Speaking

Ethan has really started picking up words, or at least cadences. I have finally made a list of all that he is saying, and the intentional sounds he makes (not just babble). I can't tell you which one was his first word, or on what day he said it. I know....shameful. I just haven't been paying as much attention as I did when I only had one kid to listen to.

Here are the things that Ethan can say:
mama
dada
Bubba
smash
go
ball
all done
nigh-nigh
Nanny
cheese
juice
stairs
shoes
school
love you
bear
cracker
And the intentional sounds he makes:
ah-choo
woohoo
ta da
ho ho ho (when asked what Santa says)

Nick has also really taken off in his vocalizing, as well. I still have to translate, and there are many times that I can't quite catch what he is saying. But he is getting better. He has much to say, and he is very intentional about what he is saying. When you can figure out which sounds he is substituting for which, you can fare better at understanding him.
He also has the most wonderful giggle and fun sense of humor. He loves the "old classics" like Tom and Jerry, and the early Winnie the Pooh. To watch him watch some of these (and the new favorites like Wall-E and Up) is more entertaining than watching the show. He is such a joy.

Joey is back in school and loving it. He is taking to reading very well. I love watching him sound out words off a box or book. He loves to read road signs as we pass them, and is very logical in guessing what some signs mean. I'm very proud of him.

Nick has been on call this weekend; the first time in many months. He is not enjoying it. I can't say that I am either. He works so hard and long during the week, I like to be selfish on the weekends. Hopefully he will have a slow day tomorrow and won't have to go out at all.

All of us have been sick since before the beginning of the year, except Joey. I think we are all doing better, finally. I just can't kick this sore throat. I may go in to see a doctor next week if it doesn't go away. I hope that we are well enough to go to church tomorrow, as we were all too sick last week.