Scott and Mel's Family: July 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Ladybugs 2010

Last year for Isaac's 4th and Eric's 2nd birthdays, Scott and I got them a ladybug farm. Well, they just loved it and have been asking when they could get more ladybugs. So, we placed an order for more ladybug larva several weeks ago. It is so neat to watch them change from the larva to the pupa, and then to the full grown ladybugs! Here are some photos of the boys letting them go in our back yard this year. They let the ladybugs crawl on their arms and hands before letting them go in the grass.

Leesburg Animal Park

We made a trip to the Leesburg Animal Park at the beginning of June. The kids had a blast petting and feeding the animals. Here are Eric and Isaac taking a turn riding the pony.

Isaac's Pre-School Program

Isaac told me the day before the program that he had to sin a song that he didn't like. By the look on his face, I'm sure you can see this is the song LOL!

Isaac and his teacher, Mrs. Emmerson.

Isaac's last day of pre-school for this school year was at the end of May. They had a nice program with singing, Bible verses, and a short video. It was so cool to see Isaac with his friends and on stage performing.

Playing Catch Up

So I have taken a major vacation from blogging this summer. When my classes ended in May, I realized I needed a break from lots of things :) So, now I am going to have to play catch up for a while. So much has happened!

4 and Fantastic!

It's hard to believe that Isaac turned 4 years on July 17th!! I have heard this cliche SO many times....especially when it comes to your children....but boy, how time flies! I guess it's difficult to fully grasp until you become a parent and see for yourself.

Isaac is full of life and so creative!! He is very active...now, I know most 4 year olds are, but he loves to run, jump, dance, and just be on the move all the time. And it seems that he never gets tired, which is a blessing in disguise, since he is in remission from Crohn's Disease (I will write more about this later). Scott and I think he's gonna be a runner one day. His favorite thing to play is chase....again, he never get's tired! He has a love for the arts....music, dance, singing, painting, drawing.....he loves them all! He also loves to talk. He started talking at a young age and hasn't stopped since. I used to think that being a stay at home Mom, I wouldn't really have anyone to talk too but not with Isaac around. I can practically carry on a adult conversation with him. Because he is such a "words" person, he loves to be affirmed by our words....for example, he loves to hear that we are proud of him, or that he did a great job, or that he is special. His love language is definitely words of affirmation....so is mine : )

Isaac is also very sensitive, loving, and helpful. He is truly a giver and a doer. He is the happiest when he is showing love and giving to others. The way he likes to show love is by helping and doing. He likes responsibility. I guess it gives him a sense of purpose. It can sometimes get him in trouble though because he wants to do things he's not quite ready to do....yes, he is extremely independent. For example, the other day Lauren had woken up from a little cat nap in her swing. Well, she was fussing a little and then stopped. I figured he had just given her her pacifier. Scott went in to see what was going on and he, Isaac, had stopped the swing, unbuckled her, and was picking her up!!! He knows he can't do this, but I guess he wanted to try. He said, "I was only trying to help her, and she stopped crying." My Mom has told me nearly 1,000 times how independent I was as a child and that it just about drove her crazy. She said it was a difficult trait to have in a child, but great for a teenager and adult. So far, I agree!

2 and Totally Terrific

It's also hard to believe our Baby Eric 2!! His last year has really flown by!!

Eric, also known as EJ, is so full of love. He is our little snuggly bear. Since he was a baby, he has always loved to be in someone's arms and snuggle, especially on skin. If I could sit around all day, Eric would be in my lap snuggling on my chest. When he snuggles, he also likes to play with his ears. The way he shows love to others is also by touch....hugs, rubs, kisses....his love language is definitely physical touch. And he is so gentle with his touch. Of course I always remind him, but he's never been too rough with Lauren. If someone is sad or sick, Eric is the first one to console and comfort.

Although he is a gentle soul, he is also full of energy and vigor. He also loves music and dancing....but more than that, he loves to play ball!! He has a real passion for balls...basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, but most of all footballs. If he doesn't have one in his hands, there isn't one far away. He loves to thrown them, kick them, or just hold them.....and he's even been known to want to sleep with them : ) We believe some sort of ball playing is in his future.

As I mentioned in Isaac's biography, music and dance are a part of our everyday, and have been for quite some time. Well, before Eric could walk on his own, he would find many ways of moving and dancing to the music. Scott or I would hold him up under his arms and help him dance and move to the music and it would make his day!! Once he could get up and walk, he was dancing within a couple of days too. He also mastered jumping withing a couple of months....which is pretty difficult for a new walker, let alone before the age of 2. Isaac didn't get both feet off the ground till almost 3!!!

EJ is very independent, yet very easy going. We tought he would be the one "following" after Isaac, but it is really the other way around. Don't get me wrong, there are days and times he does, but for the most part, he has his own style and way of doing everything, and Isaac is the one following. He doesn't mind playing by himself or sitting and reading books, however he doesn't mind Isaac joining him. They really balance each other in this way because Isaac pretty much wants Eric around him all the time. It's so sweet because they really are best of friends.