Since Ezra has gotten another month under his belt, let's talk about what he's been up to. He is learning to use the push walker to "walk" around the house (however, his steering could use some work, so he usually gets stuck along walls around the house). He LOVES to talk, very emphatically, in his own unique language of which few of the words have been deciphered by the rest of the family. So far we can recognize dog (his favorite word), water, outside, that, Dada, Nana, Grandad, and all done. His favorite thing to do is look out the window for the dogs that live next door; he only asks a few dozen times a day to do this... He also thinks he is very big and should be able to help cook like Micah does, so he insists on being able to stand on the kitchen helper and "help" during meal prep. Let's just say I have all the help I need in the kitchen now with both boys "helping". Finally, Ezra is a CLIMBER. Having Micah as a guide has made him reach climbing feats at a much earlier age than Micah did. He climbs all stairs (this includes any stools with stairs), small couches (see picture above), and best of all, the fireplace. His preference is to be able to climb INTO the fireplace before I can get to him so he can sit in it and laugh at me telling him no.
Micah is also getting big ("Mama, I'm getting sooooo BIG" - Micah) and is a fabulous big brother. He's usually good about sharing, is often very patient, and loves to help. I definitely have learned that being extremely patient with both boys often means that Micah then mimics the behavior with his brother, making life infinitely easier. It's also really funny to listen to my two year old talk to his little brother using the exact same tone of voice and words that I use ("Now Ezra that goes in here, good job!" - Micah). Micah is actually extremely helpful in the kitchen and is really good about cleaning up after everyone too. He's recently hit a very independent streak, so everything is "I want to do it on my own!" which can make for some challenges but he is actually pretty good about knowing his limits and knowing when he really can do things on his own. Micah and I usually try to have a little activity/work time during Ezra's morning nap in which we work puzzles together, play with play-doh, read together, draw, and, lately, we've been working on using scissors, which he thinks is really cool.
As the week progressed Micah started complaining of his ear hurting and woke up on Thursday morning with a fever so we headed to the doctor and immediately got diagnosed with a bad ear infection, were put on antibiotics, and Micah started feeling much better... and then he started puking a day later. For two nights in a row he threw up, but only at night. This was shockingly my first experience with either boy throwing up and it was not fun. Lots of washed sheets and time laying on the couch while he told me how hungry he was and I tried to explain why he coudn't eat much right now. It was pitiful but we made it through (though Mama could have used some more sleep). Here's to hoping the rest of us stay healthy!