Xiaoniu 小妞

Emelia for the first time has used some colorful language that she’s picked up from one or more people. I’ve been waiting for the day that it would happen. Her first was “Holy Shit!”. She said it nonchalantly while playing. I asked her what she said and she would not repeat it; however, when I was “out of ear shot” I heard her say it again. At least she knows that it isn’t good for her to say it and at least tries to hide it from me. The other happened tonight while Sue and Emelia were in the car. I have to believe that Emelia had no idea of the severity of what she was saying, but she was sure of what the gist of it was. She told mom that she was “A pain in the ass.” Good times. I’m actually surprised it has taken this long for her to say something like this.

Speaking of Emelia, she has finally turned a corner when it comes to sleeping. She finally understands that when we are not home that it is okay to sleep with mommy and daddy (and if you can believe it Caitlin) in the same bed; however, when we are home she sleeps in her own bed and by herself. The only time we change things up is when we are all home for the weekend and it is nap time. Sue or I will lie down with her. This keeps her happy and forces us to gets some well needed rest.

We spent some time going through some old videos and Sue and I were both amazed at a few videos that we took of Emelia during one day in April 2008. Emelia was 14 months old, talking up a storm, eating real food, walking around well and just plain being Emelia. What is most amazing is that her voice and personality were pretty much what they are today. Obviously it has developed, but they were both established at that time. I’ll keep this in mind when Caitlin reaches 14 months old. She’ll likely have her voice and her personality should be shining well.

Watching old videos of James I realize just how much Caitlin and James resemble each other. Nobody, even us, probably recognized the similarities since they are four years apart, but they are indeed there. The looks and some of the personality traits are similar. I think that when all of the kids get older that Caitlin and James will be more similar than Emelia and James.

Caitlin is doing great. She’s growing like a weed and eating like a horse. She is definitely going to be tall girl. She doesn’t have quite the same build as Emelia; I figure she’ll be taller and a little slimmer. Caitlin will be just as smart as Emelia though. She’s already showing how much she knows what is going on and how to manipulate people to do what she wants. It’s amazing to watch a seven month old manipulate adults with such ease. She is maturing just like Emelia is. She’s a little better in the car, but long road trips are still a chore. I’ve been taking her with me lately so as long as she is not hungry she’ll fall asleep quickly.

The little one is also eating solids more often now. Just like Emelia she doesn’t care for the rice cereal. She’s eaten more than Emelia, but just like her she doesn’t really care for the taste. If you eat something in front of her get used to her staring and making you notice her in case you want to slip her a bite of whatever you are eating. If you’re close enough she’ll just reach over and grab whatever she wants. Once her cereal is all eaten up she’ll be eating solids at daycare too. Right now she can blast through a size 2 jar of food if it is something that she likes. Otherwise, she’ll eat about half. Follow that up with an ounce or two of formula and you have yourself a happy baby;

I talked to the director of the daycare today and she asked what I thought about moving Emelia up to the “threes” early. A few of her friends have already moved up so she’s now the old one in the group. The director said, “It’s just her now.” All of her friends have moved. I agreed that I think it is okay to move her. She can definitely hold her own. She could probably keep up with most of the four year olds (including James). So, this week and next week she’ll transition over. She’ll be in the threes at 31 months old.

Little Caitlin is likely to move before the end of the year too. She spends a few days a week with the older infants. If any more new infants show up she’ll definitely move early, but until then she’ll spend part of her week with the bigger kids. Just like Emelia she does well with the older kids. They’re both growing up quickly.

Emelia will be starting her swimming class next week. We’ll hold off on signing up Caitlin until next year. James will be starting his swimming class too the same week. He’s also going to be starting his Chinese language class too. Busy days are ahead for all of us. Not to mention by the end of the year Amy’s second little one will have arrived. It’s going to be interesting when we get together. I may have to start working on that play room again.