Tuesday, February 03, 2015

Jack is 7, yes I said 7, years old!!


Just look at that sweet face! Can you believe it's seven years old? Sometimes I forget and try to keep him little, but he quickly reminds me.

We celebrated Jack's seventh birthday back in January (well, his birthday is in January!). And you know he's becoming a big kid when he asks for video games (Minecraft and such), chemistry sets, and art materials. No more trucks or boats for this guys.

Over the last year, and especially in the last six months, Jack has really come into his own with reading and writing. He seems to enjoy sounding out the words more now and has even recently developed a love of writing notes and messages. I've also caught him reading books to Colin.

His true loves of science and art have not waned, however. He loves doing experiments (whether that be testing the pH level of different substances or making his own "chemicals" out of whatever liquids he can get his hands on). He also loves creating projects. We still have to sneak the garbage out so it does not get stashed in a corner waiting to be used for one of his creative ideas. Don't worry, we let him create lots of fun things, we just don't need to keep every juice container and toilet roll. His teachers think he's headed for a career in engineering (and so do I!).

Jack plays soccer (or football as we call it here in the UK). He's developing some pretty cool skills when he decides he wants to play. We probably need to find him a gymnastics gym here though. He's constantly jumping around on the furniture and climbing all over everything that should not be climbed over.

I think Jack is also developing a love for travel. He really enjoyed our recent trip to Paris so much that he wanted to stay. He's always had an appreciation for maps, and I think now that we are going to more places, he is starting to thinking about places he wants to see too.

The other day, we asked Jack to write three of his favourite things to do (he wanted to earn some Minecraft time). He wrote "I like playing with Dad. I like playing with Mom. I like playing with my family." And when it comes down to it, I think that sums up where Jack is in his life right now. He just really enjoys spending time with his family. He doesn't really care what we do as long as we do it together. And I'm so glad about that!









Colin is 7 (and now a half) months old!



Tonight, Colin was playing with Reid's Duplos and I had an arresting thought... he's no longer an infant, he's a baby and quickly on his way to becoming a kid. He was in the block box reaching for and successfully grabbing blocks to put into his mouth. He knew what he wanted, and he was going for it.

Seven months must be a milestone of awareness. I feel like Colin is much more aware of what is happening around him as well as what he wants. He turns when we call his name now. I swear he was trying to imitate me clapping yesterday. I'd clap and he'd stare at my hands, then when I stopped, he made a move to bring his hands together over and over.

He loves to giggle and laugh, and his brothers (and Steve and me) have loads of fun doing silly things to make him laugh. The boys will make silly faces and sounds, Steve and I tickle and kiss him. Colin eats it all up.

Speaking of eating, Colin has a healthy appetite now. He usually eats three meals a day in addition to his nursing. He's also got two teeth on the bottom, and we think he might be getting his two top teeth in next. I won't lie, I'll be a little sad to see the gummy grin go. Luckily, I have lots of photos to remember it though.

Colin also seems to be a fan of patty cake and other singing. I think he'll like music just like his brothers. Steve and I sing to him a lot trying to get him to sleep!

I'm trying desperately to not wish this babyhood away. I'm trying to savour the cuddles and hugs. I try not to resent his desire to be held because I know soon enough he'll be too big to be held this much. I'm excited to see his personality come out more, to learn more of what he is interested in, but I'm also trying to be patient.

So here's our 7 (and a half) - month-old!