Be specific. Very specific.

We have a basic rule in our house about stealing toys from one's sibling: you don't do it. Matthew is learning to abide by this rule quite well, though of course Nolan's status as an infant precludes him from understanding this concept. When Nolan steals one of Matt's toys (out of Matthew's hands), then Matthew is allowed to "trade" Nolan a different toy in exchange for the one that Nolan snagged. *On a side note, I'm rather impressed that my 7 month old can actually get a toy away from my two year old!

The other day, Nolan grabbed a toy train out of Matthew's hands. Matthew was upset and ran to me (I was folding laundry). I told him to trade Nolan a toy for the toy train. Matthew happily ran off with this solution to his problem of being train-less.

I came into the family room and Nolan was quite marked up. Apparently, Matthew doesn't quite understand what the category of "toy" includes. Bic pens are a perfectly acceptable "toy" to trade. After this little incident, I will not only be more specific in my instructions, but I will also be present to supervise said trading!

I win "stupid parent of the year award" on this one. Luckily it was only a Bic pen and not a choking hazard!!

Easter

Nolan wonders why the Easter Bunny sent him peas for Easter and Matthew received honest-to-goodness candy! Next year, little man... next year!

Easter was great this year. Matthew was very excited by the Easter Bunny at the mall. Apparently, giant rabbits are not nearly as frightening as Santa Claus! He doesn't quite get the religious side of the holiday yet. He chose to steal the offering bucket from Sunday school and make a break for it instead of listening to the Easter story. So far, he's only learned embezzlement from Sunday school- I really hope that changes soon! Sigh...

Before Easter...

Dying eggs with a two year old....

1. Makes your blood pressure increase.
2. WILL result in your carpet changing color.
3. Guarantees you will eat many eggs, since most of them will crack.
4. Is the best activity EVER (from their point of view)!

Patience, Grasshopper

Winter seems to last forever in Jamestown! We had one blissful day where the temperature climbed to a balmy 50 degrees. We're back into the 20's now, but it was wonderful to get outside and play! Matthew, unfortunately, doesn't understand that spring isn't quite ready to make its debut. If only mowing the snow off the lawn were a viable option!

Pears and Bananas for Lunch Today!

I really, really need to remember to shut the baby gate before I go upstairs to clean. This is really good news all the way around, though.

1. Matthew actually remembered to peel the bananas before eating them.
2. We're going to get a lot of fruit in our diet today.
3. He went after the fruit and not the cookies in the cupboard above the fruit bowl!

There are days I am glad he doesn't have a twin!

Foreshadowing...

Matthew doesn't like Nolan "touching him." Nolan loves to pat and play like any other almost-six month old baby, and loves Matthew's high pitched whine in response to his pats. And so sibling-hood has begun at our house. With pats by one and annoyed whines by the other. I suspect learning to talk will only offer clarity to the grievances rather than solve them!

In these moments, I see our future road trips to favorite vacation destinations:

Nolan: (poke, poke)

Matthew: "He's touching me!"

Nolan: (stares)

Matthew: "He's LOOKING at me!"

I Have So Much

Sometimes I look at these little guys and can't believe how incredibly blessed I am...