Summer 2014!

Hi All,

I know, I know... its been over four months since I last updated.  All I can say is that they have probably been some of the busiest 4 months I've ever had.  My boys have continued to be the light of my life but since I've been so busy Daddy has really been amazing at picking up the slack at home and consequently my three boys have really bonded over the summer. 

Daddy and the boys!

Ian has done a lot of growing up over the summer - including starting full-time school at Montessori!  He's really starting to understand so much more and is constantly surprising me with how much he remembers and how much he can put together on his own.  In fact he will often come up with solutions to problems that will help get him what he wants - often times something that I never even thought of or considered.  Despite the fact that I was very nervous about him starting formal school at such a young age, Ian has really blossomed at Montessori - learning so much and it seems like he really enjoys it.

Puppy dog Ian - freshly home from daycamp

 

Ian dancing and singing 'let it go'

Ian on his first day of school

Montessori and Ian in full time school has also really helped the relationship between Ian and Alex.  I think they were stating to get on each others nerves with so much time together as they were fighting all the time - but since he started school, Ian has been much more tolerant of Alex, even taking an active role in teaching him how to do things.  In fact - he often modifies his games and activities to make Alex an integral part and is disappointed if Alex doesn't want to play.  I'm not sure if this is because of the Montessori program or simply some much-needed time away from each other - either way I'm very happy for the change - and they are starting to become the friends I hope they will continue to be for life.

Ian and Alex in the morning

 

Ian and Alex - Tub painting

Alex has made even greater changes over the last four months.  The biggest changes are in mobility and communication.  Although a little late in starting to walk - once he started - he just kept going.  He runs, climbs, leaps, and just has no fear when it comes to attempting to keep up with his big brother.  While he doesn't have a lot of words yet, he has a few (Dada, Mama, Ee-ah (Ian), Lola, No, Uh-oh (his personal favorite), Buh-buh (bye-bye), hall-ah (hello) and others with less consistency) but manages to communicate with pointing and gestures (nodding for yes, shaking for no) with moderate success - and significant frustration when he can't get his point across - although he is quite persistent.  His little personality is really starting to show through.  He is a very head-strong little guy and is ready to take on the world but he is also very sweet and affectionate - loving to give hugs and blow kisses, snuggle and be held.  He loves music and dancing and idolizes his big brother. 

Alex hanging out

 

Alex dancing with Ian

 

The summer season started out with a trip to Auburn to celebrate great-grandma's 90th birthday - quite the event and accomplishment!  The whole family had a great time and we were glad we had the opportunity to see everybody. 

Great-Grandma's 90th Birthday

Ian also started soccer this year - mostly learning how to kick a ball and getting used to the idea that you are supposed to put it in the net - but he had fun (and looked pretty cute all dressed up in his uniform). 

Ian ready for soccer

For Father's day the boys took Daddy (and Grandma) to African Lion Safari.  It was Alex's first time visiting and I wasn't sure if he would get much out of it - but he was so excited to see all the animals on the safari. 

Ian riding a pony

Alex feeding a goat

Ian and Grandma feeding the goats

One of the hardest months since starting my residency was the past July - not because of the work, but because I had to be away from my boys for the longest period of time since they've been born.  It was a busy time, which helped - and we skyped nightly - which also helped - but I still missed them so much.  They did come to visit me during the weekend - and during one of these trips we went to visit the Detroit Zoo.

Ian - riding the tiger

Ian in a groundhog hole

Ian and Mommy on the Carousel

For my birthday I wanted to do something fun with my boys and family - so we went to Niagara falls and stayed in Great Wolf Lodge for a night along with my parents and sisters.  So much fun!  One of the best birthdays ever!

Auntie Jenn and Ian - over the falls!

Mommy and Alex - taking the plunge

The whole family in the barrel

At the bird sactuary

Ian taking on the crazy bird (note: the bird won...)

Ian and Alex hanging out with a tortoise

Mommy (and Ian) feeding the Lorakeets

Between crazy rotations, as well as applying for and interviewing for fellowship positions, things finally eased up enough in late September and I managed to relax and take my boys to Clovermead farms for a super-fun day. 

   

Alex taking to the sheep

Ian in the stocks

Ian riding the bee train

Ian and Alex at Clovernead

Our big end to summer (although technically it was actually fall) was to take a trip to the Sauble Beach cottage for Poppy's birthday.  It was a beautiful weekend, the beach and weather were perfect and spending time with family was (as always) a welcome respite. 

Alex finding driftwood

Alex enjoying the beach

  

The boys playing in the sand

  

Brothers!

 

Alex in the water

 

Go Uncle John, Go!

Well, by the next time I post, fall will likely have passed us by - I will know where we are going to be for the next two years (match day Nov 12!), the boys will likely have a new cousin (YAY Auntie Tif, Uncle Gary and Matthew :) ) and we will have enjoyed a wonderful fall and DiNo-vember and the boys will be anxiously awaiting Christmas.  So much to look forward to!

 

Love Amanda

 

The boys - chilling and cuddling

PS Congratulations Auntie Jenn and Uncle Mike on expecting our new niece/nephew/cousin in March 2015!!!