Isaac Stands!

Each day, Isaac gets some form of physical therapy to work on stimulating his legs to know what it feels like to stand. His nanny, Jaime, goes to great lengths, keeping him entertained in his stander on a daily basis. In the evenings, as we go upstairs for the boys' bath time, Eli always climbs the stairs, and Isaac always is right there, begging to do the same. We work with him, moving his legs, and straightening them so he knows the motions to go through. He is always SO proud when we make it to the top of the stairs.

Tonight was a different night. I (Kristi) was helping Isaac up the stairs in our usual way, but Isaac straightened his legs on his own, and stood. Not once, but several times (hence, the photo op). Isaac was so nonchalant about it. Kinda like, "Duh guys. I just did what I am supposed to do." However, Ryan looked at me and asked, "Is he doing that on his own?" The fact that my hands weren't touching him led us to believe that yes, he was standing on his own!

Eli says "Ewlly"

Yes, Eli has been speaking for quite some time now, but tonight was the first time I heard him call the dog something other than "daugh". It is so much fun to see each Isaac and Eli recognize different things in their little world, and call them by name! I also mentioned in the last post that Eli is into hugs and showing affection (also demonstrated in the video!).

We're Back! Summer is officially over!

Hello! Summer vacation is over -- and we're back! Ryan had his first day back at school with students today, and well, for Isaac, Eli and I, not much changed! Isaac and Eli spent their day with their nanny, Jaime, and I went to work!

Over the summer, we have had lots and lots of fun. We've been to the zoo several times (Kansas City and Wichita), the petting zoo, swimming, the Nelson (for some culture!) and gotten to see lots and lots of friends and family!

Isaac and Eli are getting along quite well! Isaac can manuever and scoot to pretty much anywhere he wants to go. He squeals with delight when we help him get up the stairs like Eli! Isaac is babbling a lot, and can say: mama, dada, dog (dah), done, escape (eh, eh, eh, eh -- this is our cue that we're leaving the playroom to eat, take a bath, or go somewhere else. Ryan and I ask the boys if they want to escape!), and most distinctly tonight at dinner, he said "Amen!" I know there are lots of other things that he is saying that I am leaving out, and some that I have no idea what they mean!

Elias is practically running around now. He really is into giving hugs and kisses (on his terms), as well as being possessive of any toy or item that Isaac is playing with. If he can't have said toy, then he promptly throws himself on the ground, and then looks around to see if we are paying any attention to him. We're doing our very best to not encourage said tantrums! Gee, I can only imagine what he is going to be like as he gets older. :)

Eli does say so much now! Mama, Dada, duck, dog, baby, done, hot stuff (bot buh), amen, book (buh), ball (bah), bye (with a southern twang), button (as in belly button - sounds like 'bun'), and I am sure there are a few that I am leaving out.

It has been so much fun to see how much they recognize that we are saying, and how much they actually really do understand: "Eli, please give Isaac a hug." CUTEST.THING.EVER! He actually did walk over and tried to give Isaac a hug and in the meanwhile, head butted him! Still was pretty dang cute!

I'll leave with a video of Isaac and his latest show of 'strength' as he 'tries' to pull apart some linking toys...