There’s nothing quite like having two newborns in the house to remind me of just how grown up Bo has become. I can’t believe he is nearly two when I can remember so perfectly those early days with him. It seriously feels like he was born just a few days ago — but when I go to pick him up and we carry on a conversation it quickly becomes clear that he is no longer a baby. He’s a little boy and he’s all personality.
Every day I am more and more amazed by so many of the things he does and by how much he understands. He carries on conversations. He can count to ten. He says, “please,” “thank you,” “welcome” appropriately. He knows many of his colors. He even understands some more abstract concepts that I didn’t think he would grasp until he was much older.
One of our neighbors brought over some food a few days ago and I as I was writing down her phone number I asked how to spell her name. She was spelling it and suddenly Bo pipes up with “B” “O”. “B”. “O”. I guess he thought I asked him how to spell his name.
Bo stirs the cupcakes with Grammie.
Bo puts the cupcake liners in the tin.
Bo puts sprinkles on the cupcakes.
He’s been great with the girls. He is fairly gentle and hasn’t tried to run them over with cars yet. He understands the difference between their things and his things. He always wants to say hi and see them in the mornings. So far, it’s been a smooth transition. Granted, I haven’t been alone with all three of them yet — that will be the true test.
Bo pets a goat at the orchard we went to the Saturday before the babies were born.
Bo picks the pumpkin he wants to bring home.
Yesterday, Bo and I went out on our own together for the first time in a very long time. I took him to the local public library for a weekly program called “lapsit“. Bo had never been around that many kids at one time and totally did not know what to think. He also didn’t completely grasp the “lapsit” part of the activity as he wandered around the room. Definitely skills we need to work on…
Lapsit consists of a few stories, a few songs, a craft, and a snack. Bo seemed to enjoy himself and loved gluing a squirrel and leaves on a piece of paper. The glue stick was absolutely fascinating! Snack was half a graham cracker, an apple slice, and two tablespoons of milk. Um… is this what normal toddlers eat for snack?? If so, it’s no wonder I have a monster child.
One of the many tidbits of advice I’ve been given is that I still need to make a true effort for both Mike and I to spend one-on-one time with Bo (and eventually with the girls as well). At this point, Wednesday is typically one of my easier work days so I am hopeful that while Katie is here to watch the girls I can devote Wednesdays to Bo. It will take some extra planning and night work on my part, but I think it will be worth it and a positive event for Bo and I to look forward to every week. We may not always do something exciting. We may go to lapsit. Or to the grocery store. Or to McDonald’s for lunch. Just something that Bo and I can do together to remind him that he’s my special little guy.
Bo and Daddy. They even walk the same.
Even when he is fussing and throwing a fit, I feel so lucky to have him. He’s my little man. Even with the addition of his siblings, I still find that I love him more and more each day.
One of my friends sent me this quote last week –
“If you think my arms are full, you should see my heart.”
True enough. True enough.
So sweet! I'm glad you are still able to focus on Bo. It sounds like he is adjusting well to having sisters.
As far as the snack, that's about what SB eats, although she would have more milk. I don't think she's hit 20 pounds yet and she turned 2 in July. She looks healthy, she just doesn't eat much. LG on the other hand would eat at least twice that amount if not 3 times. He is a big eater.
I just thought the very same thing reading your post, J's heart must be so full! I am so happy that you are able to carve out some time just for your little guy. Again, my inspiration! I am so happy that the adjustment has so far been better and smoother than anticipated. Thanks for continuing to blog during this crazy time in your life!
Here's another quote… "I don't split my love, I grow more."
This summer I was able to take Lizzie to swimming lessons while my Mom watched the twins, also on a Wednesday. I was also able to take her grocery shopping or to a play date while our mother's help watched the babies. It was definitely a great thing to do! We will continue to make an effort to spend time with just her and, as you said, eventually the twins (individually) as well.
This post just fills my heart and makes me smile.
I was just looking at A today when I got home and again had that whole moment of, "how did you get so big?" Having siblings definitely makes the older one look so much more grown up.
I am a little slow… congrats on the birth of your girls. They are as adorable as their brother!
Enjoy!
So glad to hear that Bo is going to have his own time with both of you. He looks like such a sweetie. I'm impressed that he is counting!
~Michelle (aka superfizz)