Scott and Mel's Family

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Monday, July 20, 2009

On our way home from Eric's Birthday night out, I asked Isaac what he wanted to do for his Birthday and he said, "I want to ride a real train." So, after dinner on Friday, July 17th, we all loaded up in the mini-van and headed for the nearest Metro Station. Scott and I figured that riding the Metro would suffice as a "real" train. Although we did explain to him that this was a passenger train, and that it did not go "choo-choo". He seemed to be fine with that.

When we got to the parking lot a train was pulling into the station and Isaac screamed at the top of his lungs, "TRAIN!!" When we got inside the station both the boys were quiet and serious. I think they were in awe. When our train started to approach the station, I wasn't sure if they would be excited or scared. But thankfully, they were both very excited....but again, quiet and serious.

We didn't really have an objective, other than ride the train, however, we decided to get off at the Clarenden stop and walk around a bit. It was such a beautiful evening and it was very reminiscent being in Arlington. Scott and I haven't spent much time there since our first year of marriage. And of course, Arlington used to be home for me for several years. Scott took the boys across the street to CVS to look for a toy, while Mom, Lauren, and I sat on the park benches.

Then it was time to head back. They were just as much in awe on the train ride home. When we got home I asked Isaac what his favorite part was....and I was just sure he would say either seeing the train or riding the train....but instead he said, "Walking around in the city."

He and Eric have been talking about it everyday since! I'm sure the Metro will be a part of our future as a family from now on : ) Fun stuff!

About to dive into his cupcake

Isaac in front of the Memorial for those killed in the Korean and Vietnam Wars

Grammy and Isaac walking in the park in Clarendon

Waiting for the train

Thursday, July 16, 2009

"How Many Days Till Grammy Gets Here?"

That was the first thing out of Isaac's mouth this morning. I told him, "0" and I thought we was gonna jump out of his skin!!! He said, "I can't wait to see my Grammy!" I am wondering if he is gonna be able to sleep for his nap today, knowing she may be here when he wakes up....we'll see.

When I told Eric Grammy was coming today he said, "YAH!" and clapped his hands. It will be great to be together for a few weeks. We can't wait to see the Crissmans, Clearys, Brumfields, Fannins, and Biggsessss too!!!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Getting ready for the party

So I've been getting ready for the boys party on Saturday. I think they are really gonna love it!! I have a fun craft planned for them and they don't know anything about it. They are gonna make sock puppets. I've been looking at pictures online to get some ideas of how and what to make. I am sure all the kiddos will need some help, but it will be lots of fun for them to make a puppet and then take it home to play with! Mom is picking up some of the supplies we need to make them and is bringing them with her. I'm hoping to have time to put one together as an example.

We are going to the party supply store on Friday morning so they can pick out some decorations. I have no idea what they may pick out, but I'm gonna let them look through everything and see what they come up with.

I also have a game planned....pin the tail on "something". We are also gonna eat pizza (gluten and dairy free of course), fruit, and cupcakes. I'm making a new frosting recipe that's sugar free, so I'll let you know how it goes.

We are now counting down the "naps" till Grammy gets here :) Can't wait!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Nathan & Sarah Singing for Eric

Water & Sand Table

Isaac and Eric love their birthday gift from Grammy and Papap!!

Eric calls it a "Bath"....he's so funny!!

Happy Birthday to Eric

He was afraid of the candles, even though every time we sang Happy Birthday to him today, he pretended to blow out candles : )

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.