complex now, and we are often struck by the hilarity of his view of the world. The latest is "Ackle", which seems to refer to any source of water - the water hose, a watering can, water from the sink. We also love that "Out!" is his preposition of choice, primarily used when he wants to be picked up and held.
Our first stirrings of Cade each morning consist of screaming for whomever put him to bed the night before. As soon as we enter the room, he demands a "Nack" (snack) and "Lyla". He also says "Uh-Oh" for any door that we've forgotten to close as he is typically barred from most areas of the house due to his tendency for destruction.
Cade's latest past-time is the "Cheese!" game - he loves to have his picture taken while he stands there and says, "Cheeeese!". Then, he wants to look at every picture of himself over and over again. Here, he insisted on using an accessory he found in the laundry room. Yes, I know someday he'll kill me for this one, but it's just so funny, I can't resist.
Cheeesse!!
He is definitely ALL BOY - he loves to wrestle on the floor, and there is nothing funnier to him right now that his own burps and gas. We've also started laughing at his "disappearing lips", a sure sign he is getting ready to tackle someone or engage in some other naughty aggressive behavior.
Miss Q.
And, then, there's Miss Q., aka Lyla. She also, finds great humor in gas and burps and, she talks about poop so much that it's a bit unnerving (especially in public restrooms).
Lyla is truly a Big Sister these days - often requiring gentle reminders that she needs to include Cade even when her friends are visiting. He is the center of her universe, however, when her friends aren't around - she's really enjoying having a playmate. She's always concerned for him - making sure that Mommy remembers to buy him a suitcase for vacation too - as soon as she's selected her own, of course.
Lyla continues to love the mud and dirt, aspects of her personality I am relieved to see are still very much a core of her little being. I think it keeps her small, and I'm glad that princesses and pink haven't entirely taken over just yet.
The other day as we were leaving swim lessons at the YMCA, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, when I get big, I want to exercise just like you."
More Music.
This girl never ceases to amaze me. Today at her last swim lesson, she volunteered answers to numerous questions from the teacher and has started to try and swim out on her own - all she needs is just a little more confidence. She ended her final lesson of this series by asking Miss Judy to come to the Beach with us next week.
Yes, on Sunday we are headed out for our first Family of 4 adventure to Panama City Beach. More pictures and stories to follow.
I can hardly wait.
