It's Super Thumb!

Last week I was afraid we were not seeing enough breakthough. Then the PT gave us an old school peg thing for Evan to practice with. It was like everything started to click.  Of course, everything old school is better.... Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Here is video of Evan:



Here is video of Superman using his thumb:

TFA (Thomas & Friends Anonymous)

We took Evan in for his first meeting. It didn't go so well. But that's OK, because I enjoy watching him experience such joy with all of his Thomas merchandise. Books, shows, trains, train whistle, Thomas hat, train table, stuffed bedtime Thomas, etc... You know when it is time for a toddler bed, it will be hard to resist the big Thomas bed.

As a matter of fact, it might be time for that bed soon. He was the first one to climb out of the crib. They both have had the ability if they wanted to, but they have chosen not to. I always thought I would find Amelia exploring her room during naptime. She's sneaky like that. But to my surprise, it was Evan with that plan.

Back to Thomas and trains, we have brought him to see some model train railways over the holidays. They have a huge one they set up for the holidays in Seattle Center, where the Children's museum is. Next year he will be old enough to take control of the train with a "conductor" helping out. Then we went to the Model Train Festival in Tacoma. There were teeny tiny trains, tiny trains, small trains, who knew there were different classes of model trains!

This summer we are taking him on a mini-steam engine ride that's nearby. We will probably try to go see "the real Thomas", too.

I know what you are thinking, "What about Amelia?" Well, she isn't really infatuated with anything yet. I tried to get her little dolls where you snap on their clothes and she could care less. She loves her bigger baby dolls, her farm animals, and she likes her Thomas trains, too (she has Rosie the girl train and a Thomas of her own). I think I am going to sew a Thomas patch onto her pink hat. When she finds something she really likes, then you know she will have it!

Evan at the Model Train Festival


Evan picking out his next Thomas train


Evan at the Seattle Center model train

More Bday before I forget!

Before I forget and it is mid-March, I uploaded a bunch of videos and pictures taken the weekend of their birthday. The roller coaster video just kills me. Enjoy!!

Click HERE for the link to the birthday photo album on Photobucket.

My Babyzillas

They may look tiny to everyone else, but to me they are huge. I was surprised at their 2 year old check-ups when they showed up in the percentages on their growth charts (some)! An actual number in front of a percent sign!! I am in shock. Yeah, so a very small number in front of the percent sign still means they are tiny, but at least there is a number. And Evan's head is an awesome size. So there. They are my giants- watch out or they will get you!

Meli:
0 percentile weight (almost 20 lbs)
15th percentile height (33 in)
4th percentile head circumference (45.5 cm)

Evan:
1st percentile weight (21.5 lbs)
3rd percentile height (32.5 in)
54th percentile head circumference (49 cm)

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Happy Birthday Evan and Amelia!

We have already been to Chuck E. Lamo's (Cheese's) and opened most of the presents. Now I have a cup of coffee ready so I can write while they are napping. I used to never need coffee!

I can't believe how old they are. Everyday they are doing new things and saying new phrases. This morning I was thinking about everything that went down this morning exactly two years ago. I guess I will relive that every year; It's something you never forget.

For the most part, it is much easier now. This past year they have started to let me sleep more and more, though I'm sure I'll have these dark circles under my eyes forever. Do cucumbers really work? The hardest part is getting them to listen to me and stay by me at all times. If one gets loose from me, they just run. This happened on the ferry a couple of weeks ago and I almost died (figure of expression). I wish someone would film me getting both kids out of the van and into school or the grocery store. It's a riot to watch, but also terrifying for me. Other than that and some backtalk, food throwing, and pushing, they are pretty good for two year olds (though at times John questions this). I have seen worse!!

I haven't said what they've been doing in ages, so here is a little bit of who they are. Happy Birthday, my babies!!


Amelia:

• talks in full sentences and can repeat just about anything.
  
• loves "going shopping" with her Little Tikes shopping cart.
  
• enjoys ruling her brother around.
  
• floats in the bathtub (after I take Evan out and she has lots of room).
  
• sings most of the ABC song.
  
• knows most letters and numbers by sight.
  
• is fearless and climbs on everything.
  
• likes to destroy things like her brothers train tracks.
  
• favorite color is yellow or hot pink.
  
• loves her shoes.
  
• loves to hold her brothers hand and play Ring around the Rosie or just run with him.
  
• loves to sing.
  
• favorite food: butter.
  
• won't go anywhere without her kitty mow mow (her blanky that has a kitty head and paws on it).
  
• pretend plays with kitty mow mow, baby dolls, animals, etc.
  
• puts kitty mow mow in time out when needed.
  
• can't stand to have shoes or socks on in the house or car.
  
• loves to play the drums (uses anything to hit anything) and says, "I'm jamming!"
  
• current favorite animal at the zoo: meerkats.
  
• only stops running when she is taking a nap or in bed for the night.
  
• favorite show: Yo Gabba Gabba.
  
• is a little more challenging than her brother, what with the attitude, tantrums, and trowing food.

Evan:

• is the sweetest boy you'll ever meet.
  
• talks in full sentences, but they are a little shorter than Amelia's and sometimes need an interpreter (me).
  
• is completely obsessed with choo choo trains.
  
• tries to figure out how everything works.
  
• knows all ABC's and numbers by sight.
  
• loves to jump on the couch and is fearless.
  
• loves when Amelia plays roughhouse with him and drags him around the living room by the hand.
  
• finally goes to bed all by himself.
  
• loves to randomly come up and kiss his mommy.
  loves to be a "smart butt" and do the opposite of what his mom tells him.
  
• just wants to be outside.
  
• favorite color is orange. I think.
  
• loves his froggy rainboots.
  
• loves to be chased.
  
• favorite food: pizza rolls
  
• loves to cuddle with mom or dad to read or watch TV.
  
• laughs at physical comedy like Tom & Jerry, the Upsidedown Show and some characters from SNL (Gilly or the Puerto Rican drummer).
  
• is an amazing swimmer (he swims at pool therapy).
  
• new phrase this morning: "mailman coming" and "I don't know what, I don't know why."
  
• favorite show: Thomas & Friends.
  
• loves when Amelia takes his socks off.
  
• current favorite animal at the zoo: walrus.

Mom bought us new markers!

Waiting, Hoping, Staring

at the thumb. Move, thumb, move! It has been only 4 days since we stopped putting his splint on during the day. And yet we keep watching for progress. His thumb is a little stiff and I believe it is still painful sometimes. I accidentally washed his hand a little too rough and he started crying. I felt so horrible.

He has been favoring his little left arm still, but there seems to be a turn around today. As I write, he is carrying around a train track piece with his right hand. He has mostly been using his fingers on his right hand and not the thumb. That has had us worrying. Until John caught this picture a couple of hours ago. I hope this means good things are coming.