23 Months

I always seem to say, "I can't believe that the boys are {insert age} already!"  This time, I can believe that the boys are 23 months.  They seem nearly 2 in every way possible.

From their desire to try all activities.......

from their mischievous faces.....

their goofy antics.....

and their constant activity.

The boys are so sweet together,

 but they cry,

and scream,

and fight.  All.  Day.  Long.

Pushing, biting and hitting are all normal daily activities.  I do my best to help them resolve their differences and their ability to move on quickly is astounding.  I do find it difficult when other toddlers join the mix.  One boy will go up to another child and them push them down.  I will say, "We don't push, we need to be gentle." and then the other boy will have to go over and push down the child just so they can hear me say, "We don't push, we need to be gentle" to them.

This, I find exhausting!

We spend as much time as we can outside these days.  I find outside really helps with independent play.  Each child will be happily doing their own thing and then they'll come together for a little play, and then go back to doing their own thing.  The boys love to explore the yard, play with trucks in the sand box and ride bikes.

Eating popsicles are a favorite!  They have figured out the freezer lock and are continually

breaking into the freezer and hiding behind the couch to each popsicles.

{I think they look like old men in this picture}

Both boys are starting to talk quite a bit and they are copy each others words and actions.  

They both say, "nah" for "yeah".  

Some favorite words that they use often are:  bus, drive, bye, book, truck and popsicle.

They both listen quite well and I have been taking them to softball without a stroller or wagon.  If I call them, they will almost always come.  They do, of course, love to run the opposite direction as a game but for the most part, they do fantastic.

They both love Tumble Time and are starting to participate in the songs and activities.  It is cute to watch them "sing" along with actions.

They both adore books and will cuddle up on my lap to read.  Books about trains, cars and construction vehicles are favorites.

Alex tends to be a little more cautious than Jordan but I feel that some of this is from his numerous amounts of injuries. 

 Jordan is sometimes more aggressive and assertive than Alex, but Alex can hold his own when necessary.

It is really hard to tell at this point how different they are as so much of their behavior is copy and repeat.  A lot of how they interact depends on their mood and a particular day.  They are definitely unique individuals but I sometimes struggle to verbalize the specifics.

They are both so loving, gentle and cuddly.  They love to give hugs, kisses and sit on laps for cuddles.   They are extremely affectionate little guys.

They are very loved.

Jordan:

{I got on the ground to take a picture and Jordan copied me}

{When they finally crash, they crash hard}

Alex:

{Taking his cars for a walk}

{Always a collection of items in his hands}

 A few videos taken this evening.......