Things I've learned...

Being a mother has taught me so much about myself, my idea of what family is and should be, and what it means to really love. I've learned so much in the past two years from Drew - and for that I must thank him. He is an amazing person and the best teacher I've ever had.

These are some things I've learned from Drew...

• While it's sad to see one stage pass, the next stage may be more exciting
• We all must learn to be (more) patient
• One's positive voice should always be louder than a negative one
• Even the most independent children need their mommy
• Good manners will get you everything :)
• Chores are more fun when sung
• It's great to re-read a good story (over and over and over again!)
• Children learn best from modeling (in other words: they copy everything!)
• Family hugs should occur daily
• Even two-year-olds have important things to say
• A flexible schedule is the best kind
• Sometimes bribary or bargaining is ok (hey-it works!)
• Show love and it will be shown to you
• Every day is a new day - start with a clean slate and have fun!

Baby wearing

Dean is definitely a cuddly guy. So it's no wonder he's a fan of the sling! I love wearing him too. Good thing because he HATES his infant carrier/car seat. This past weekend we all went to the beach (Dean's first time!) and he fell asleep on the walk down both Saturday & Sunday. He was so kind as to sleep the whole time we were there too (2 hours each day). What a guy!

Today I wanted to shop a little while Drew was out with Mama. Dean and I went to Target - and as usual, he cried for the whole car ride. Once there I put him into my lovely moby wrap and he immediately fell asleep. Ahhh...a quiet excursion. While shopping, Dean had a major butt explosion. Let's just say...it was pretty bad!

Baby wearing
Pro - Happy Baby!!!
Con - Messy Mommy :(

Zoo!

We all went to the Roger Williams Zoo this Saturday. Drew had an absolute blast! Among his favorites were the giraffes and elephants.

Paul Harvey RIDDLE

When asked this riddle, 80% of kindergarten kids got the answer, compared to 17% of Stanford University seniors.

What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it, The rich need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

(Anyone willing to guess?)

Well-visit x 2

Yesterday we had a well-visit with Dr. Spaight for BOTH boys.
Here are the stats..

Drew

weight: 29 pounds, 1 ounce

height: 35 inches

Milestones

• Counts to 13 (that's how many stairs we have!)
• Speaks in sentences (most of the time)
• Can identify many bugs (praying mantis, ladybug, butterfly, bee, cricket, ant, fly, spider, dragonfly)
• Can identify dump trucks, garbage trucks, vans, jeeps, cars, motorcycles, utility trucks, tractors (we live in the country!), tow trucks, helicopters, boats, airplanes, choppers, ....
• Can sing several songs - Twinkle, twinkle; ABC; Happy Birthday; Head Shoulders Knees & Toes; I spy with my little eye
• Can open doors, climb in carseat, fasten buckles, operate remote controls , and make phone calls :)
• Makes people LAUGH

Dean

weight: 11 pounds, 8 oz

height: 22 1/4 inches

head: 15 3/4 inches

Milestones

• Smiling
• Cooing (I swear he said "Hi" the other day!)
• Tracking objects and sounds
• Rolling over (already!) - front to back

TWO YEARS OLD!

What can I say? Time is flying by too quickly. It's both exciting and sad to have my little guy turn two. Exciting because I seem to enjoy each new stage more than the last. He's talking up a storm - suddenly in a more mature fashion. Do you want some more cake? - Yes, I do. - Here it is. - Thank you, Mommy. He understands absolutely everything and is also a helpful little bug. Can you bring Mommy the blanket? - Here you go, Mommy. I'm helpful! - Yes, you are Drew. Thank you. - Welcome! And it's sad at the same time because I know in a flash Dean will be two and Drew will be FOUR. And before you know it he's off to school...and I'll be almost forty!

Well, we had TWO birthday parties for the two year old. Both were such fun! He can't rave enough about his birthday cake and presents. I can't rave enough about the kind, generous, good friends we've made here in Rhode Island. We are so lucky!!

Here are a couple of fun pics...

The loves of my life

Newport Folk Festival

Another fabulous time at the Newport Folk Festival! This year was a bit different as we brought Drew along; and one of Chris' favorite bands, The Allman Brothers, jammed for 2 1/2 hours! To add to the excitement Chris got a "press pass" for an upclose view of the Allmans as they performed their first songs. To top it all off (as if this weren't enough) we got to catch up with friends PJ & Patrice and their good friend Nicole. It was great to see the three little guys enjoying the music too. Toddlers are such fun: playing, dancing, chasing, eating, clapping, laughing...all afternoon.

After a day like this you'd expect a little guy to crash upon entering the car, right?!? Not our little bug, he went on talking and singing til we arrived home at nearly 10pm. A very late night for Mr. Drew, but he handled it well. A true Allmans fan who can hang with the boys...just like his Dada.

We did it!

Drew and I managed to have some fun -outside the home- with friends today...like the good ole days! "Mama" (grandma) babysat Dean for an hour while the TWO of us hit the beach with friends Alex & Kathy. Heidi and Hannah met us down there too. The kids had so much fun! And even though it was a short amount of time, it was nice to have my big love bug all to myself. It is always enjoyable to see him happy and having fun with his friends.

Thank you Mama!