Super Update!

So time just sort of got away from me when it came to blogging (I've been enjoying everyone else's blogs too much! :) )... but with my parents anxious to hear more about their grandbabies (and with this little website badly needing fresh material), it's due time for some serious updates!

Our Boys

Our big development with our little guys is that we moved them into the same room. So now they sleep together in their bedroom and play together in their playroom. Dustin and I deliberated for quite awhile whether or not to combine the rooms (seeing as we are blessed with the luxury of a little 3 bedroom house). What initiated the idea is that a little while ago Benjamin was on the verge of growing out of his toddler bed, and the twin bed we have for him would take up a whole lot of play space in the little bedroom. Also, we noticed Benjamin seemed at a crossroads of sorts in establishing his relationship with Jonathan-- either as the superior older brother or friend and equal. I know that sounds pretty philosophical, but it's true. I really want our boys to grow up as good friends... in this crazy world I think they're really going to need each other and a solid friendship. Both Dustin and I felt a way we could help them along in developing this friendship, even at this early point, would be to create the circumstance in which they have to share their space. So we did, and we've really noticed a difference-- Benjamin treats Jonathan a little less like a baby and involves him quite a bit more in his play. My favorite, though, is how they laugh and play together after we put them to bed. I remember my sister and I doing that... talking after bedtime was probably one of our most bonding experiences (even though it drove my parents crazy). It's so sweet to hear them giggle at each other (Jonathan is actually the one who usually starts it and Benjamin tries to shush him, but eventually gives in). It's not so cute at afternoon naptime since that's more time sensitive, but all in all, it's been a great move for all of us.

Jonathan

He is truly getting big so fast! He's almost 11 months old now and has 6 teeth (four on top and two on bottom-- cute little teethy baby grin!). These past couple months, Jonathan's seemed to have developed a will. He used to be a very go-with-the-flow kind of kid, but lately he's been... fixing his mind on things . Before, he was very curious and determined, but still very "along-for-the-ride". Now he has a will of his own and relishes any independence he can get. He is very proud of when he crawls, stands on his feet, feeds himself, drinks his juice by himself, or finally grabs a toy or magazine or something formally out-of-reach. He also HATES to sit still, even for 2 seconds (one is ok, it's 2 or more when he gets very agitated...), which makes diaper changing and church meetings quite a challenge. Dustin and I joke that, with Jonathan, Church is a 3-hour wrestling match (and Jonathan usually wins... we're pretty exhausted by the end). BUT, the wonderful thing with this little guy, is, overall, he's HAPPY. He finds so much joy and fascination with all the little things. He is determined to try it all. He is absolutely adorable and truly charming (especially when he first wakes up in the morning or from a nap, with a big "I'm so happy to see you!" grin and laugh). He laughs easily and often. We love that. He adores his older brother and LOVES it when Benjamin plays with him. The sweet look of adoration in his eyes when he watches Benjamin is the cutest thing! He is also babbling, which we LOVE. He says da-da-da-da-da and ba-ba-ba mostly (no ma-ma-ma, though... what's up with that?) ,but still SO stinkin' cute!

Benjamin

He is SUCH a three-year-old. He is a fun, creative little person with a mind of his own, yet he is fairly submissive and obedient (fairly, but that's still pretty great!). We've come a long way tantrum-wise, especially since he can now reason and bargain, er, compromise :). As far as book-smarts go, he can count flawlessly to ten and understands generally how numbers work. He recognizes most of his letters and their respective sounds. He knows all his basic shapes and colors and can recognize them outside the learning books (like a stop sign is an octagon or the sky is blue, etc.). He is also learning to share and be kind, be polite and friendly, happily help others and listen and obey Mommy and Daddy. He is an exceptional helper. He has his own broom and dustpan and enjoys helping Mommy clean the floors. He is also very independent and always insists he do everything possible by himself, saying determinedly "Benjamin help you!" He is officially potty trained (hurray!!!!!!!!!!) and dresses himself every morning (he even chooses his own outfits. Luckily boys' clothes are pretty versatile!) We're very happy how he's growing and developing. We especially enjoy his creative play! He LOVES dressing up like a fireman, climbing like a Spiderman, and flying like "Superman Benjamin". He's been an astronaut in outer space, built snowmen and igloos, designed all

kinds of castles, and created numerous worlds with his guys, cars, animals, and trains. He also LOVES reading books (he's loved books since he was a baby). He has many of his stories memorized now, so he likes to "read" them aloud. Often he'll make up his own version. One of the many things we absolutely LOVE about Benjamin is how super excited he gets over the littlest happy things, like birthday presents, Grampa's postcards, feeding Baby Brother, "new" anything (toothbrush, yogurt, coloring books, shirt, you name it), balloons, re-built train set, apple juice, gathering Easter Eggs, outings to the park, making his own sandwich, his turn on DDR, Daddy coming home, and so many other fun random things. His pure enthusiasm makes for many joyful moments and a happy home.

Dustin

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Well, you get the idea. We'll be SO glad when classes and the Boards are DONE (by June 13). We are SO ready for the refreshing changes and new challenges of rotations. We are especially excited because we will be doing a few rotations out-of-state and stay with my family for a time. Till then, we'll count down the days. Dustin actually has been really amazing at balancing his time with family and school these past two years. He has eaten dinner with us pretty much every night and played with the boys for awhile almost everyday. He takes time for Family Home Evening on Monday evenings and takes the whole Friday night off for Date Nite. We also enjoy him each Sunday as well. Med school and med-school-wife-ing is tough, but thanks to Dustin's tremendous love and effort on our behalf, it's not nearly as rough as I had anticipated.

Melinda

Everyday for me is full of the daily crises and joyful moments of full-time motherhood. I love love love my little family with all my heart and it's my joy and privilege to devote everything I've got to them. I do try to maintain some "melinda" identity with the "momminess" by keeping up with projects and teaching piano lessons. I have five awesome piano students. They are each motivated, enthusiastic, and so fun. It has been and continues to be a great experience and a sweet added dimension to my life. We are excited to have our Spring Piano Recital in May. :)

There's really thousands of little things that make up life together crazy, fun, happy, challenging, satisfying, joyful.... it's nice to record a few. Overall, we really are doing well and are one happy little family! :)