Monday, April 28, 2014

38 Weeks

The past several weeks this guy hasn't been napping or sleeping very well; however, he still manages to smile. At times, he gets pretty fussy and clingy. I'm sure some of it has to do with teething, while part of it can be attributed to the developmental milestones that babies go through. I get exhausted just watching him at times. haha...
 
Santino loves playing with blocks, balls, (rolling and chasing them), cars, push & pull toys and Maximus' lawnmower. Pretty much anything that Maximus has, Santino likes playing with. We just have to watch out for things that could be choking hazards.
 
Just like Maximus was at this age, Santino is fascinated by appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, and the washer & dryer. He'll come crawling over to the dishwasher if he sees it open, stands up...holding onto the door for support and then grabs the bottom rack inside. He practically crawls into the fridge and he loves banging toys on the sides of the washer and dryer.
 
In the bathroom, he's always trying to crawl to the toilet and grab the shut off valve. The other day I was in the bathroom and didn't have the light turned on. Santino came crawling in and shut the door behind the two of us. Speaking of doors, I really have to watch those little fingers of his when I'm closing them. Yikes!
 
Lately he's been crawling with one leg while the other leg trails behind in a squat like position. I'd guess you'd call that scooting. We've also noticed Santino take a step or two while holding onto something for balance. I give him another 2 - 3 weeks before he's standing completely on his own and another 2 - 3 months before he's walking.
 
Things he says:
"Maaa" = I'm assuming (or hoping) he's calling me.

"Aaaahhhh"
= says this when he's tired and fussy. He also says it when he's being held and is content, but does it with a sweeter more lilting tone.
"Aaaay" = (sounds like yay, but drop the first 'y'). He likes to say this when he's playing and having fun.
"Mmmm" = The natural thing to say when he's hungry and enjoying what he's eating or drinking.
 
On Facebook today, I mentioned how it is like a wrestling match trying to change this guys' diaper. He is the squirmiest and strongest little guy. At times, I practically want to give up and let him run around without a diaper, but that would not go over too well. haha...He definitely gives me a work out though.
 
Does it seem possible that this year is 1/3 of the way over??? I must be getting old, because time continues to feel like it's passing by SO quickly.
 
Enjoy your week!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Last Weekend

What's Up Doc?

Sweet little bunny

These two are fun to watch together. They already have such a close bond. Santino lights up when Maximus is around.
 
Maximus kept referring to this bucket as his helmet. (Notice M's haircut? He's looking so grown up. I kind of miss the longer locks).
 
Sunday he had fun searching for eggs.
 
 Santino had fun playing with the plastic eggs.
 
While Maximus indulged in chocolate.
 
Later M and I colored eggs.
 
I hope everyone had a blessed Easter.
 
Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live.
 

Monday, April 21, 2014

37 Weeks

Santino has another tooth coming in on top. It's the left center front. That now makes 3 teeth coming in at the same time. Plus, I think another one is soon to follow.
 
The last couple days, we've let S gnaw on a cold pickle after he eats and he really enjoys that. We've also resorted to giving him Tylenol as well when he is really fussy. Needless to say, he's not sleeping as well lately. Poor baby.
 
Other than that, he is one busy baby, trying desperately to get his hands on all sorts of things that he wants but can't have: shampoo & lotion bottles, computer, keyboard, printer, toilet paper, cords under the desk, baby monitor, magazines, catalogs or anything made of paper, cell phones, thermostat, water bottles, diaper pail and whatever Maximus is playing with.
 
Santino resembles Elvis lately with that wide stance and the hips swaying as he's trying to keep his balance, while standing and holding onto something for support.
 
If he's sitting on the floor, he can rock himself to a squatting or kneeling position. He really wants to get up and go!
 
Yesterday he had fun playing with the plastic Easter eggs. Speaking of Easter, I hope everyone had a good one! I'll try and post some photos of the boys this week.
 
Happy day!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Up








Maximus loves to be thrown up in the air. He always has. Sunday we went over to Rob's parents' house and Papa and him were playing. From the angle of these photos, it looks like M's about ready to touch the ceiling.

And in case you're wondering what's in Maximus' left hand...it's his favorite "froggie blankie."

I so love watching the delight that my boys get from being tossed up into the air. It's pure joy!

Monday, April 14, 2014

36 Weeks

It's becoming increasingly difficult getting Santino to stay in one spot during these weekly photo sessions. Not only that, when it comes to bathing him these days, he's all over the place. It's like trying to catch a greased pig.

We bought him a baby jumper, so now he's able to burn off a little more energy bouncing up and down in that thing. It's really handy to have for those times when you need a few moments to get something done and you want to make sure he stays in one spot. Plus, he likes it.

Other LIKES: bath time, exploring, crawling under chairs, tables and desks, putting everything into his mouth and playing independently as well as with us. Santino lights up around Maximus and for the most part, they play very well together. Maximus gets Santino laughing like nobody else can and they continue to enjoy wrestling with each other and Papa. I can only imagine what these boys will be like when they get older. It's certainly fun and entertaining to watch.

DISLIKES: the baby bouncer, the high chair (sometimes) and getting his diaper and clothes changed. Basically, he doesn't like being restrained or forced to lie down.

Lately when I sing or we play music, Santino starts dancing. He sits and bounces up and down, oftentimes clapping. He also does this thing with his arms. He'll put them straight out to his sides and will do a combination of arm circles and arm flapping. haha...

Santino is cutting more teeth - the top two teeth located on either side of the center front ones. It's interesting, because normally babies get their center front teeth before these come in, but not so with S.

It seems like I'm constantly sorting through Santino's clothes. I'll put away things that are too small and pull out larger sizes for this growing baby. These days he wears size 9-12 months, although some clothes that are sized smaller still fit him.

S has been saying Ma-ma more and more lately, but it may be babbling. Sometimes it sounds like he's repeating words. The other day after I ended a prayer with Amen, I'm pretty sure he said Amen as well.

Rob and I feel so blessed to have this little guy and I know Maximus adores him too. It's fun having a house full of boys.

Have a great week everyone!

Friday, April 11, 2014

The Dentist

Today we took Maximus to get his teeth cleaned. We helped prepare him for the visit by talking to him beforehand about what to expect, and watched some videos on YouTube showing kids at the dentist.
 
His first appointment to the dentist he was only 1 1/2 years old. And let's just say...it was NOT a pleasant experience. He did AMAZING this second time around!!!
 
This time was totally different. It was a new place/dentist and he was older and wiser (haha). All of the instruments, tools and gadgets caught his attention.
 
When the dentist came in the room to examine his teeth, he opened his mouth almost before she could even say hello to him. It was so cute.
 
All done! Proud little guy carrying his bag of goodies.
 
Afterwards, we took him out to eat.
 
Happy weekend everyone!

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Strollin'

I took the boys out in the stroller today.

When Santino was an infant, we put him in his car carrier and he rode in the back, while Maximus rode in front.
 
Santino now gets the front seat view...(he looks a bit sleepy).
 
And Maximus gets to hang out in the back and has his choice of sitting or standing, which he totally digs!
 
I have to say that it's a workout pushing this thing. It's not a jogging stroller, so it requires a bit more muscle to push and steer. With the weather getting nicer, I'm going to try and take them for more rides. We all enjoy being outside, so that's a plus!
 
Santino is standing more and more these days...pulling himself up and holding onto furniture or whatever is in his grasp.
 
Today was the first time he's ever worn shorts.
 
He reminds me of Bam Bam from the Flintstones here.
 
Maximus had fun with a new toy today - stringing wooden beads.
 
Hope you're having a good week!

Monday, April 7, 2014

35 Weeks

Santino didn't want to nap today and his brother joined the boycott. I tried to protest, but it didn't work. Whew...Thank goodness they are both in bed and sleeping well tonight...so far.
 
This past week, Rob caught Santino trying to climb the stairs. He got up on the first step and Rob grabbed him before he fell backwards.
 
In the bath Santino has been grabbing onto the side of the tub and standing up. If you're sitting on the floor, he'll crawl over to you and grab a hold of you to pull himself up. A lot of times he wants to be held.
 
He loves playing with Maximus and is always interested in the toys that he has. Maximus is pretty patient for the most part, but sometimes he'll tell Santino no. Today, Santino grabbed a washcloth from the clean laundry, Maximus quickly said, "No you don't need to chew on that washcloth. I need you to be a good boy." hahaha...
 
Happy 8 months Mr. Santino! We love you!
Mama, Papa & Maximus 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Cousins & Conversations

 
Yesterday I took the boys to see Rob's Mom, (Grandma LaLa). We got to see Veronica and Sydney as well.
Maximus hugging his little cousin Sydney

Santino's probably wondering if he's going to get some food too. :)
 
 
Last night when I was getting Maximus ready for bed, we had this conversation...
 
Me:  I'm so proud of you for not going pee pee in your undies.
M:  I'm so proud of you for not going pee pee in your undies too.
 
 
OTHER RECENT CONVERSATIONS:
(Maximus talking about Santino)
M:  He's going poo poo...more prunes coming soon.
_______________________________________________________ 
 
M:  Birdies eat rocks and it turns into food.
_______________________________________________________
 
(When Maximus didn't want me to take any pictures of him)
M:  You don't take pictures of me.
Me:  Why?
M:  Because I'm too old for that.
_______________________________________________________
 
M: I'm going to take my hat off for tea time soon.
_______________________________________________________
 
 
I love this kid!