Can you get me something to put my butter on?

I only did one post in February. What has become of me? You heard it here first, I will at least double that this month.

Jacob turned three and a HALF on Feb. 26 and he says things like "Can you get me something to put my butter on?" I know I've said much of this before, but he's still got loads of energy, talks constantly, and is very curious (though I notice this particular trend in most three year olds I know) - there is no such thing as a short book with Jacob and all his questions around. Overall he really enjoys having his brother around and asks for a "second one for my brother" when someone is giving out treats like lollipops or stickers (and he actually saves it for Owen). He can ride up our whole street on his bike with training wheels without snack breaks at all the circles. When he is really motivated he can dress himself, write the letter J, and sleep past 7 a.m. The rest of the time he's too busy with his own ideas.

This month we played with friends, went to the playseum and the zoo (with RAE!), spent lots of time outside enjoying this beautiful weather, and had a very fun visit with Nana and Papa!

The Saga Continues

A couple weekends ago, the boys eagerly anticipated our visit to New York to celebrate Heath's 3rd birthday (see the look of hope and promise in those eyes below). Dressed in cute little coordinating pajamas, they hopped in the car and spent the first 15 minutes of the drive happy as little clams. The next 30 minutes were spent asking if we were close to Nana and Papa's house yet? This was taking a LONG time Jacob said. The next 15 minutes were spent with Owen screaming at the top of his lungs because his diaper leaked so that he, his cute little coordinating pajamas, AND his car seat were soaked, while Jacob screamed that Owen was being too loud (I am officially plagued with potty woes at every opportunity). An hour long visit at the closest rest stop and we were back on the road again.

Once that was behind us, the boys had a great time helping Heath celebrate!

Owen couldn't get enough of the moon bounce and slides

And, since it happened to be Super Bowl weekend, we had a little party to "watch" the game, as much as anyone can watch a football game with two three year olds and a 1.5 year old around. Nana got a giant sub and we were all real glad the Giants won.

First Month of Winter is Behind Us!

It's Lurve.
We got to spend the day with Anne Van recently and the boys just love love her. When we're with Anne we always do something fun and adventurous. No pressure or anything.

The boys and I went to a nearby childrens' museum and they got to dress up like firefighters and knights and play in all sorts of themed rooms. Great winter activity!

Then, within the last two weeks we went from this...

(the photo below is the boys doing "surprise face" - been working hard to get Owen up to speed)

to THIS...

Owen insisted on the extra hat. Being a year and a half (plus 1 month) and all now, he knows what he wants and he has quite a few demands... as we learned over the holidays most of what he wants is whatever Jacob is doing, holding, looking at, walking over to get, or generally just the space that Jacob occupies. It really is very sweet, but continues to make all of our public restroom experiences a little chaotic (just today he stood underneath an automatic soap dispenser while I wasn't looking and next thing I know Owen has foam soap all over him - he must have been JUST tall enough), our bike rides filled with angst as Owen watches Jacob peddle in front of him on THE bike, and bedtime a little rowdy as the Owen-provoked wrestling doesn't end until the moment I put him in his crib. He's saying lots of words I can understand now and a lot of things I still can't, but he seems to know what he means. He continues to be very amenable to helping me clean, knowing where everything belongs and even putting things back, to sharing (usually, especially if there's a "fair" trade involved), and being the first one ready and waiting at the door to go anywhere. He gives the best kisses and hugs, he jumps, dances, jokes around and is just a cuddly, lovable little fella.

Midnight on Jan. 1, 2012...

... and I was asleep already. But much EARLIER that evening we had a lovely time celebrating with the Schwartzes.

Owen didn't even last for our "much earlier" photo. Lightweight.

Best Buds

LATER in the new year...

Jacob & Owen like hiding silently in the linen closet while I'm getting ready every morning, waiting for me to find them. It's maybe the most quiet 3 minutes of my day. They're a good team.

Jacob's becoming quite the photographer, no? That's a Stegosaurus behind us.

Holidays

In the past couple of weeks we've gotten to spend some time in the grand city of (Christmas) lights - Richmond, VA - for a visit with Memaw ...

saw my old high school bud, Robin, and her daughter, Elena, who'll be one next month.

Then back to DC where we had Hanukkah dinner with Grandma Jackie and the Schwartzes.

And the boys got to visit Santa. This year there were no tears - Owen looked polite yet concerned, Jacob smiled the whole time, telling Santa he wanted a belt and sunglasses. Charlotte and Bill were also able to fit in a quick visit to see us all on their way down to Richmond from New York. (Jacob looks a little distressed here, we soon learned, because his finger was stuck in a toy, oops. No permanent damage.)

On Christmas day Jacob woke up and had completely forgotten it was Christmas (see LONG and probably boring to others video below, sorry in advance). Then, to sum up the day, Owen wanted what Jacob got and Jacob wanted what Owen got (see long video again - with Owen in the background admiring Jacob's bike for the majority of it).

And finally, a Christmas day picture with Memaw and her boys.

Oh wait... here's that video - warning it's over 2 minutes long and for some reason Jacob kept answering "Sam and Anderson" in response to several of my important questions. We apparently did a good job of confusing the poor kid this holiday season.


HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome 2012!
I'll be partying way too much tomorrow night to be able to update the blog, so see you in 2012.

Tape

Tape: the. best. gift. ever.

"Rest" time has been a piece of cake this week thanks to a roll of tape Jacob got in his Christmas stocking this year. I don't hear a peep for a full HOUR each day. Today he even fell asleep (for a change) clutching the roll of tape if you look real close.

We wish YOU a merry Christmas

Jacob's preschool class had their holiday show today (then we spent the rest of the day vacuuming ;). He practiced the songs for weeks and it showed. You could hear his voice over the others on many occasions and he was very animated when pointing to the audience to wish "YOU" a merry Christmas. Later I was telling Mike about it and he says, oh yeah, we worked on that song last night. Aha.

"Where's Waldo?"

Aunt Nancy came to watch!!!

... and a happy new year!