December update

I’m aware that to you, the reader, it seems like I’m pretty good at keeping ya’ll apprized of the kids’ developments. If only you realized how much I miss. For example a month ago I wanted to write about the fact that Solvi had such a charming, and seemingly girly, habit of adding an “ee” sound to the end of words. And frequently these were prefaced by an excited “Oooo.” So the aquarium in October elicited cries of, “Oooo fishy!” Getting dressed in the morning: “Ooo socky.” Eating: “forky.” Alas these charming affects were short lived and are already fading as her language matures.

Also about 6 weeks ago Solvi started to referring to any multiples as “two.” She now says three as well, but I don’t think she can really distinguish anything more than one and more than one which is “two” or “three”. Did I mention that she knows all her major shapes now too?

Regarding statistical advances: In early November, Solvi and Olie had checkups for 18 mos and 4 years respectively. (Picture me in a tiny room with two toddler/preschoolers, one of whom is drawing on everything while the other is pouncing, shirtless, from the examination table shouting, “Raaaaar I’m a saber tooth! - Good times!) Solvi weighed in at 24 lbs and 32 inches tall. This puts her at 50% weight and 60% height. Olie still manages to beat the average, landing at 90% for height and 80% for weight.

The rather funny thing is that the doctor handed me a paper delineating appropriate developments for Solvi’s age. It stated that 18 month olds should have a vocab of about 20 words. Ha! Solvi’s is seemingly limitless! She basically repeats everything you say. “ “Solvi say ‘brachiosaurus’.” “Bachiosawus.” For months she has been uttering 5 word sentences. The other day while crossing a parking lot, she warned, “Wait, Mama. Caah come.”

Solvi continues to be very extraverted and social. Any kid she sees now is a "friend." Being so tuned into her world, Solvi likes to play with social graces, Solvi is also exceedingly polite. She always says, “thank you” or “tank you.” Or if she bumps you even slightly she’ll say, “sawwee Mama.”

One of Solvi’s favorite activities is drawing. She constantly beacons Chad or I to draw, saying, “Come. Draw papi (paper).” Then with prefect pincher grip, Solvi, will draw her favorite thing, a circle.... upon circle, upon circle. It really leads to some fabulous compositions. She also loves to read now. Much to our delight, her attention span has extended to stories; they’re so much more fun to read. Also Solvi has started requesting songs such as: "Mama, you sing Na na na." (That's Nick Nack Patty Whack...)



As alluded to above, Oliver has expanded his love of all thing pre-historic to include extinct mammals. Ice Age is his favorite movie. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up. He always say, “scientist.”

Tuesday at the Y is family swim night. Both kids are getting pretty good. Solvi kicks and floats (with the help of floaties) on her back. Olie (also with floaties) even swims on his back.