Feb/Mar update

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything, but not because fun things haven't been happening.  On the contrary, more has been happening and thus I've had less time to share all of the fun with you all!  However, I have managed to collect a few choice memories to share, so here goes!

- One Sunday, after receiving a blessing at communion, Matthew said what sounded a lot like "Amen!"  The priest who gave him the blessing was impressed and gave us a big smile.

- We recently had a visitor in our church for about 5 weeks named Desami.  He was visiting from Rwanda in order to have medical treatment.  In the middle of the first church service Desami attended, we took a break to pray for him.  Picture a 5 year old boy (who looks more like a 3 year old) in a wheel chair surrounded by about 30 children.  That evening when it was time for Grace to say her prayers before bedtime, Grace told me she wanted to "pray for that boy at church."  She was referring to Desami.  Later she wanted to give him one of her toys and also make a Valentine for him.  I was so proud that she was concerned about another person (whom she hardly knew) enough to pray for him.

- Matthew is finally showing more interest in books at bedtime.  He's much less snuggly than Grace during story time, but no less interested.  He particularly likes picture books with a single picture and word.  And he always likes to end story time with Sandra Boynton's "Pajama Time."

- I recently taught Grace the Bingo song using her own name, so now she can spell GRACE.

- Matthew LOVES his lovies that are these great fuzzy and silky blanket/stuffed animals that are about as long as he is.  When I first give one to him (either the lamb or the monkey), he always puts the animal's head close to my face wanting me to kiss it.  Then he kisses it (just making a "maa" sound).  This goes on back and forth with lots of giggles and smiles.

- I completed Matthew's baby book in February and Grace was thrilled to have a new book to look at.  Her first comment was "Matthew was messy when he was born!  I wasn't messy!"  I quickly informed her that all babies are messy when they are born, we just didn't get to see her until after she had been cleaned up.

- Recently, when I was putting Matthew to bed I noticed that he wanted to kiss me on the lips.  He was so proud of himself for kissing closed mouth on the lips like his big sis can, and of course making a "maa" sound.

- Jeff overheard Grace singing "Head, should, knees and penis (what happened to toes)!?"

- As I've mentioned before, we have a fun made-up game called the "I love you game." It starts with Mommy or Daddy sitting on the floor and one of the kids standing across the room.  Then we motion in sign language and say out loud, "I, LOVE, YOU!" and then the child runs across the room into Mommy or Daddy's arms.  Matthew perfected this game (although he can't say or sign all of the words yet).  But what was even cuter than the regular version of the game was hear Grace and Matthew play it with each other in the next room while I was making breakfast one morning.  I hope to catch it on film one day!

- Both kids sang into the pretend "microphone" at music class today, echoing the rhythm their teacher sang. Ms. Kay said Matthew even sang in tune! 3/25/13

- Grace was testing Matthew to see what words he could say, like Mama, Dada, Grace, etc.  Then she said, "Can you say soy milk?"  This will be an important one for a kid with a milk allergy!  3/26/13

- I made sliders for dinner this week and when I asked Grace later in the week what she wanted for dinner she said, "slidey hamburgers".  3/28