10 months and 2.5 years

So I'm not really feeling like blogging lately but I do want to write some stuff down about what we are up to now.  If I don't write it here then I won't remember it at all.  So here goes on all the random thoughts I have had over the last two weeks or so.

We finally made it to the doctor for the 9 month and 2.5 year check-ups.  Here are the stats:

Micah
weight: 20 lbs 13 oz (38%)
height:  29.5 inches (70%)
head: 18.5 inches (80%)

When Micah smiles his whole face lights up.  It is wonderful.  Caleb was kind of serious at this age, so its nice to have a smiley kid.

Eating
The boy gobbles down some baby food.  I make his food so I have no idea the exact quantity that he is eating each meal but I can tell you it is a lot and he seems like he would eat more.  He is also wanting more table food but since he isn't drinking out of a sippy cup (or bottle for that matter) I'm going slowly on introducing him to more solids.  He is probably wanting more and more food because my supply is almost gone.  I am not ready for him to ween himself from nursing but we are down to only 4 feedings a day and they do not last long.  I know this is normal and good but it feels a little early.  I have no comparison because Caleb was at daycare and taking a bottle so the two situations seem so different.  The good news is he loves to eat and is clearly growing, so I know he is doing well even without my milk.

Mobility
The boy is on the move all the time.  He is crawling everywhere and quickly.  He pulls up and moves around objects sometimes moving from one object to another. Lately his favorite position is standing leaning on something with both hands occupied playing with a toy.  He will walk with the walker or if you hold his hands but not for too long.  Depending on the texture (carpet, hardwood, grass, wood chips, concrete) Micah will crawl on his hands and feed (not knees).  It looks so silly but I can't blame him for not wanting to scrape up his knees.  I never would have had Caleb crawling on concrete but Micah is often along for the ride where ever big brother wants to play so he has learned how to get by.

Sleeping:
Micah goes to bed at 7 and sadly has been waking up at 5 maybe 5:30.  Not my favorite, I would rather morning start at 6 am or later.  So we are working on this one.  It is hard to know if this is due to my low supply or just a habit now.

Caleb
height: 36 inches (39%)
weight:  29 lbs (37%)
head:  20 inches (83%)

Caleb is non stop these days, running, climbing, talking just constantly going.  He will get really silly lately and sometimes destructive.  He is a boy through and through.

We have had some wonderful mornings these past weeks.  During Micah's morning nap we have been going outside and listening to the birdies, watching bugs, or being chased by a dinosaur (usually a long stick Caleb finds).  These times have been so sweet.  I try to remember these moments later in the day when we are in full on discipline mode.  Some days all I remember are the crazy hard times as both he and I are extremely stubborn and loud.  But everyday we have some sweet snuggle time or discovery time.

Caleb will say the sweetest things completely unprompted.   They melt my heart.
"I love you so much mommy"
"Daddy, this is just perfect"

Day Out with Thomas

This weekend was the long awaited and very anticipated trip to ride on Thomas.  Caleb loves loves loves Thomas.  Actually his favorites these days are the more obscure characters like Mavis, Big Belle, Fighter Fighter Flynn, Victor and Emily.  So when I heard about a fun event called Day Out with Thomas I knew we had to go.  There is only one location in Georgia and it is in south Georgia, which we decided was too far away.  But I discovered there was one in Chattanooga (only 1.5 hours drive) and I knew we had to go.

Our tickets were for 10 am, and they suggest arriving an hour early.  The boys woke up and we loaded the car for our exciting drive to see the trains. 

Okay enough talking here are my favorite pictures of the day.

The event was at the Tennessee Valley Rail Road Museum, so there were lots of trains to see and touch.  Do you see "Harvey" up ahead?  Don't be confused, it's not "Cranky" because the crane is attached to a train car not a stationary base.  We watched the crane demonstration for a while

Watching the crane

with Sir Topham Hatt, a bit creepy

This is the best picture we got of him with Thomas. He had a meltdown when we were at the official photo spot.

riding the train

Can you see how excited he was?

This was his spot for the entire 23 minute ride.  The train went backwards then forwards.

I was there too

Micah was also mesmerized by the train ride.

Cheeeeeeese

So from this fabulous adventure I learned a few things. 

1.  Going early in the morning was a good idea - less people and it wasn't too hot
2.  This wonderful event is something you want to be at for about 2 hours, after that there isn't much to see and you risk having major melt downs.
3.  A train table to play at is not a good idea in a large crowd.  I forgot to warn Caleb that we would be leaving the train table in 5 minutes and attempted to tear him away at a moments notice.  I was "that" mom with the hysterical 2 year old screaming and crying because I wouldn't let him play trains
4.  There is no where to eat at this event (they have some snacks but no real restraunt) so you will want to grab  lunch on the way out of town or find a fun place in town.  (we went to Terminal Brewhouse - awesome place but not perfect for a group with equal kids to adults)
5.  I told Caleb we were going 3 days in advance and I wish I had told him a week in advance so he would be super excited
6.  I did not prep him for posing in front of Thomas and we should have practiced, see # 5.

Overall the perfect trip for a 2 year old boy.

Brothers

Some days I think they look so different and other times they are clearly brothers.  I love that they resemble each other (and their Daddy for that matter). As an only child I never had this and spent many a hours dreaming of what my sister or brother would look like.

These boys are starting to play together more an more.  My heart smiles as I listen to them giggle and watch them wrestle.  Micah thinks his brother is the funniest person and Caleb will do anything to get this brother to laugh.  It has been so fun to listen to them giggle together, especially in the van.

I can't believe how big Micah is. He is starting to slim down and loose those chunky baby legs. He is also starting to show more of a personality. I can't wait to get to know him more.

Oh in case you are curious we made a race track in the dining room and the boys were playing together,  well Caleb was playing with the cars and Micah was trying to get the cars and put them in his mouth.