The kids are growing up fast

Jack likes order. He is always the first to remind us of the rules, and when someone is breaking one. He will often wag his little finger at you and say things like, “No yelling Mommy. That hurts people’s feelings,” or “Sssh. Be quiet! Malena is sleeping!” This morning I heard him telling Cooper to be quiet because "Mommy and Daddy are still sleeping." Awww...He loves to boss us around too...any opportunity he has to impose authority, he takes! Today he noticed Frank forgot his shoes on in the house and he demanded that Frank leave his room and go take off his shoes. Love it! Jack LOVE to sing and loves to dance. He also love to jump. I don't know why but watching him jump, just cracks me up. Jack is such an affectionate little boy and loves to give hugs and kisses. He is also so thoughtful and considerate: if you give him a treat of some sort, he will ALWAYS ask for another one to take to his brother. (and he does! not once has he buckled and eaten his brother's treat!) He is always looking out for his brother. Jack is wonderful at sharing. He is very much tuned in to other people's feelings. He's an observer - he likes to hang back and watch before he makes his move. Once, he heard me say to Frank, "I just need a few minutes of peace and quiet." Jack then turned to me and said, "Don't worry Mommy. I'll go get you a piece in the kitchen!" Awww, what a love!

Cooper is like a bull in a china shop. If there is mischief to be made, Cooper's your man! ;) He is also very extroverted and confident. One of the qualities I love about Cooper is how resourceful and independent he is. If he wants something, he goes after it. If he wants to go outside, he grabs his step stool, unlocks the door and goes outside. If he is hungry, he grabs the handy-dandy step stool, and helps himself to whatever is available on the counter. He isn't one to ask for permission on things. Cooper is also a sensitive guy who doesn't like to see his parents upset. If I get angry at him for something, he is always circling back to me and asking me "Mommy, are you happy?" Poor little Coops always seems to be so concerned with my happiness. Cooper has a laugh that is infectious. He is so bold and adventurous and fearless and wise. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with when he grows up.


Malena is growing up to be quite the social butterfly. She is always happy and cooing. We just had her 9-month-old doctor's appointment and she now weighs 21 lbs and is 28 inches long. Suprisingly, she has dipped from the 99th percentile for height and weight to 85th percentile because a) she's starting to move and burn calories by scooting around (backwards only right now) and, b) she refuses to eat! She is loyal to breastfeeding and will only take 2-4 ounces total, one the days that I work. She will consume just enough to 'take the edge off' but she pretty much waits for me. She refuses all solids - she makes faces like you're trying to feed her sludge or something. The girl is so particular! She is adorable though - she is saying "Da-da, ga-ga and Hi." She LOVES to wave and is constantly waving to get everyone's attention. If you say 'hi' to her, she'll say hi and wave to you. So cute!