Well, lots is new with the kids so let me start with my oldest:
Allie is just getting so big in so many way. She is growing so fast, it seems like every time I turn around she grew another inch. I don't think ever in her life has she grown so much in such a short amount of time.
She is also reading. I just cannot believe it. We take turns at night reading pages, and she absolutely surprises me every night. I am blown away with the amount of words she know. Now if I can just get Jack to stay still long enough for a book, I'll have my very own mini helper. Her teacher is so impressed with her on so many levels and I of course could not be happier. Allie's teacher last year and her teacher this year have both told me that she will be an all around kid. She is happy to play with anyone and is willing to play anything, not a typical 4 or 5 year old behavior. And of course she is as impressed with her academic levels as I am. I hope she continues on this path.
Allie is taking gymnastics lessons and is loving it. She has such a good time learning new skills and interacting with the other children. She has always taken gym at "The Little Gym" which is so different from a "real" gym. I didn't realize how much different it would be. At first sight I was a little disappointed because when you walk in you are not greeted with colorful walls and happy pictures. It's the real deal, one really huge open room, no fluff. But as time went on I have become fond of it. First of all, there are usually at least 4 different classes going on at one time, so she is able to watch the bigger kids, which she loves to do. They even have a class that is usually practicing their floor exercises to music (I'm sure there is a name for that). That couldn't be more perfect for her dancing and gymnastics... her two loves!
Allie has also started t-ball and is having fun with that as well. She is the only girl on her team, but it doesn't seem to bother her. At the first practice she met a little boy named Jack, which she was excited to tell him that her little brothers name was Jack. His response was "Do you want to be my boyfriend." It was so funny. His mom told me I should watch out because he is a little flirt - uhhh yeah I would say so! Allie's team has 3 male coaches ,and there are always a few extra Dad's out there helping out. It is so funny to watch them interact with the boys, then with Allie. Their demeanor totally changes with her and I think it is hilarious. This last practice, her hat kept coming off when she took her batting helmet off and one of the coaches had to fix her hat with her pony tail sticking out the back... it was a sight. Allie is enjoying playing defense, you can usually find her somewhere in the field doing her little dance. Yes, she is more times than none dancing, pointing her toes, kicking, twirling, sticking poses etc... Needless to say, I get a kick out of going to practices. Can't wait for the first game!
Allie and I are still involved in the church choir. I must say it is a lot more enjoyable and fulfilling than I would have imagined. I'm glad to be a part of it. Allie has really come a long way since we started about six months ago. She has no problem getting right up to the mic and signing. Since I am in the choir too, I can only see her back so I usually can't really tell if she's signing loud or what she is doing. Lately, I can hear her voice coming through the mic, I have to hold back the tears... it is and overwhelming feeling.
Now onto cracker Jack... jumping Jack... Jack Sprat... Jack O' lantern...Jack Rabbit...
Yes, my little Jack has accumulated many nicknames in his short 7 month life. Jack is like Allie growing in leaps and bounds. He is well above what Allie was at his age. He is now about 18 pounds. For so long he was a tiny, little petite baby boy... but not anymore. He is chunky chunky chunky... and adorable adorable adorable! He looks so much like Allie when she was a baby. I didn't realize just how much until I was going through some boxes and found a few framed pictures of Allie as a baby and absolutely could not believe how much he looks like her. I kept one of the pictures out and put it on the counter and when my neighbor came over she thought it was Jack in the picture... that's how much they look alike.
Jack's first love is his big sister. He absolutely adores her, she can make him laugh when no one else can. Allie says the feeling is mutual! I just love how much they get along and have bonded. It's one of those precious gifts sent from God. I'm in no hurry for either of my kids to get any bigger, but I do think about how sweet it will be to see them interact when Jack is older. They are both so blessed to have one another!
Jack is finally sitting up on his own. He could do it for about 30 seconds or so, but then he would lean back and their was no getting him to sit up again. He wouldn't let you bend his legs to put him in the right position. Finally, I noticed that Jack was always interested in Allie's baby alive doll, so I put it in front of him while I sat him down and first time he sat up for about 10 minutes playing with the doll. She does have a boy baby alive, so I've been giving him that just in case - haha! Now he sits up like it no big deal. He isn't getting himself to a sitting position yet, but that will come. He is also trying really really hard to crawl. He is rocking and going backwards. He is also doing this little bunny hop thing, it is just adorable! He can sometimes gets either his knees or his hand but not together. I'm excited to see him do it, but at the same time, not sure that I'm ready to be running after him when he gets into what he's not suppose to.
Jack is getting is first tooth! It is on the bottom, but not one of the front two. It's off to the side. Oh well.... why be the typical... be your own man Jack! It's so funny to see him feeling his tooth with his tongue. It isn't out all the way yet, just the very top is sticking out.
All and all I have a lot to be thankful for. Both my kids are happy and healthy and really who could ask for more....
