Brotherly Love

Alex is sweet, loving, and playful toward everyone, but there's no doubt in my mind who his favorite person is. And Jacob makes it clear that he loves his little brother back just as much.

When Jacob eats breakfast at his little table in the family room and watches morning cartoons, Alex needs to join him, of course. I don't even try putting him in his booster seat at the kitchen table when Jacob is eating in the other room. Where Jacob eats, Alex eats. And even better if they're eating the same thing, which was Pop-Tarts on this particular morning.


If Jacob is wearing underwear, why shouldn't Alex? And if Jacob is running around the house wearing only underwear, Alex must follow suit! I'm amazed that this picture is of Alex. My baby has gotten so big!


Jacob lounging on the Spiderman couch presents a perfect opportunity for Alex to snuggle with him.



And this morning, Jacob walked past me with the boys' hairbrush. A minute later, I looked in the family room, and this is what I saw:




Jacob gently styling and brushing Alex's hair, asking, "You like dat, Alex? You look nice!" while Alex sat patiently during the entire grooming session, gazing up at his stylist.


Of course they aren't always lovey dovey, but you sure can't beat moments like these.

Jacob's Christmas list

This morning's weather prompted a discussion about Christmas. We awoke to a very light dusting of snow on the ground, which Jacob & I were excited to see. Jacob has yet to have a big snowfall to play in since he was born. I'm hoping this is an omen of snowy weather to come this season. I like the snow. And I love the idea of watching the boys play in it. As Jacob looked out at the white snow scattered sparsely across patches of grass, he proclaimed, "It looks like sprinkle cheese!" The parmesan kind you sprinkle on spaghetti, of course.

So this cold weather got me thinking about Christmas. I told Jacob it was almost time for Santa Claus to come bring him presents. And, that Christmas is also Jesus's birthday. After briefly sidetracking to inquire whether Jesus would have a birthday cake and candles, we started talking about gifts. Earlier this morning, I was browsing online, looking for a present for my mom. Jacob was standing behind me, and gasped excitedly when he saw one of the pictures I was planning to quickly scroll past.



"Mommy, LOOK!! A popcorn machine (pronounced uh-sheen)! I want dat! I want dat!"
I've explained to him that he doesn't need one since we already have a popcorn machine and that it's called our microwave. The only response I seem to get is a poked out bottom lip. He has approached me multiple times today to tell me, "Mommy, guess what? I want a popcorn uh-sheen!"

A little while ago, since I'm starting to get in the Christmas spirit (I LOVE this time of year), I asked, "Hey, buddy...what presents do you want for Christmas?"
Jacob: "A popcorn uh-sheen."
Me: (doing my best not to sigh and roll my eyes) "OK, other than a popcorn machine. What else do you want?"
Jacob: "Umm, a pig you put money in."
Me: "Like Daniel & Lainey have?"
Jacob: "Yes."
Me: "OK, what else?"
Jacob: "A rope!"
Me: "A rope?? For what?"
Jacob: "For Christmas."
Me: "No, I mean, what will you use a rope for?"
Jacob: "For catching things!"

Maybe he'll forget about these requests within the next month. Otherwise, I'm afraid he might be a little disappointed on Christmas morning. Hopefully the Power Rangers costume, military costume, and keyboard with drums I've bought so far will help make up for the lack of a popcorn machine and lasso. :)

Sweet & Mushy

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I have two of the sweetest boys in the whole world. I look forward to the things Alex will say one day, but right now, he demonstrates his sweetness with loving gazes, wet kisses, tight hugs, toothy grins, and when he grabs a hold of my hand.
Jacob, of course, is full of sweet sayings. When you talk as much as he does, you're bound to toss in a few. Already today, he has made my heart melt at least twice.

This morning, as he & I were lying in bed, snuggling and watching a cartoon, I squeezed him tight, and said, "I love you, buddy."
Jacob: "I love you too, Mommy. I love everybody. I love Santa Claus, Brian, Angela, Victor, Scott, Tricia, Daniel, Lainey, and Piper."
And if your name wasn't specifically listed, don't worry. You fall under the category of "everybody". And I'm sure you've been included in one of his prayers or another of his love lists.

Just a few minutes ago, and actually the incident that prompted me to blog, I was dressing Jacob. He'd just finished using the potty, a milestone I dare say I think we've finally conquered. He's been in underwear during the day for over a week now, and hasn't had one accident.
Me: "Jacob, I'm so proud of you. Thank you for telling me you needed to use the potty."
Jacob: "You're welcome."
I gave him a hug & a big kiss on the cheek.
Jacob: "I love your kisses, Mommy."
The sweetness of his comment left me speechless, but I think he understood just how much the sentiment meant to me. Without my saying a word, he looked at me and said, "You're welcome." :)
I'll remind him how much he used to love my kisses when he's too old one day to want them. :)

I wish I could credit our parenting, and maybe it plays a partial role, but I think we were just blessed with two sweet-tempered boys. How lucky we are that they also happen to be smart, funny, and adorable.
OK, end of shameless bragging post. :)

Monkey See, Monkey Do

In the old expression Monkey see, monkey do, Alex is the monkey. And I mean that in only the most loving and affectionate way possible, of course. Now that I think about it, Monkey is actually a somewhat fitting nickname. Not only does he mimic everything he sees, he also climbs like a monkey and has a similar high-pitched squeal. It's a squealing noise that rivals those made famous by Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson. It's also a little monkey-ish. It's a sound that is hard to describe in words. Only those readers fortunate(?) enough to hear it in person can nod their heads in agreement with my comparisons.

Anything Jacob does, Alex will follow suit. Jacob is his best friend and hero. I'm reminded of the times when Jacob used to copy every single thing his older cousin, Daniel, did. These little boys look up to their older counterparts. Every stunt performed by their idol looks amazing and just begs to be copied. Food they're holding looks better than what's in their own hand, even if it's the same. But it's not only Jacob Alex likes to mimic. Really, my little Monkey will copy just about everything he sees. Of course, by copying, he has also learned the absolutely adorable game of Peek-a-boo and is tied with Jacob for first place in the Best Hugs category. There are some advantages to his mimicry.

Granted, he also makes up some of his own adventures. For instance, this morning, he splashed around in toilet water when I was busy washing my hands...an incident that could have been avoided if I ever received privacy in the bathroom. I know he hasn't seen anyone do that before. I'm also fairly certain none of us carry our cups around upside down, watching behind us as we leave a telltale trail of milk or juice droplets.

Everything we are holding or doing must look fascinating to Alex.
I imagine his thoughts must go a little like this...


Hmm, Mommy carries Hailey's water bowl, so I can too. One of these days, maybe I'll figure out how she walks more than 4 steps without spilling it.

People throw things in the trash, so I can too. I think cups usually go in that dishwasher, but it's probably OK for it to go in here too. I don't see any other cups, though...but what's that?! That half eaten waffle looks delicious. I haven't seen anyone eat from the trash can, but I don't mind being the first.


Jacob has a cup! He's drinking! I must be thirsty too!

Whoa, are you eating?! I'm hungry too! Either share your food or I will continue to tug and climb on you with my mouth wide open.

I see you walking up & down the steps, so I will too. Don't try to carry me. Hmm, I just realized that I am slightly smaller than you...so maybe hold my hand while I do this.

Jacob splashes in the tub, so it's only fair for me to return the favor.


Jacob and Mommy are hugging...that reminds me, I need a hug too. Group hug!

What? Jacob's on Daddy's lap? Make room for me on the other leg, guys.

Jacob pees on the potty! What a coincidence. My bladder also feels full! I'd better grunt and tug on the front of my diaper so it's clear I'd like a turn too. It's fun to sit on the potty and grunt. Sometimes pee comes out, but so far, only for Grandmom. I like teasing Mommy & Daddy.

People turn the bath water on with this handle, so I can too. I can take it a step further and rinse shirts, shoes, or anything else I might be holding.

People stand on the table, so I can too. Well, maybe they only sit at the table, but they WOULD climb on it if they were as small as I am.



When Jacob runs, I run. There must be something exciting going on.

When Jacob shouts playfully, I shriek. I like the loud noise it makes. I can't tell if Mommy and Daddy like it, but I know Jacob does.

If Jacob is crying, I am concerned. Sometimes I like to visit him when he's in Time Out. I can't wait to be in Time Out one day!

When Jacob shakes his head no, I shake my head no for 3 minutes.

I've seen Jacob chase Hailey, so now I like to do it too. It's fun listening to her bark echo throughout the house.

Hailey lays under the table, so I do too. She looks like she needs company.

Mommy & Daddy wear these big shoes, so I can too. I think they look cuter on me than on Mommy.


When people laugh, I smile.

I've seen people talk on the phone, so I do too. "Ehh, ehh, ehh."

People pick up that remote thingy and point it at the TV, so I can do that too. It's fun to change channels and make menus come up while my brother is watching a show.

Daddy & Jacob cut the grass, so I can help too.


I've seen people look out this window. What's so interesting out there?


Jacob wears costumes, so I can too. Sometimes I like to wear the cape as a scarf. I have superhero powers either way.


Jacob rides a bike in the house (bad, Mommy), so it must be alright for me to do it too.


Hailey wears a leash, so I guess I can too.


That's one cute little monkey!

Halloween Festivities

This year's Halloween was probably one of the best ever. Last year, Jacob couldn't quite grasp the concept of trick or treating, and used Halloween as an opportunity to sprint up and down the street wearing a lion costume. At only 2 months old this time last year, Alex was too young to trick or treat. So he wore a pumpkin onesie and hung around the house. But THIS year was great. Jacob understood that we were not just out for an evening jog, but that we actually had to knock on doors. And while Alex needed occasional prodding to approach the door with his bucket, he did a good job of following the lead of the big kids.
The boys were able to trick or treat twice this year. Grandmom's & Granddad's community host a neighborhood trick or treating session at their clubhouse. Instead of going door to door, the adults sit on the curb around a circular drive, and kids go from person to person. It's simple and fun, and the kids enjoy getting dressed up in their costumes. During his first trick or treating experience this year, Jacob opted to dress as Superman and save Spiderman for Halloween. Alex was disguised as the Incredible Hulk. A fitting costume choice as sometimes they seem to have matching tempers (which I'm allowed to say since I'm pretty sure he inherited his from me). :)
In addition to trick or treating twice, Nan & Pop Pop joined me and the boys on our excursion to a pumpkin patch on Halloween day. We had a good time, and after we got home, Jacob played with the guts of the 2 pumpkins I carved.
Here are some pictures from our week of Halloween festivities.

Superman & The Hulk.



Who's under that witch hat? Superman & the Hulk recognized Grandmom.



After they went trick or treating, Granddad continued his annual tradition of carving pumpkins with his grandkids. Jacob loves pumpkin guts. Even Alex braved the pumpkin gut texture, hence the scrunched up nose.



The final product and a picture with the pumpkin carving artist.


Fast forward to Halloween Day, and here we are at the pumpkin patch! First stop: the Bumpy Slide. Jacob slid down approximately 38 times. Even Pop Pop & I joined in the fun. I can't say for sure whether Alex enjoyed the Bumpy Slide. He didn't crack a smile during any of his rides down, but yet, he kept wanting to go again.




The pumpkin patch also had several barnyard animals, including chickens, goats, and cows. There was a wooden cow you could pretend to milk, and water (I think- I didn't get close enough due to my disinterest in faux milking) came out of the "udders".


Alex & a goat having a staring contest. The goat looked away first. Alex wasn't sure what to think about the animals roaming around.


The hay ride was a little bumpy, but the boys enjoyed it. Initially, Alex wasn't sure about the texture of the hay, but he eventually relaxed on Nan's lap.



The boys with their Nan & Pop Pop. I was glad they joined us, not only for their extra pairs of hands & eyes to help with boys who like to run around, but also for their company.


We also walked through the corn maze. This is another moment I was grateful for Nan & Pop Pop's presence. With my sense of direction, who knows how long the boys & I would have been roaming through stalks of corn.



A monster in the corn maze.


Jacob enjoyed feeding the baby goat kernels of corn.


Who is that with the boys? Oh, that's their mother! The one who's almost always the one behind the camera!


After we got home from the pumpkin patch, and I carved 1 happy pumpkin & 1 mad pumpkin (Jacob's requests), it was time to head over to Scott's & Tricia's for a traditional Halloween spaghetti dinner with them, Grandmom, Granddad, and Nani. First, the boys had to try on Daddy's costume. Every year, Jeff wears a wig. I'm not really sure who he's supposed to be.



After dinner, I wiped off orange spaghetti faces, and the boys were transformed into Spiderman & the Incredible Hulk!


Our trick or treating buddies. Daniel & Lainey going incognito as Batman & Batgirl. (Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)


Spiderman & Batman. There were moments when these two handsome superheroes battled it out over whose turn it was to ring the doorbell, but they enjoyed trick or treating together. (Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)


Two little cuties. (Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)


Nan & Uncle Chris stayed at our house to answer the door while we were trick or treating. Pop Pop joined us on our quest to ring the doorbell of every single house in the neighborhood whose lights were on. Mission accomplished. We came across many other familiar faces, including Grandmom (who also braved the chilly air to walk with us), Granddad, and Aunt Kerri & Uncle Matt.
(Photo Credit: Uncle Matt)


Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)

(Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)



4 Superhero trick or treaters. (Photo credit: Aunt Tricia)


Spiderman on the move.


The Incredible Hulk, doing his best to match the speed of Spidey & Batman. All of that muscle weighs him down just a bit.


"I love you, candy."


Spiderman's best buddy is Batman. And I think Batman likes Spidey, too.


Aunt Tricia captured this sweet moment between two cousins. Alex loves Lainey, and I know Lainey loves her "Allie".


Can you see why we've had so much fun this Halloween? Two opportunities for the boys to wear their costumes, get twice the candy, enjoy the pumpkin patch, and then get to trick or treat with their cousins/best friends, who also happen to be their neighbors?
Hope everyone had as happy of a Halloween as we did!