Can We Slow Down Time?

Our 'baby' is 18 months old!

He still smiles all the time and brightens our household with his silliness and loving nature

Working on fine motor

The snow was too soft and got into the boys' clothes so our sledding this year was not a huge hit with the little ones...

Niko went into the closet and pulled out the scooter and the helmet.  He loves all things with wheels!

Somehow our princess rounded out her ninth birthday this week.  How can this be?

Niko loves his furry sister so much and can often be found sitting with her, hugging her, filling her water bowl, or playing with her.  She has come to love him, but Alexander is still her everything.

Two peas in a pod

From snow to sunshine, Las Vegas has it all!

Ouch

Daniel tore his shoulder skiing with Alexander last week.  He is fairly certain it was dislocated, but he popped it back into place on the slopes.  He somehow managed to ski down the slope with Alexander, carry the gear back to the car (with a little help from his Bro), and drive himself to the hospital.  We are waiting to see what the orthopedist says, but the recovery time is long and the boys are already struggling without their main rough house buddy

Milestones

Nikolai has so many more words from a few months ago when he was only saying, "MAMA!" usually in a loud, agitated tone

Niko is now saying Dada, Duh for dog, NahNah for banana, Tuh for TV, and he has three animal sounds, Bah Bah, Roar (the cutest little whisper growl), and trumpeting like an elephant.  His babbling also has a much bigger variety of sounds than it used to

He and Alexander continue to get closer and closer.  They play so well together!  Alexander made up a game where he hollers, "Leh Go!" and takes off running across the house.  Niko runs as fast as his toddling legs can to catch up.  When he gets close, Alexander cries, "Leh Go!" again and they take off in the other direction.  Niko loves to build, bounce, and hammer with his brother, as well as to pass or kick a ball, or spin in circles.  The neighborhood big kids all include Niko in games whenever possible.

He loves to climb still, but has slowed down his death defying feats, choosing the slide instead of dancing with one leg hanging off the top of the playground, and sitting on the couch instead of running on it or diving over the side of it

He is our cleaner upper.  He puts his laundry in the basket, puts his shoes and toys away, helps feed Zoey, and in general, just notices mess more than big brother

Niko runs into class every day without looking back, carrying his jacket to his cubby before starting to play

He loves music!  He is always dancing, and prompting us to sing.  His current favorites are Five Little Monkeys, Wheels on the Bus, Baby Shark, and everything CocoMelon

He still loves his farm books, but is not as crazy about Old MacDonald as he was when he was younger

He is sleeping much better, usually waking up between 4am and 5am, wanting a bottle and usually needing a stinky diaper change

He isn't eating as much right now, preferring milk to real foods.  I couldn't even name a favorite food, or anything I can 

I got my second COVID vaccine yesterday and Daniel gets his Friday!

I cannot believe how fast my babies are growing and am trying to hold onto every moment.