Christopher is really coming into his own lately and is discovering that he can make us laugh pretty easily. This either means that he is really funny or we are easily amused. I haven't figured out which one it is yet, though. He has become pretty fascinated with going potty, or "otty" in his words. Any time that anyone goes in the bathroom or if he pees he starts chanting "otty, otty, otty!" The other day he had an uncomfortable look on his face and he said, "Otty." I asked him if he went potty and he stopped in the middle of the kitchen and nodded his head while wiggling his hips around in a circle "adjusting!" It bugs him a lot more than it ever did Colin to be wet. He often will tell me when he needs a change. He'll say "poo" (which sounds more like boo) and point or "pee" and point. He's brilliant.
He is in a stage now when he will just randomly walk through the house and babble. He is usually aping something that Colin has done previously, and it's really cute to watch. He has taken to being Spiderman like Colin and points his finger and shoots the webs while making the "sheeeeu sheeeu" sound.
He is doing very well with walking and most of the time does great, but still falls pretty often. He gets frustrated and yells at his feet. He falls down, shakes his feet while yelling "tee, tee!!" (feet, in Christopher speak). It's pretty humorous. He has also taken to showing his muscles for everyone. He puts both arms up and growls. Needless to say this impresses all the ladies and goes along with his flirtatious behavior at the--well, wherever we are. We are loving this time of his life that is so full of discovery and growth.
Colin has been enjoying his preschool and we often hear stories of playing superhero on the playground, who is favorite friends are, and who got in trouble that day. Of course he isn't so forthcoming with the other stuff. Such as when he has a yellow day. Green cards are a good day. Yellow is the warning day, meaning he doesn't get a sticker for the day, putting off his pick from the treasure box. He has had a number of these yellow days in the last couple of weeks. Mostly for wild behavior mixed with some kicking and disrespect of the teacher. Aaaaaaahhhh! My kid can't be the problem child! Noooooooo! I talked to the teacher and she assures me that he is just doing age-appropriate things and not to worry too much, but to really praise his good behavior. I agree with her wholeheartedly, but I also think that it is my job to nip it in the bud. He gets a separate punishment at home on these non-green days, and I have also implemented a smile chart for him to work towards a special treat from us. He earns a smile on his chart for every green day. Once he fills up the chart with smiles he gets a special treat. So far it is working great...although it's only been two days since implementation, but we have two smileys so we are off to a great start.
The other day we were heading out to the garage to get in the car. I went ahead of the kids so that I could get my armfuls of stuff into the car before having to pick up kids to put them in. I leaned out of the car just in time to hear Colin saying "Come on, Christopher, I'll help you" and simultaneously leaning down, wrapping his arms around him, and assisting him down the step into the garage. It was so sweet that I teared up. It's a welcome change from him knocking him over for moving. :)
On a whole other note, we have been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster the last couple of weeks with Justice (one of our dogs for those of you who don't know). He was diagnosed with cancer in March or around that time period. Well, in the last few weeks, he has stopped eating, lost a ton of weight, and started vomiting at night. We changed his food, which seems to have helped for a short time, but it seems to be starting again. It is totally heartbreaking to watch, and we are preparing ourselves for the time that we have to make the difficult decision to give up. He is 11 years old and it is obvious what is coming. Please say some prayers for Roger as this is his baby. He is a wonderful dog and a true part of the family.
