New words

Elinor has been talking up a storm.  Some of her new sentences are:

"Mommy, I help you."  which translates to "Mommy I need help"
"I like that."   translates to "I don't want it or I don't like it"
"Here Lloydie"
"Mommy (or Daddy) I love you" 
Elinor can name all the animals in Noah's Ark, she knows many colors, some shapes, and today she counted backwards from the number 8.
I have been trying to teach John some sign language and it's funny when Elinor uses it.... because I know what she is trying to communicate.
John has picked up a few more words. He is using "Mama" and "Daddy" without being prompted. He can say no, choo choo, Elmo, Ernie, ball, Pop Pop, Mimi, bye, Ellie, pull and maybe a few more.  Every word is a celebration.  He uses some sign language when I prompt him, which is great because it confirms what I am asking him.  He has also started to sing using la, la, la and he loves to play the harmonica.
I have to remind myself not to compare him to Elinor.  Each child is different.  I don't feel like I am a very good teacher though.  The speech therapist comes weekly - I am not sure how much that helps.  However, the kids will go to a new sitter after Labor Day.  There are a few kids their age and I think that may help John with his verbal skills, as well as his social skills.
Next on my checklist:  eliminating Elinor's paci and then on to potty training.....

Mommy, I'm Sleeping

Elinor is talking really well.  She can put two to three words together.  She is starting to recognize colors and she can almost sing the entire songs of Twinkle Twinkle and the ABCs. Yesterday, while I was cooking dinner I heard her yell, "Mommy, I'm sleeping."  I yelled back, "Okay."  I mean, I wasn't going to argue with that.  But she kept yelling it, which meant "come see me."
This is where I found her....

... in the bathroom sink. 

What a hoot!

Photos from the week

Morgan has been here this week.  We took the kiddos to Cedar Point one morning and an Animal Park another.  John was not a lot of fun at either place... I guess he prefers the comforts of his own home.  

While in Olean last weekend, we had a Very Hungry Caterpillar birthday party.  Aunt Kathleen made the cupcakes. They turned out so cute. 

My dog

Lloydie is just craving for more attention.  Can't you tell? 

2 for 2

Two kids are 2.  We had a super day!  Here are some photos from the day. It's been a long day.  We go to the pediatrician tomorrow.  I'll try to have some stats for you.  All I have to say is... boy does 

TIME FLY!

magic marker on nose

I can't make this stuff up

I See Gymnasts in my Future

The twins hardly play with their toys.  So I have to get creative most days.  Any activity that lasts at least 8 minutes is a good one.  I don't know why I thought of this before... but the homemade balance beam kept their attention for at least 10 minutes.  Extra special!

 Look at Elinor's face and body language on the last photo!  PRICELESS! 

I finally broke down and had Elinor's hair trimmed in the back.  She was so easy at the salon.  It was only $6 to cut off the mullet in the back.  Not sure why I waited so long to do it.  I think I was hoping that it would all start to blend.... but it never did.  

 Birthday week this week.  It ends with a trip to Olean for the weekend and a trip to the pediatrician.