We are 2!

At 2 years old these 6 kiddos are full of energy!  They are on the go all day long between sliding, push toys, puzzles, blocks, Mickey Mouse, books, coloring, bubbles, running outside, looking for ducks/airplanes/dogs on our walks, and eating constantly.  Lucky for me they take a glorious 3 hour nap in the middle of the day (sleep training = da bomb).  They also go to bed at 7:30pm and wake up at 7:00am.

They have 5 scheduled eating times- breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.  I have started to become slightly less rigid in the snacks as they're learning to communicate.  If we're out somewhere they'll often skip a snack because they're too busy.  When it's snack time at home and someone says they don't want it right then they can continue to play.  When they ask for food or drink in between meals, I'll give them their water and a few raisins to hold them over.  By the way, they are all obsessed with raisins right now!  I have trained them to sit down on the floor if they want to eat raisins, so it's a common sight in my kitchen to see 5 little people sitting in a huddle on the floor for raisins.  I've also trained them to bring me their cups when they're done instead of dropping them around the house.  Their favorite foods right now are pancakes, egg casserole, eggos, muffins, quesadillas, PBJ, sweet potatoes, parmesan tilapia, hot dog, avocado, pasta, anything mexican, beans, pizza, raisins, bananas, grapes, blueberries, yogurt, oatmeal, cheerios, crackers, and of course anything sweet I allow them to have.

Some things they all enjoy right now... playing outside, bubbles, water tables, our mini roller coasters, sandbox, freely running about, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Blue's Clues, Bubble Guppies, Elmo, music/singing/dancing, toy vacuums/mowers/strollers, play food and kitchen, blocks, sliding, puzzles, books, going to our neighbor friend's house, "hiding" and "seeking", pretending to give you something then quickly pulling away, coloring, and playing chase.

Now let's break it down.

Andrew Noah

27 lb 15 oz   34 in
size 2T clothes, size 5 diapers, size 6 shoe

Andrew is by far the tallest and can open drawers, reach the edge of the counters, and tries to open doors.  He still loves trucks, planes, and cars.  He's great at puzzles and shape sorters and building.  He loves running around outside, throwing sand, splashing water, and looking for planes.  He's been surprising me with more new words lately- usually labeling food.  He's recently gotten into "hiding" (squatting behind stuff) and pretending to share or give hugs then backing away laughing.  He really enjoys brushing his teeth and started the trend of the boys holding their own toothbrushes the entire bath time.  He also loves to squeal obnoxiously loud and high pitched when he's excited.  He is still the bully of the group, often snatching toys from others, and he is the time out mat's frequent flyer.  Andrew not only looks like his Daddy, but he also loves to lounge like his Daddy.  Now he even climbs in the big chairs to rest alone or read books.

Benjamin Luke

27 lb 12 oz 32 in

size 2T clothes, size 5 diapers, size 5-5.5 shoe

Ben is constantly on the go.  He loves to run- be it in the hallway, in the backyard, or around the kitchen island.  Often he's going so fast he gets clumsy; last week he had 2 black eyes and a gash down his face from falling 3 separate times.  Today he earned a goose egg and bloody nose.  Ben loves books, listening to stories, and swaying back and forth to music.  He's a great thrower.  Fortunately for me, as much as he likes to throw he also enjoys helping pick up.  He's the best one at stacking.  He still makes tons of silly faces and sounds; as of late he's started singing in "doh's" and "oh's"- so cute/hilarious at the same time!  Ben continues to savor his last bite of food.  He has recently gotten into dressing up with shoes and bracelets.  

Caroline Grace

23 lb 12 oz  32.5 in 

size 2T clothes, size 4/5 diapers, size 4.5-5 shoe

Moody and temperamental: words recently used by a friend to describe this girl.  Just like Lauren: what my dad always says about her.  But I turned out ok right?  When someone new is around she is sweet as pie and just as shy.  Tired and hungry she is a terror.  Her cry is deafening- but does make Leah smile.  But I have learned that giving her a minute in time out to calm down does wonders for her.  She loves books and being read to- especially books about numbers, colors, and letters.  She receptively knows every.single. item. in her favorite books.  She picks up on motions to songs and on TV shows right away and remembers them.  She's a good helper when she wants to be and is still a Mommy's girl.  She can be pretty silly too and loves dogs so much it's hard for her to contain her excitement.  She loves to color and build blocks, often clapping for herself for a job well done.  She's definitely my water baby- bathtub, pool, splash pad- can't get her out.  If she's hiding behind a curtain she's probably pooping.  

Leah Michelle

17 lb 12.5 oz   29 in

size 12-18 mo clothes, size 4 diaper, size 4 shoe

She's lost several pounds in the last few months so her GI and dietitian have put her on a higher calorie food to get her weight up.  So far, so good.  We think the loss is due to the decrease in amount of food given with an increase in activity level.  Leah has really been doing well lately (besides the weight thing).  Her vomiting is generally in the evening only with some mucousy coughs in the morning.  She's done weight bearing standing for up to 30 seconds and does more through her arms too.  She's eaten a full teaspoon of several foods and is becoming quite tolerant of having food put in her mouth.  She's reaching and grasping with both hands and trying so hard to completely roll over.  She still loves singing and counting and VeggieTales.  She is generally very happy and always wins best behavior when we're in public.  

Allison Kate

18 lb 2 oz   30.5 in

size 12-18 mo clothes, size 4 diaper, size 4 shoe

She's now the official failure to thrive one.  It's so strange to me how they all eat about the same amount of food yet there's a vast difference in weight.  So, I'll be giving her some Boost or Pediasure to pump up her calories.  She's currently a raisin lover and asks for them all.day.long.  She's typically a good helper too (anything to be praised) and is still a tattle tale with her "uh-oh" patrol.  For whatever reason this girl refuses to express words on command.  She knows everything receptively, but will only mouth words and sign them when asked.  I have caught her saying words on her own while playing.  She loves her great grandmother and the feeling is mutual (we're talking super spoiled here).  She's the girly girl of the bunch liking her shoes and accessories and being cute.  She still enjoys coloring and books and being carried around.  She's turned into the cautious scaredy cat of the group- whether it's new people or a new toy.  Her latest thing is grabbing a single finger and pulling adults around.  

Levi Thomas

21 lb 3 oz   30 in

size 12-18 mo clothes, size 4 diaper, size 4 shoe

Levi is happy as long as he has his guitar or his vacuum or his swiffer mop.  He even earned himself a busted lip and bloody nose chasing after the real vacuum.  He spends at least 30 minutes a day watching himself play guitar in the oven reflection or window or mirror or anything reflective.  He loves to fling himself on you for a hug and smile with his super cute little teeth.  And laugh.  And make silly faces.  He's starting to get more patience for things like books, puzzles, and coloring.  The others can sit and do those activities for 30 minutes or so.  Lately he's been the best eater- slow and steady.  He's busted out quite a few new words recently.  He loves to run around outside with his elbow pumping and play in the water or chase bubbles.  He's got some moves too! He watches over his favorite toys to keep them away from Andrew (usual thief).  As a neighbor friend often says, "there's a lot of might in that little body".

And there you have it... The Perkins Pack at 2 years old!