Somehow, it's already been over three months - 96 days, actually - since Isaac joined our family. It's so incredible to watch his little personality blossoming and to learn new things about him every day. My favorite recent discovery is how ticklish he is - I can hardly change his clothes without him wiggling and giggling if I accidentally (or intentionally!) tickle his tummy or sides, and even his little legs. He gives big smiles when we talk and smile at him, and especially if I kiss his cheeks, which really just encourages more and more of those things!
He seems so interested in the things going on around him, be it a book, his blankets, toys, or Caedmon, who can definitely hold his attention without even being aware of it. Isaac is going to learn so much from him, he's probably already taking mental notes! He's a strong little guy, too, really holding his head up steadily and rolling over onto his side and back several times every day.
Caedmon (who, to be fair, is 634 days old!) is growing up so much, so quickly. He amazes us with what he is able to do, and especially with his language. He has a word for just about everything, and we've been amused at the way he's picked up and turned around some of the phrases we tell him frequently, such as "Carry you, Caedmon?" (which he says when he wants to be picked up) "Help me" (if he wants to help us with something). He has almost memorized his "Sleepy Bear" book and although the language is very simple, we are amazed at how he can fill in almost any word we leave out, and sometimes tells us what is on the next page before we get there.
Some things don't change, though, as his favorite activity is still playing outside. If there is time after we finish our supper, Daniel will often look at Caedmon and ask "Do you want to go....outside?" Caedmon's little face absolutely lights up, his eyes get wide, and his mouth drops open as he nods his head - I can't imagine a more sincere or exuberant expression. He will immediately begin trying to get down out of his booster seat, saying out loud the things he needs to go out and what he wants to do - "Down! Down! Shoes! Sand! Water!"
Caedmon's attachment to his Duck has continued, and perhaps even deepened. Currently, Duck's sweet yellow fluff has become grimy and in much need of washing, so when I took a load of clothes out today to wash I brought Caedmon and Duck along. After he helped me put all the clothes in, I asked him to put in his feathered friend. He said, "No! Hold." and squeezed Duck tight. There was no convincing him to let go. It's been amusing to watch all the new things he does with Duck, though, as he learns to pretend - he has been riding Caedmon's little toy car, taking naps in his bed, drinking from his sippy cup and eating snacks. When Caedmon goes outside, he puts Duck by the door and says "Wait right here" and when he sits at the table for meals, we move Duck out of reach and so he can, as Caedmon says, "Watch you."
I'm sure we have a lot more of this in our future, but we had our first venture into a shared bath this week. Isaac was in his little bouncy seat, so we put him in it and set it down in Caedmon's bath water. There was just enough water for his legs to be able to splash around, and he kicked and kicked. Caedmon helped "wash" him by pouring water over his legs and feet and was really well-behaved with his little brother. We're not sure which little boy was more surprised at this new arrangement!