So, for the grandparents (and anyone else who thrives on the minute details), here's an update on what the kids are doing right now:
Ella is pushing herself up and rocking back and forth - she knows she's supposed to do something, but hasn't quite figured out how to coordinate her legs and arms into a cohesive motion yet. She has gotten really good at rolling around,sitting up, and will even pull herself up from time to time When on her tummy, she does a 360 scoot. She babbles "dadadada" ALL the time, and has started picking food off of her tray and feeding herself. She absolutely adores big brother Max. He plays games with her and it is really a joy to hear her laughing at him. Their favorite game to play is "look at me down here" where Max crouches down in front of Ella's high chair (Max calls it her hiney chair), then jumps up and says "Rowr!". He laughs, she really laughs, hilarity ensues.
Max is getting better and better on "the potty train". He loves his Thomas the Tank Engine big boy underwear (and you have to call them underwear. If you say underpants, he will correct you!). When we get home in the afternoons, he will change into his underwear and has gotten really good at going pee pee on the potty. Still isn't ready for #2, but I know he'll get there when he's ready. He knows if he goes poop on the potty he will get a new Emily train, so when that becomes a big enough draw for him, we'll be one step closer to 100% big boy underwear.
Max is also learning to test his boundaries. He started learning some time ago, but he has gotten smarter and much better at pushing my buttons, so it's much more challenging now. Last night he bit Ella, wouldn't listen & ended up in time out. He kept attempting to climb out of his time out spot (the pack & play), so each time he swung his leg over the edge, I added another minute. 6 MINUTES LATER, he seems to have gotten the picture - at least that time. I have to keep reminding myself that he is so smart, that actions like this are his way of testing the independence I hope we will be able to foster as he gets older. If not, I guess the college fund can always be used for therapy.
