Clayton and Chloe have been growing like crazy this past month. Clayton is talking up a storm. You have to listen very carefully to decipher the difference between his rambling martian talk and actual words and phrases. His newest vocabulary includes, "ah pa" for airplane and he literally can hear "ah pas" long before I can, "dog," "what's that," "up," "out," "open," "jak" for my parents' dog, Shaq, "ball," "open that," and "baby." There are definitely more, but it's hard to catch everything. His martian language is awesome. We just laugh as he rambles on and on about things that are obviously really important. Clayton got two molars in, which was a horrendous experience for him. He has a terrible time cutting teeth, it just breaks my heart. He's literally running now, bumping down the stairs, and seems to be pretty fearless with climbing. Clay is a lover. He walks up to Roxi multiple times a day and lays his head on her stomach. He also often comes up behind me and bear hugs me, which instantly erases any frustration he has caused me that day! Clayton is exercising his independence more and more and makes it very clear when he doesn't want to do something or wants something. Shopping is a whole new experience now. I'm looking forward to the day when he really understands consequences and bribery (when absolutely necessary)! Clayton is definitely his daddy's son as he is a total perfectionist...string on his shorts, he alerts me to cut it, Roxi's food kernals are not in her bowl, he puts them back, he gets dirt on his hands, he needs them wiped off, Chloe's bow falls out, he attempts to put it back in for her, something drops, he says "uhh uhh" until you pick it up, etc, etc!
Chloe, our little princess had a wonderful milestone this month as she started pushing her walker on her own. She just grabbed the handle of her stroller, stood up, and started walking. She hasn't stopped yet and has even figured out how to turn it around when she gets stuck. It's only a matter of weeks before she's off and running. Chloe climbs the stairs super fast and goes down backwards on her tummy perfectly. Chloe has 8 teeth now, but you would never know it because she' doesn't seem to be affected at all by teething. She's talking a silly martian language too and has some words, though her vocabulary isn't quite as extensive yet. She says "hot," and "up," along with "ma ma" and "da da," and maybe more, but it's harder to decipher her martian language! Chloe's way to express herself when she's frustrated is much like mine as a teenager. She literally throws herself face down on the ground and cries her little eyes out. I totally did the same thing as a teenager too! My parents even gave me a pillow for Christmas that said, "This can't be happening to me!" My girl is already following in my footsteps. She is still much more adaptable and well behaved in different places and atmospheres, which makes it so nice. I'm very thankful for her easy, non-demanding personality.
While Clayton and Chloe don't watch much TV, they love the opening to Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse. They sit in their chairs and literally squeal with joy when they see Mickey. Clayton fist pumps and Chloe raises her arms in the air as if she's a choir director. It's so cute. We bought Disneyland passes, so we are thoroughly enjoying little day trips to Disneyland. They have totally started engaging with each other now too. They LOVE playing "chase" around the dining room table. Their laugh is just infectious. Clayton and Chloe talk to each other, take toys from each other, get mad at each other, kiss each other, and so often just giggle and laugh like crazy! They both have added "please" to their sign language vocabulary except sweet Chloe does the hand motion over her head instead of her chest! Their favorite time of the day is reading time before bed. Clayton and Chloe pretty much empty the bookshelf and take turns sitting in our laps to read a story. Clayton loves his "I Spy" book and can point out the various objects and Chloe loves a touch and feel animal book. Once they're in bed, I read them "Llama Llama Red Pajama." I'm super animated and silly with my voice inflections and they absolutely love it. Clayton laughs, Chloe smiles and then wines when I do the "bohooing" cry. Priceless moments that I will cherish forever.
Here's some pictures from August...
Chloe LOVES playing dress up with my clothes, more specifically my underwear!
Their favorite time of day...
In a creative attempt to provide some learning for my babes, we tried finger painting...they hated it!
Dada playing with his sweet babes
Date night to celebrate our 6th anniversary!
Very full, very happy, clearly Italian babies enjoying their pasta and meatballs!
When Daddy works for 72 hours, Mommy brings his precious little ones to see him at his super cool (if Clayton could talk!) fire station!
