Fifteen Months.

Puddin' Pop turned 15 months old today. I can hardly believe it. He is getting to be such a big boy all of a sudden!
Today, as we were taking Liam for his well visit with the Doctor, Owen and I had this conversation:

Owen: "Where are we going, mama?"
Me: "We are taking Liam to see the Doctor."
Owen: "Why? What's wrong with Wiam?"
Me: "Nothing is wrong, honey. We are taking him because he turned 15 months old today and the doctor wants to check to see how well he is growing."
Owen: {turns to Liam} "Wiam, we are going to the doctor to see how you are growing. I think the Doctor will say you are BIG--you have been growing A LOT."

He has been growing; but, not so much in stature as in abilities. He measured 31 inches tall--landing him in the 48th percentile and weighed in at 22 pounds and 1 ounce -- the 17th percentile. Little man is just that, little. But, boy is he mighty!!

He can do so much now that it is unreal. He says about 15-20 words and 3 phrases. His phrases are: "Where'd it go?", "There it is.", and "What's that?".This little guy can run, slide down the big slides at the park, go up and down our stairs by himself, feed himself with a fork and spoon, drinks from a straw and from a regular ole cup/glass, and, best of all, take turns with his brother. Just today, for example, they took turns letting the trains go down the big hill on the Thomas track. They also sit and roll balls and cars back and forth. I think this is fabulous--I get to sit back for the 45 seconds or so they stay happy and just watch in awe ;-)

He and Owen truly are best friends. Owen even refers to Liam as such. Liam misses Owen when we drop Owen at school and beams as soon as we pick Liam up from his class. He tries to hard to keep up with Owen and his friends. He just loves to be involved.

Other favorite things of Liam's right now are:

1. To read books. He grabs a book, comes over to me, backs up, and situates himself right where he wants in my lap. If Owen tries to join us, 95% of the time, Liam smacks him and says "no." He does have his limits and, apparently, doesn't like to share mommy/reading time.
2. Goldfish, applesauce, hotdogs, and juice are his favorite items from the kitchen.
3. PowerAide slushes from Sonic seem to be his Happy Hour favorite ;-)
4. Playing trains, cars, and, BALLS!

Happy fifteen months, Babis! We love you, little munchkin.

Owens Big Orange Pumpkin Farm

We had quite an adventure today! After having a VERY rough start to our morning, we finally found the pumpkin farm and met up with friends, Parker & Emma. This is really the name of the farm...Owen thought it was pretty cool; but, he did ask "Where's Wiam's farm?" Ha!
Liam didn't hesitate for a second to feed the goats!! Too bad he lost all of the food in one go...it didn't last him but 2-3 minutes.

He still had fun, though.

Owen, on the other hand, wasn't too crazy about feeding these uber aggressive/hungry goats. So, he was more than happy to share the nibbles he was given for the goats.

He did feed them a little, though.

I think he was pretty happy with his own little self for being so brave ;-)

Next, we went on a hay ride. We were pulled around the farm by a John Deere tractor. Our three almost three year olds were thrilled with this! Liam had fun, too! The ride was too bumpy to get good pictures, though.

After the hay ride, we tracked down a guy to do the barrel rides. Liam was raring to go. Owen, was fine with sitting in the barrel, until he realized it was going to move. I asked him to please ride with Liam and hang on to him. The great big brother he is, he did it, even though he was scared.

There they go!

I think Owen was glad he went, do you agree? All smiles! Little Liam waved most of the time, said the tractor driver -- I believe it. He LOVED the ride. I think I've met my future roller coaster buddy! Liam, as soon as you are 36" tall, buddy, we'll head on over to Six Flags...just you and me!

Owen eating a giant Popsicle.

Liam eating mama's ice cream cone.

The four kiddos checking out the chickens.

Owen and Emma had an absolute ball running the mazes!

Liam joined in after a bit.

Oh...I wish Owen had looked at the camera. I might have used this for a Halloween card if he had ;-)

All of the kiddos at Owens Big Orange Pumpkin Farm!

What a great way to enjoy our "cool" weather!!

Fun times.

Last Thursday, Noble came home with us from school. Emma came to play for a bit and all was calm. After she left...the boys went wild. Good, fun, crazy, boyish, wild. Yes, I know these pictures are blurry. I did that on purpose to try to capture the craziness. Not sure if it works for you; but, I liked it. And, its my blog. So...look at your own risk....
Yes, I let my kids fly in the house.

And, our rules are the same whether we have company or not ;-)

One, two, "free", go!

Oh, what fun.

Lest you think I can never be serious with the kids...here's a shot of them after the sillys wore out. We did three puzzles, thankyouverymuch. Oh...please ignore the Sonic cups ;-)

On Saturdays, Liam and I have a standing date. I take him to a morning Gymboree Music class. He's never quite sure if he is happy to be there or not, until about half way through. And then he seems to really get into it.

He really loved banging the sticks in time to the music.

I think, second to when they roll the balls around the room to one another, this was his favorite part.

Some of the others got tired of their sticks before Liam. Liam scurried out of my lap to snag them.

Yup...nothin' but fun times 'round here.

Lately...

Lately, we've been busy. I am not sure why it is called "stay-at-home-mom" .... seems we rarely have a day where we stay at home. But, maybe that's just my choice. Oh well. Here are some of the things we've been doing.

The boys started to preschool the week after we returned home for Ireland. It is Owen's second year and Liam's first. Their first day was a rainy one...
Sweet Liam could tell something was amiss. He was a sad little guy that morning.

...and, a wee bit apprehensive.

Owen, however, was really excited to go--that lasted until we got to HIS class room for drop off ;-).

We dropped Liam at school first. Owen helped him get his big 'ole backpack to his class.

...and went in to play with Liam a few minutes to get him comfortable.

The problem with letting Owen in to settle Liam, was getting Owen out. Owen cried--he didn't want to leave Liam's class. Liam, however, didn't cry. Just one more example of me never really knowing what's going to happen with these boys. I would have thought Owen would wave "bye" and that Liam would cry. Who'ld have thought it was the other way 'round. Oy.

Anyhow, got Owen over to his school and dropped off. Emma and Parker came to greet him. Little man really didn't want to go to his school...he wanted Liam's....so, he was still a bit sad.

They both ended up having good first days. Their second days were good, too. But, the second week, for both of 'em, was rough! Thankfully, week three went well, and I think we will have a good school year. The boys seem to be getting used to being apart and getting used to their teachers and schools. Phew! And, I am getting used to having 4 hours 2x/week to myself ;-)

One afternoon, the postcards I mailed each of them from Ireland arrived! Boy howdy, was Owen excited. Liam got excited just 'cause Owen did. Such fun!

The postcards had pictures of things the boys enjoyed while there, and I told them a little bit about what they were doing on the back. Owen liked having me read it to him. He insisted that Liam sit while he read Liam's to him. It was funny what Owen said the postcard said...but, it was so long ago now, that I don't remember what he created...just that it was funny.

Liam is getting so big...see?

Owen was tracing his feet...I thought this was too cute....if you just saw the sidewalk "feet", you would think my 2 year old was 6 feet tall ;-)

The boys have started playing really well together. Of course, that also comes with brotherly spats about who's turn it is.... But, sometimes, it is just total fun.

I love it when they make each other laugh.

Owen was doing the "Noble Duke of York" with Liam...he had Liam in his lap and was singing to him. This photo was when the Noble Duke of York takes men upside-down. Ha! Owen couldn't get Liam off his lap; but, they both had fun ;-)

Happy Birthday, Chippie

Ireland: The End...Sorta

I have been too busy to post on the blog lately...and, have so much to share! I first need to finish Ireland.... although, not sure I will get Owen's photos up tonight. So...more Ireland still to come ;-) But...be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a too cute video of the boys talking about the trip over dinner one night.

In the double stroller in Adare. I got asked twice on this day if they are twins. Liam is big...but, not that big.
I love, love, love this photo!

Adare had an amazing park. The boys got to run around and play with some Irish kiddos.

Liam found himself on the wrong side of the hedge ;-)

Running with the Irish.

I don't think this gal knew what to think of my two too-cute boys.

Just Liam.

The following day, Chippie, Gerard, and I took the boys to Bunratty Castle to see some of Gerard's distant relatives. While we waited for our agreed meeting time (we were over an hour early...imagine that), the boys wrote postcards to Grammie and Pa.

Once Paeder and Peggy got there, we toured the folk park. I was floored that the boys just went right up to Paeder. He definately has a way with kids. Most of the time, my little guys don't even go to people they know well, let alone someone they are just meeting. Paeder, Peggy, and Chippie are watching Owen photograph the pigs ;-)

Owen and I climbed the 82 steps to the top of the castle. It was worth it just for this shot (take note of his giant lolly pop)!

And this, I do declare, is my favorite picture from the trip. The pony just has me in stitches every time I look at this family photo ;-)

That afternoon, we checked in to our hotel in Dundrum. The boys like it...

We spent our last full day in Tipperary, where Gerard's father is from. The area is breathtaking and he got to take the kiddos to places that are very meaningful to Gerard.

The church in Lattin, where many of Gerard's family attended service, including his father. The alter in the chruch is a gorgeous marble alter donated by Gerard's grandfather.

The farm where Gerard's father grew up. The guy who owns it starting to get used to us dropping in every 5 years or so ;-)

at the farm...

We found the headstone for Gerard's great-grandparents. Its gorgeous.

The sheep and the mountains of Tipperary....

After 8 days...we flew home. The boys were such good travelers, that we are tempted to return next summer with 3 kiddos in tow!

Now...here is my "interview" of the boys regarding their big trip. Enjoy!