Happy Mirthday, Rowan!

Here's what the man has been in to for the past month...

• Likes: Just about every kind of raw fruit and veggie. He likes his veg cooked, too. Lately he has been all about peanut or almond butter sammiches. Chick-fil-a is a favorite. He calls it "the French fry place". On the way home from school the other day he pointed out the Chick. The conversation went like this:

Rowan: There's the French fry place!

Me: Oh, yeah. It is.

Rowan: We like French fries. We sure do.

Me: They are good. But we're going to have chicken and noodles tonight.

Rowan: I like French fries.

• Dislikes: Raw tomatoes are not his thing, but he'll eat tomato products just fine. He sometimes likes to make a fuss about bedtime, bath time, school, and eating, but I think he does it just because - to test us. He also doesn't like it if Raleigh is getting too much attention, especially from my parents.
• Skills: What can't he do? He's such a big boy. Potty training is going great. Last week he had zero accidents at school and home. Jeremy got him some Thomas undies and I think that has helped. He doesn't want to get Thomas wet. He's also practicing taking off and putting on his shoes and clothes.

As I have mentioned, Rowan is a funny guy. Here are some funny stories.

Rowan on the potty...

R: Grab me a book.

Me: I don't think you need a book. Isn't this a quick trip?

R: No. I need to poop. I need a book when I poop. That's my rules.

To the cat, who was fighting with a toy...

"No, Foxy. No bites. Use your words."

Chompers

Raleigh's second tooth (middle, bottom right) is barely poking through her gums, but it's there. Two teeth in a week! Wowie-zowie! She's such a trooper, too. She has had none of the usual tooth erupting disruptions like a runny nose, fever, and general crankiness. I told you she is awesome.

In related news, I have taught Rowan the Gator chomp. He likes to do it at the dinner table. I say, why not? Is there really a bad place to show some Gator love? If you're feeling the need to chomp and sway, here's a nice video for your viewing pleasure.

Happy 5-month birthday, Raleigh!

Raleigh turned 5 months old yesterday. I am amazed at how quickly she is mastering certain skills. It's like she doesn't want to be left behind by all the big people. She can easily roll over from back to belly and back again. She can pivot around on her belly to change directions and she has pulled herself up on her knees a couple of times.

She is reaching for toys on her blanket and can pull them closer to her for closer inspection. She will also try to reach for anything you have when she is sitting in your lap. The other day at Cracker Barrel she stuck her hands in my mashed taters with gravy. While I was reaching for a napkin to clean her hands, she grabbed my water glass and pulled it onto the floor where it shattered into pieces and sprayed the leg of the woman sitting at the next table. Ai-yah.

I have confirmed this morning that the lower left front tooth has broken through her gums - a momentous event. In celebration, she's getting her first serving of rice cereal! I loved cooking for Rowan (and still do) and am looking forward to making Raleigh's food, too. Nothing but fun ahead!

In addition to the zorbert communication she is also starting to vocalize a lot more. Just today she was "talking" by sucking in air and then letting out a loud yell. She sounded like an exotic bird! We had a conversation during our ride home yesterday that included more of the bird talk.

She still has a very sweet disposition and her sense of humor is emerging as well. I love this baby girl more and more each day. Happy birthday, yum-yum!