Dear Boys,
Sitting down, is something we reserve only for eating, these days. Other than that, we've been nonstop. With unseasonably warm temps the playtime has increased tremendously, which all of us our thankful for -- cabin fever had just set in.
You both have been to the zoo, twice! Once just the three of us. Another time Aunt Hilary and Uncle Jordan came too! Mason, you love, love, love the hippos and the fish (that eat the poop in the tank)! HA! Plus a baby elephant was born this year and that captivated your attention for several minutes. The butterfly house had you swatting at them as they fluttered by! So precious! Mason, you are our nature boy, through and through! You are so content at heart being outdoors as you challenge your body and mind.
Lane, you're equally as giddy in the outdoors. You already love the big boys swing or chilling on the trampoline out back. Your little arms and legs just get a kickin', moving and dancing! All the while, you make spitting zerbert noises! Too sweet!
I think there are teeth working their way in for you Lane. As much as you drench your bibs and Tee's, I something thing we could gather up that saliva and water our plants! HA!
You're currently 5 months and 1 week. You are almost out growing 9 month clothing. The pants are too short, that's for certain! Following in your brother's footsteps, you too, are Capt. Long Legs!
Mason, you're able to continue to wear size 24 month shorts/pants. However, your long, lean, torso...actually you've got a stomach build like your Uncle Nate's -- barrel tummy chested -- has got you shooting right past 2T and ready for 3T or larger!
Your hair cut, a few months ago, was a major milestone for all of us! Your long curls were definitely missed. However, your handsome, low-profile cut, made you look all grown up and still as cute as can be! In fact, you're ready for a trim. Your poofy hair has us dubbing you a "Kennedy." I love it!
You love to shake your head, "Yes," all the time now. You have a dance party to Rihanna, "We Found Love." Or bumpin' hip-hop tunes! What's even cuter is, you whole-heartely acknowledge "your" songs and begin to celebrate by dancing without prompt. Also, you prefer the songs to be on repeat, for continuous fun!
Lane, you're constantly reaching, gripping (with the strength of a grown man), pinching (this is new, as of today, on my face!), looking all around, arching yourself in various positions and chilling with your feet propped up on your bouncy chair! It's hilarious!
You've got the most amazing eye color! It's a replica of a slab or granite or fish scales shimming under the sun's glow! You have the sweetest, most kissable cheeks!
Mason, mommy started giving you a back massage when she puts you in bed at night. You lay down, so content like, and then snuggle with your "woobie." You giggle most times when I get to the top of your shoulder/neck. It's beyond precious! You also willing give out hugs and kisses anytime, especially before bed. This sweetness is extended to all present! It's the best feeling to watching you give our extended family members hugs and kisses!
Lately, you've been quite into playful wrestling. You've got a lot of energy to burn and you stay slim and trim, even if you've become a selective eater...preferring health carbs! The other night you were kicking daddy and exclaiming, "High-yahg!" It was hilarious! Uncle Nate said he thinks you're going to be athletic, for during their recent visit, you were actively showing off, by running all around here in an energetic and almost parkour fashion.
You both have been able to spend some quality time with your Zabel aunts and uncles, as daddy and I spent a little away time. They all enjoyed playing with you and shared the unfolding events of their time with you. It's wonderful to have them love you both so! Mason, Aunt H & Uncle J brought you bubbles and some Thomas puzzles. Uncle J took you for a stroller ride too. Aunt H cooked you several gourmet meals. However, to prompt you to eat your veggies, she creatively threw in a few blueberries to entice you! Uncle N built you a tunnel out of boxes. You loved navigating this arena and took Thomas the Train through several times too! Aunt K worked on sounds, words and educational fun stuff. She also got you to successful eat a Mexican pizza! Yeahhh! Lane, you have been snuggled, changed, bathed and been given lots of TLC by all your aunts and uncles!
Lane, you sport the BIGGEST smile whenever you wake up. And even if you get woken up too soon, you SMILE BIG, with eye contact, roll your head to get comfy and doze off again. It's pure sweetness. Especially since your cheeks are taking over your sweet face! HA!
Mason, you skinned your knee, a little bit, playing out back on the patio. You are SO tough. You got right up and kept on! We attribute this to your purposefully clumsy acrobatics around the house! You like the ups, downs and all around challenges! The harder the obstacle course, the better. Mason, you can easily navigate all park slides solo! It's such a big step! And almost hard to believe!
Your daddy and I talk about you both all the time, when you're fast asleep. As you continue to amaze us daily or were soaking up all the "little things" with each of you, we love to rehash them over. Sometimes, I even re-watch the videos I recorded of you, just hours prior. We just can't get enough! :o)
My three boys like to hang out in the garage together. If daddy has a quick project, you're both happy to go out there and meddle right along with him. It's so heart-warming to witness!
Lane you had slept through the night for about a week. Right now you'll get up at least once and sometimes twice. No biggie, Mason did that too! Our big boys, they gotta eat! HA!
Mason you'll carry your shoes around when you're ready to play outside. You know how to turn the handles on the doors and head outside. And if the deadbolt is locked, you're bright enough to realize, "Hey, I've gotta get this lock undone." You haven't successfully defeated the lock yet...but it's only a matter of time!
Lane, you seem so advanced, as you talk and make all sorts of noises. You often croon after a nap. Your little melon with look this way and that, or even behind you, as you arch to see what's happening all around you! If we appear, and smile at you, you smiles BIGGER, right back -- it's what "mommy moments" are made of!
Last night, Mason, you were in quite the playful mood. Mommy was taking a breather on the couch. You'd barrel over and crash into me and then turn around, jog off and them come right on back. It was like a mini basketball drill with a football tackle at the end. The best part was the ginormous smiles and giggles that erupted with each "sack of this quarterback!" You've also become more relaxed, in that you're willing to snuggle in the evenings with us and watch a little tube. It's such a highlight of anyone's! As we love the sweet smell of your hair, your soft toddler skin and the calm that entered your body, for those brief, timeless and precious moments!
Mason, you like to play bubbles, trains, trucks, hide and seek, "Don't get me. Don't get me," bath time stuff and read books. In fact, we'll sit together (daddy too) and we will read your favorite animal picture book. You like to point out animals for us to label. And when asked, you too, can determine which animal is which. Such a big boy! :o)
Lane, you're easy to make laugh -- "boo's, achoo's and tee-hee-hee's" all work to make you chuckle! We love it!
Mason, the other night you didn't want to stop swinging and began to fuss at the mention of bath time. However, a quick serenade of "Whoomp! There it is!" from Aunt Hilary, lifted your spirits immediately. It was quite hilarious! You loved her fast-talking jive! Ha!
(3/28/12) This morning we had an appointment. Mommy was loading up the car and getting ready to head out. Lane had only eaten half of his bottle....well, BIG BRO to the rescue. I turned around, and there was Mason, feeding BABY BRO his well deserved meal! Such teamwork between you too -- a good feeder and a good eater!
Everyday is such a blessing! Mommy and Daddy are enjoying the journey of family. We love one another and you both, so very much! You bring such happiness, light and laughter to our hearts and souls! Two little boys, our miracles -- you are our one and only(s)!
XOXO Love, from the very bottom of our hearts,
Mommy & Daddy
