Big kid swing

Leave it to Eric to help Ian grow up. No more baby swing for this little guy. Does it look like he's having fun? He also likes to swing on his belly.

Notice how happy Ian looks in a Cardinals shirt? :)

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day which included sleeping in, an awesome brunch which included a mimosa and great conversation, and a little quiet time which included shopping. My favorite part of the day was being presented with two flowers picked fresh from the side yard by the two cutest kids. Very blessed!

Big day!

What a big day Ian had! He got to sit at the table sans a high chair for the first time this morning! I'm just now noticing all the details this picture captured! Such as the slab o' butter next to Ian's grits and brown sugar. Of course his sister has brown sugar and butter on her grits, so Ian does too. Except, he insists on his butter "on the side" and gets upset if one puts it into his bowl!

Ian also said his first sentence today. When I asked Audrey and Ian who should get the first bath, Ian announced: "Ian get a bath!" I think I scared him when I got so excited! Of course he got the first bath! :)

Easter

Ian loved Easter this year! He really got into helping to dye eggs (a few got cracked, but hey, it's easy to get excited, right?) and even chose the colors for his eggs. He also learned to say a new phrase: chocolate bunny. This favorite replaced his typical request of a banana for breakfast. Despite being denied every time, Ian requested a chocolate bunny at every sitting until his bunny was gone. He also loved the Easter egg hunt, though he was sick on Easter morning and relied more on Audrey to help him spot some eggs.

Dear Lion (aka Roooooaaaar),

I love you so. You go most places with me. Upstairs. Downstairs. Always to bed. To school. In the car for errands (you must stay in the car though so we don't lose you!). I want you first thing in the morning and last at night. You are a great pillow. Mommy and Audrey spotted you at the zoo last summer, and we have not parted ways since. I keep you tucked right under the arm. Mommy tries to figure out how to give you a bath, but you are never allowed out of my sight. After mommy kisses me goodnight, she must kiss you, too. I don't like to put you down when it is time to eat, and sometimes we just sit together in my chair. Until the time is just right for us to part for a few minutes. To eat. Last night, when you were coming upstairs with me for bed, I made sure you alternated your legs going up the stairs. Just as I do. You are getting so big! Just like me.

Love you!
Ian

Gymnast

With Audrey taking gymnastics lessons on Mondays, Ian gets to hang out with me and watch Audrey do her thing. I love this time since I do not have much of a chance to just spend one-on-one time with him. So, I bring him hungry and he snacks, snuggles, does puzzles, and reads books with me while Audrey has her lesson.

Oh, and he warms up when the others warm up. And jumps when they jump. And essentially tries to mimic their every move.

So, Ian is stretching his arms and legs. Trying to jump up and down. And somersault. From the second story balcony that all are to observe the lessons from...

Since Audrey also tries to practice between lessons, Ian practices as well. He can now somersault. Apparently off the cedar chest. And is working very hard on a handstand.

The gymnastics coach for the 2 year-olds wants Ian. Bad.

Doesn't he already have him???!!!

Ian loves to build with blocks. Quite elaborate towers if I do say so. Of course, he likes to knock over his sister's architecture. And sometimes his own, too. Look at how handsome this little boy is (especially in his St. Paddy's Day green)! Happy 21 months!