Patrick. Patrick is one beautifully complicated, emotional, sweet, and sensitive child. He has just blossomed since his third birthday. He went from a very shy, quiet child far behind his peers in language development, to being a less shy (he talked to a stranger at the store the other day!), non-stop chatter box. He is a very sensitive child. He feels so much and can be so emotional, which can lead to a complete meltdown, or a genuinely sweet and personal interaction.
Patrick still loves his cars and trucks, and digging in the dirt. His interests are expanding though, thankfully! He is very interested in animals, especially ocean animals. He loves music and was recently given a hand-me-down 1/10th size violin from a friend, and he couldn't be more excited. We're going to give Suzuki violin lessons a try for the summer and see if his interest holds up.
Patrick also loves sports (happy mama)! He loves cuddling on the couch with me on a Saturday morning to watch English Premier League soccer games. With the recent start of the MLB season, Patrick and I have also been watching lots of baseball and practicing baseball outside. He is in the "why" phase right now; lots of questions! While that can often be quite annoying, it has lead to some really fun discussions about the game of baseball, the rules, the positions, the players, etc. My proudest moment came today when Patrick told Delmar, "I don't like the Dodgers, I like the Giants".
As most of you already know, Patrick had a bit of a scare last summer with his kidney. Our little man handled everything like a champ as the doctors took care of him for a couple weeks, going through a first surgery to relieve a blockage in his ureter and having a bag of urine attached to his back for a week. He then had a second surgery to repair the blockage. We have to keep an extra close eye on him now as there was some damage done to his only kidney, but for now, everything is working really well!
Patrick playing with the water pump at our local zoo. So much fun!
Patrick also loves to exercise with mommy and daddy in the garage gym. He even has his own barbell (left)!
Bob the Builder for Halloweeen and lots and lots and lots of splashing in puddles!
First day of preschool (L) and 3rd Birthday at the Classic Car show in town (R).
Patrick persevered through so much during his stay at UCSF. It wasn't always easy being stuck inside all day long strapped to machines with nurses constantly poking an prodding. But when he was finally given the all clear to go to the outside play area, we couldn't get him back inside! Luckily he was allowed to ride these cars throughout the hospital hallways too :)
Graham. The Graham Man. The Grahamness Monster. Graham is our little monster. A little ball of energy, full of sass and a touch of trouble. He is a petite little fella but he sure packs a punch. Graham started crawling at about 6 months and then started walking two days after his first birthday. Now, he literally runs everywhere, constantly tripping and falling and bouncing right back up. Somehow amidst his brutish movements, he manages some impressive athleticism. He can run around in his sleepsack (basically a sleeping bag blanket) falling less often than without the sack. He has a great throw and kick already (he's left footed just like big bro), and he can ride a scooter like a champ (two wheels in the front, but still!).
One thing you need to know about Graham is that he EATS! Non-stop. His perpetual motion means he's constantly having to eat to keep his little body fueled up. It's impressive! And he'll eat just about anything, such a pleasant difference from Picky Pat.
Like most little siblings, Graham is picking up his language much earlier than Patrick. He will repeat just about any word you say to him. He loves to say "no" and he has the full upper body nod that goes along with it. He loves his "berries", "muk" (milk) and "cheeeeeese" :) Oh, and Graham also loves cars, trucks and buses and can actually say all of them. He loves dogs, especially his "dog" and "pup-py". He is adorable and it is so much fun to see him experiment with language and sounds since Patrick kind of bypassed that phase.
In January we bought a new house. We have moved up in the world into a bigger, nicer house in a much better neighborhood. Just the other day as I was coming downstairs I thought to myself, "I can't believe we get to live here!" Anyways, it's a two story house with two enormous rooms upstairs and small guest room downstairs (hint, hint, we actually have room for anyone who wants to come visit now). So we decided to put the boys upstairs together. They did such a wonderful job transitioning into being roommates. Graham was only about 14 months at the time, but he was already sleeping on a twin bed on the ground like Patrick. Generally they fall asleep really well together and they don't bother each other during the night if one of them wakes up crying. I have to admit, I do enjoy listening to them on the baby monitor on the nights when they have trouble falling asleep and they play with each other without the inhibitions of parental supervision. Patrick is Delmar's boy, he can fall asleep in an instant. Graham on the other hand, as my child, takes longer. Lately he has started cuddling with a teddy bear to fall asleep. Just about breaks my heart, it's just so darn cute (the bear is almost as big as him, and he lays on his side spooning it!).
Visiting with Nana for Thanksgiving. Graham loved spending time with his best buddy, Miso (not sure it's mutual).
Too stinkin' cute!
Handsome boy after his first haircut. Graham's hair could not be more different than Patrick's hair. Patrick's is so thick, course and wavy, while Graham's hair is so fine, straight in the front, wavy in the back, and so blonde! One thing they have in common...lots of hair!
He wanted to wear underwear like big brother. Graham is highly motivated to do everything like big brother!
Here are a few shots from our family photos last Fall. This was right before Graham's first birthday.
Patrick is such an affectionate big brother. He loves to give Graham hugs and kisses (and sometimes fists and shoves), although Graham is such a little sassy pants that he often pushes Patrick away, kicking and screaming.
The stud muffin.
Well, that just about wraps it up for now. I'll try to not let so much time pass before the next post.
Love,
Sarah
Ah I love it! So proud of Patrick's improvements in speech and language and for his love of soccer and the giants! Haha. And Graham and Elizabeth would be great eating buddies. She eats all.the.time! Thanks for the update!!!
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