More Updates

So tonight Erik set up his own drum kit in the basement. He took a saucepan and lid and an empty popcorn tin and lid, arrayed them pretty much as a drum kit - the lids were the cymbals, of course. I came downstairs and he was playing his drums with wooden chopsticks, singing, "I wonder where the yellow went when I brushed my teeth with Pepsodent." Then, "I wonder where the green went when I brushed my teeth with Pepsodent."

He's been using the potty about 75% of awake time for the last week and a half. He has an accident every day or so. He had one yesterday. I smelled something, asked if he had to go, he said no, I gave him a two minute warning and checked Adin's diaper. He was stinky so I changed him then took Erik to the bathroom. As I was undressing him he told me to cover my eyes, so I was suspicious. As I cleaned him up I said I thought he needed a bath and he had a small freak out. But once in the bath he had fun. After the bath he commented on how fun it was, and not that bad. This morning he had a bit of a nightmare, however, thinking he'd had an accident and would need a bath. So I guess I am accidentally using aversion to toilet train him. I'm not really sure where to go from here. Just keep on reminding him to use the potty? Wait and see if he'll just tell me on his own? I'm eager for advice from potty training veterans. I just never imagined this first phase would go so smoothly and quickly.

Catching Up

So here's the latest on Baby Adin. He has two teeth. As of Monday he can roll from his back to his tummy (not that he likes it there). As of tonight he can sit unassisted for a few minutes at a time. He's eating rice cereal and mushy pears. He has a six month check up next week so I'm excited to see his stats.

baby steps

No, not baby Adin. Erik has expressed an interest in not wearing diapers anymore. He wants to wear underwear and sit on the potty. He decided this, well, he announced it right before dinner. He used the potty successfully twice and no accidents, this evening. We have a chart up by his bed. He gets to make a marker stamp when he sits on the potty, put a sticker on if he's "successful" and once he's successful for a week he gets an umbrella. I think the umbrella is what led to his decision. It's quite possible that he will change his mind after a day, but it's exciting to see him motivated and proud.

Baby Adin is getting closer to sitting up. He now needs minimal support from us. Joe finds Adin is most successful when he has one hand on the floor to add stability. He started on rice cereal this week and seems to be a big fan. He isn't quite six months, but I went ahead with it because he's so close and he is so interested in our food. He really watches us eating and often will reach out and try to get some for himself.

Two's Company

Erik started a parent and child class for two year olds today. He had lots of fun painting, singing, and playing on the playground. We've taken Erik to this playground a couple times this month. Although there were other kids the first time we were there, last time he had the playground to himself. So today he pretty much wanted his new friend Levi to get off the fire truck and let him ride alone. Oh well.

Brothers

"Mama, I don't want to do this anymore."

Why is it they never smile at the same time?