Patrick added to his vocabulary yet again today. He said:
--"beeyee ba" for belly button
--"keekee" for cookie
--"Hi, Dada!" when Matt said, "Hi, Patrick" to him. This is the first reciprocal conversation we've had with him that wasn't just him repeating what we said.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Bop!
When Patrick was an itty-bitty newborn still in the NICU, Matt started the "boop" game with him. Patrick had (still has) this perfect little button nose that just begs to be poked, so Matt would poke the cute nose and say "Boop!" in this adorable voice. It was one of the first ways we knew to relate to him when he seemed so fragile otherwise.
We have kept up the Boop game, although it has become much less frequent lately. Nathan's nose may not be quite as adorable as Patrick's was, but it's close, so we also do the Boop game with him from time to time.
Today Patrick had climbed in my lap while I was trying to calm Nathan, who has been a little extra fussy lately because of the cold. Patrick took the initiative and started poking at Nathan, the first time he's shown much interest in him that's not related to snaps or latches and definitely the first time he has voluntarily touched him. Thinking it was cute, I booped Nathan's nose.
Patrick immediately caught on and poked Nathan's nose. "Bop!" When he saw my reaction, he did it again--and again and again. Then he did it to my nose and Matt's when he got home.
It's the cutest thing I've ever seen, watching my little boy play the first game he ever got to play with his own little brother. It warms my heart just to remember how they related to each other this afternoon.
By the way, this is just one more new word Patrick has spouted out lately. Yesterday it was "ball" and "apple" (which he can identify by a picture now and also says it when he sees the letter A). I could also swear he said, "I don't wanna sleep tight," after getting up from his nap today. Did he just wake up yesterday and decide that twenty-seven months was time to grow up all of a sudden?
We have kept up the Boop game, although it has become much less frequent lately. Nathan's nose may not be quite as adorable as Patrick's was, but it's close, so we also do the Boop game with him from time to time.
Today Patrick had climbed in my lap while I was trying to calm Nathan, who has been a little extra fussy lately because of the cold. Patrick took the initiative and started poking at Nathan, the first time he's shown much interest in him that's not related to snaps or latches and definitely the first time he has voluntarily touched him. Thinking it was cute, I booped Nathan's nose.
Patrick immediately caught on and poked Nathan's nose. "Bop!" When he saw my reaction, he did it again--and again and again. Then he did it to my nose and Matt's when he got home.
It's the cutest thing I've ever seen, watching my little boy play the first game he ever got to play with his own little brother. It warms my heart just to remember how they related to each other this afternoon.
By the way, this is just one more new word Patrick has spouted out lately. Yesterday it was "ball" and "apple" (which he can identify by a picture now and also says it when he sees the letter A). I could also swear he said, "I don't wanna sleep tight," after getting up from his nap today. Did he just wake up yesterday and decide that twenty-seven months was time to grow up all of a sudden?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Twenty-Seven Months
Dear Patrick,
You have had quite an exciting month this last month. Of course, the biggest event was your third Christmas. How could it possibly be your third Christmas already? I still remember that first Christmas so vividly, how tiny you still were and oblivious to all the commotion around you. But you gave me one of the best Christmas presents that year by sleeping mostly through the night for the first time while we were in Dallas.
This year was totally different. We had several stops on our Christmas trip, and you were a trooper everywhere we went. You've gotten really good at travelling. You much prefer the stops, though. How on earth did you get to be so social? All the people around really brought out the goofy in you. You played hard every day and slept hard every night and charmed every person you ran across in between.
I had fun watching how into Christmas you got this year. You caught on to the idea of unwrapping presents really quickly but were good to only unwrap those we gave you. You were also eager to hand presents to other people, whether or not they were intended for those people. I think you were just as excited to see what they would get as you were about your own presents. And your daddy in particular loved watching you fastidiously clean up all the wrapping paper as each gift was opened. Where were you during all those Christmases past when we had a wrapping paper mountain to clean up when the festivities were over?
Unfortunately, the day after we got home from the trip, you were struck by a runny nose that turned into a full-blown cold--your first illness ever. You've been so well trained that you were eager to share that illness with the whole family. The one time I wish you'd be selfish...
It's been interesting to see how your personality changes when you don't feel good. For a few days, I had the cuddly boy from your early months back. You really just wanted to be held much of the time, leaning your head into either me or Daddy for that extra comfort. Even now that you're feeling much better, you still want cuddles like that from time to time. I love that change.
You have had quite an exciting month this last month. Of course, the biggest event was your third Christmas. How could it possibly be your third Christmas already? I still remember that first Christmas so vividly, how tiny you still were and oblivious to all the commotion around you. But you gave me one of the best Christmas presents that year by sleeping mostly through the night for the first time while we were in Dallas.
This year was totally different. We had several stops on our Christmas trip, and you were a trooper everywhere we went. You've gotten really good at travelling. You much prefer the stops, though. How on earth did you get to be so social? All the people around really brought out the goofy in you. You played hard every day and slept hard every night and charmed every person you ran across in between.
I had fun watching how into Christmas you got this year. You caught on to the idea of unwrapping presents really quickly but were good to only unwrap those we gave you. You were also eager to hand presents to other people, whether or not they were intended for those people. I think you were just as excited to see what they would get as you were about your own presents. And your daddy in particular loved watching you fastidiously clean up all the wrapping paper as each gift was opened. Where were you during all those Christmases past when we had a wrapping paper mountain to clean up when the festivities were over?
Unfortunately, the day after we got home from the trip, you were struck by a runny nose that turned into a full-blown cold--your first illness ever. You've been so well trained that you were eager to share that illness with the whole family. The one time I wish you'd be selfish...
It's been interesting to see how your personality changes when you don't feel good. For a few days, I had the cuddly boy from your early months back. You really just wanted to be held much of the time, leaning your head into either me or Daddy for that extra comfort. Even now that you're feeling much better, you still want cuddles like that from time to time. I love that change.You also get quite whiny when you're sick, though. I guess that's to be expected; you are only two, after all, and this is the first time you've really felt bad. I shouldn't expect you to be able to handle it yet. The funniest is when you come up to me whining because your nose is running and you need me to wipe it. You've already tried wiping it with your hand, though, and the snot on your hand is even more annoying to you than the snot on your face. I'm thrilled that you're starting to get the hang of wiping your nose already as I don't particularly enjoy this snotty job I've had to do over the past week. You even throw the tissue in the trash (towuh) when you're done with it.
Now Nathan has the cold the worst, now that you're mostly recovered from it. (Thank goodness I seem to be on the road to recovery now too, since Nathan is even more uncomfortable than you were and seems intent on keeping me from sleeping.) His discomfort has brought out the compassionate side in you. More than once in response to his crying you have attempted to wipe his face, thinking I'm sure that he's fussing because of a snotty nose and face like you've been doing for days. You also crawl up with me in the chair when I'm holding Nathan. I don't know whether that's for the bonding time with me or so that you can help me calm Nathan. You enjoy playing with his snaps or my belly button, which cracks me up and in turn usually relaxes all of us, even Nathan, so I guess you are helping.
More and more I'm realizing what a big boy you are. You are so independent unless you don't feel good. You're even a big help around the house and love to be a big helper. If only I could tame those terrible twos temper tantrums, which I haven't seen many of lately, you would always be a joy to be around. As it is, Daddy and I are usually able to overlook those moments and focus on the sweet you that we get to see more often.
Now Nathan has the cold the worst, now that you're mostly recovered from it. (Thank goodness I seem to be on the road to recovery now too, since Nathan is even more uncomfortable than you were and seems intent on keeping me from sleeping.) His discomfort has brought out the compassionate side in you. More than once in response to his crying you have attempted to wipe his face, thinking I'm sure that he's fussing because of a snotty nose and face like you've been doing for days. You also crawl up with me in the chair when I'm holding Nathan. I don't know whether that's for the bonding time with me or so that you can help me calm Nathan. You enjoy playing with his snaps or my belly button, which cracks me up and in turn usually relaxes all of us, even Nathan, so I guess you are helping.
More and more I'm realizing what a big boy you are. You are so independent unless you don't feel good. You're even a big help around the house and love to be a big helper. If only I could tame those terrible twos temper tantrums, which I haven't seen many of lately, you would always be a joy to be around. As it is, Daddy and I are usually able to overlook those moments and focus on the sweet you that we get to see more often.Did you know that after you go to bed at night, Daddy and I go back over the day with you and comment on all the cute things you did? Did you know that we talk in Patrick-talk to each other when you're not around? You do so many things that make us smile. I don't know that I have ever truly conveyed to you what a joy you are, what a blessing you are to our family. I hope some day you will read these letters and discover for yourself what you mean to us.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, January 4, 2008
Christmas, Parts 3 and 4
When we left Big Spring, we decided to break up the drive home by spending another night with my parents. We didn't do anything exactly Christmassy, but it was fun.
I seriously love this picture. Matt looks so content.
Grandpa and Nathan
Patrick at dinner--Really he'd eaten dinner by this point, but I can't say I particularly love his choice of dessert.
Nana and Nathan
Grandpa (in his new cool robe) and Patrick
Patrick and Nana having fun "reading"
Here he is putting the remnants of his breakfast waffle in the fridge, I guess to save for later.
Patrick fixing something for Aunt Jennifer in his microwave
Nick enjoying one of Matt's and my Christmas presents, Guitar Hero (I seriously love this game!)
Uncle Nick and Aunt Jennifer playing the Burrito Game with Patrick--He thought this was really fun, especially when he got to be the burrito sometimes too.
I seriously love this picture. Matt looks so content.
Grandpa and Nathan
Patrick at dinner--Really he'd eaten dinner by this point, but I can't say I particularly love his choice of dessert.
Nana and Nathan
Grandpa (in his new cool robe) and Patrick
Patrick and Nana having fun "reading"When we got home from the trip, Santa made one last delivery, a kitchen for Patrick. He woke up Saturday morning to find this in the living room and knew immediately it was for him and what it was.
Here he is putting the remnants of his breakfast waffle in the fridge, I guess to save for later.Jennifer and Nick had spent their Christmas in Houston with his family and were getting ready to start their trip home, so they decided to swing by here on their way.
Patrick fixing something for Aunt Jennifer in his microwave
Nick enjoying one of Matt's and my Christmas presents, Guitar Hero (I seriously love this game!)
Uncle Nick and Aunt Jennifer playing the Burrito Game with Patrick--He thought this was really fun, especially when he got to be the burrito sometimes too.Thursday, January 3, 2008
Christmas, Part 2
The second phase of our Christmas was in Big Spring with Matt's parents, Papa and Gigi. I pulled out my new flash almost as soon as we got there, so you may notice the quality in many of these photos is greatly improved. That's also why there are so many, especially of Patrick, who was having fun showing off for the camera.
Climbing on the couch
Crouching down, in imitation of Mommy and Daddy
Just a cool picture
I'm not sure what they're looking at, but it must be fascinating.
Hehe, look at that belly.
Papa and Nathan admiring each other
This was Gigi's chair when she was a little girl, and Patrick immediately loved it, dragging it all over the house to sit in it.
Patrick enjoying a cookie
Grammy and Nathan
Patrick got his first car for Christmas.
Nathan in his cute Christmas outfit and the hat that came with Patrick's but never fit the kid's huge head
When Gigi grabbed both for a picture, Patrick's first reaction was to grab for his own hat, even though he wouldn't wear it.
Nathan absolutely loved this swing, which means I absolutely loved this swing. :)
The three brothers: Daniel, Matt, and Chris
Nathan and me on Christmas morning while opening presents...He loved this stuffed dinosaur and immediately grabbed his horns. Patrick got a dinosaur as well and insists on sleeping with it.
Patrick rockin' out on his new guitar
Nathan got an outfit that matches his brother's, so of course we had to get pictures. Patrick wasn't exactly keen on the idea, you might notice.
That's a suspicious look if I've ever seen one!
There was also this motorcycle/rocking horse toy that Patrick had fun climbing on and then off and then on again. I'm not sure he understood it was for riding.
Gigi and Nathan
Nathan got to ride the motorcycle too--with help of course.
Climbing on the couch
Crouching down, in imitation of Mommy and Daddy
Just a cool picture
I'm not sure what they're looking at, but it must be fascinating.
Hehe, look at that belly.
Papa and Nathan admiring each other
This was Gigi's chair when she was a little girl, and Patrick immediately loved it, dragging it all over the house to sit in it.
Patrick enjoying a cookie
Grammy and Nathan
Patrick got his first car for Christmas.
Nathan in his cute Christmas outfit and the hat that came with Patrick's but never fit the kid's huge head
When Gigi grabbed both for a picture, Patrick's first reaction was to grab for his own hat, even though he wouldn't wear it.
Nathan absolutely loved this swing, which means I absolutely loved this swing. :) 
The three brothers: Daniel, Matt, and Chris
Nathan and me on Christmas morning while opening presents...He loved this stuffed dinosaur and immediately grabbed his horns. Patrick got a dinosaur as well and insists on sleeping with it.
Patrick rockin' out on his new guitar
Nathan got an outfit that matches his brother's, so of course we had to get pictures. Patrick wasn't exactly keen on the idea, you might notice.
That's a suspicious look if I've ever seen one!
There was also this motorcycle/rocking horse toy that Patrick had fun climbing on and then off and then on again. I'm not sure he understood it was for riding.
Gigi and Nathan
Nathan got to ride the motorcycle too--with help of course.Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Christmas, Part 1
I managed to find a few minutes today during naptime; miraculously they are both sleeping at the same time, even if Nathan chose to take his nap on my chest. I have lots and lots of favorite pictures from Christmas, so I'll have to do this in installments. Today is our first Christmas at my parents' house. My sister Jennifer and brother-in-law Nick happened to be in town the same evening, so it turned into a big celebration, complete with mini-Christmas dinner and everything.
Disclaimer: Some of my favorite pictures are some of the worst of the subjects, although I find them funny. If they really bother you that much, let me know and I'll take yours down.
Daddy and Nathan waiting for dinner
Aunt Jennifer playing with Patrick...I repeatedly tried to get pictures of Patrick running just like this behind her and kept missing.
Patrick loves his Aunt Jennifer.
Patrick discovers the mystery of the stocking. After he got the paper off the present, he tried to put the gift back in the stocking.
Inside this beautifully-wrapped, awkwardly-shaped gift was the classic gift from the "fun" aunt and uncle--a drum set. There are probably about eight different noisemakers hidden beneath that cute paper. Thanks, guys!
Nathan was super snuggly with my dad; I think he liked it.
Patrick also got this ball popper. If you haven't seen one, it shoots balls into the air. While Patrick does like it, you can see who had more fun playing with it.
Disclaimer: Some of my favorite pictures are some of the worst of the subjects, although I find them funny. If they really bother you that much, let me know and I'll take yours down.
Daddy and Nathan waiting for dinner
Aunt Jennifer playing with Patrick...I repeatedly tried to get pictures of Patrick running just like this behind her and kept missing.
Patrick loves his Aunt Jennifer.
Patrick discovers the mystery of the stocking. After he got the paper off the present, he tried to put the gift back in the stocking.
Inside this beautifully-wrapped, awkwardly-shaped gift was the classic gift from the "fun" aunt and uncle--a drum set. There are probably about eight different noisemakers hidden beneath that cute paper. Thanks, guys!
Nathan was super snuggly with my dad; I think he liked it.
Patrick also got this ball popper. If you haven't seen one, it shoots balls into the air. While Patrick does like it, you can see who had more fun playing with it.I have lots more pictures of everyone opening presents, but I thought I'd spare you all of them. We all raked in quite a haul--and this was just our first Christmas! My favorite present was my new flash for my new camera. You'll get to see how much better that made my pictures tomorrow (or the next day), when I post the group of pictures from Big Spring.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Coughing, Sneezing, and Teething
Sorry about my absence lately. We had our Christmas trip, which lasted about a week and was chock full of busy-ness, followed by a sick boy. Patrick came down with a cold (or nasty allergy attack) the day after we got home. If you've been paying attention, this is the first time he's been actually sick. He's been taking a lot of our time and attention. And what little is left has been devoted to Nathan, who decided to start the early stages of teething while we were gone. It hasn't been constant fussing, but there have been a few periods where he was pretty inconsolable for quite a while.
So until things return to normal--or we get used to this new normal--I may not be updating as often. I hope I can at least get around to posting some of my favorite Christmas pics before long, before next Christmas anyway. :)
So until things return to normal--or we get used to this new normal--I may not be updating as often. I hope I can at least get around to posting some of my favorite Christmas pics before long, before next Christmas anyway. :)
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