Phew, I can't believe we are almost halfway through summer. It feels as though it has been going on forever, and I can't remember what it is like to feel a cool breeze on my face. Despite the sweltering conditions, we are managing to enjoy ourselves this summer. We go outside between the hours of 8 and 9, run a quick trip to the gym or other indoor destination, come home for lunch and naps, and then go to Amma and Papa's for swim lessons. The summer has also been marked by rapid maturation for both boys!
Benjamin has made significant strides toward boyhood in just the past two weeks. It all started when he spilled something on his shirt and, without saying a word, went upstairs and changed his clothes. Lance and I stared at each other, speechless, with our mouths hanging open. Ever since, Benjamin has been dressing himself in the morning and even putting on his socks. He will not accept any help. He has also been placing his clothes, as well as Evan's, in the hamper. Perhaps I have been taking advantage of this new maturity, as I have frequently asked him to get things for me or to throw things in the trash. But you can't really blame me, can you?! As if this weren't too much to even comprehend, Benjamin has also been able to write his full name with some coaching, and to write "Ben" on his own.
Evan is as cute as a button, and keeps getting more and more smiley. He has been at daycare for a while now, and he has adapted beautifully. Today he graduated from the crib to taking his naps on a mat with the "big" boys and girls. He has not cried when I drop him off, but he sure is happy to see me when I get there to pick him up. There is nothing better than the sight of that wide grinning face tottering up to me as soon as I walk in the door, accompanied by squeals and giggles of delight. I have never felt so loved! As always, Evan has dazzled with his verbal skills. He has said countless words and is even starting to use 2-word phrases. He is currently in a phase where his favorite expression is "uh uh", which pretty much applies to any question that you ask him. Of particular noteworthiness was the occasion when Evan stated, "Happy Birthday" to me with crisp clarity. We all stared at each other in disbelief, it was really a Twilight Zone moment.
We have been really blessed to be able to cool down in my parents' pool this summer. We have gone there at least three times per week, often more. The boys are taking private swim lessons from an instructor who comes to my parents' pool twice per week. Her name is Elizabeth, and she is very enthusiastic. Benjamin has learned to put his face in the water and blow bubbles with his nose, float on his back, and go totally underwater. I am convinced that he will be swimming by the end of the summer. Evan is not as excited about swimming, but he is getting more comfortable with each lesson. Despite his lack of motivation to become the next Michael Phelps, Evan does blow bubbles without prompting. It seems to be his specialty.
Of course, through it all, the boys are creating their own special brotherhood. The other day on the way to the library Benjamin said, "mommy, I like having a little brother". I said, "what do you like the most about it?", and he said, "Being brothers". How sweet!
