Fun observations

Our family has noticed a slow return to normal life after holidays/new baby/traveling/vacation from work. My New Year's resolution is to try to be a bit more present to my children and enjoy them as they grow. Since Joey was about 1, I didn't have to play with either of them very much MJ and Joey entertained each other. I really have enjoyed playing with them more and watching them. Here are some things I noticed...

Joey loves Sheila:
He now realizes that pink pacifiers belong to Sheila. Of course, I can't stop him from giving her kisses all over her face, so really keeping germs from spreading is going to be tricky. Fortunately, no one has been sick yet. I can't recall why his shirt was off for this picture. Judging by Sheila's pjs, my guess is Joey got cereal all over his shirt.

Joey's affection for Sheila is pretty deep and I need to watch her carefully. Once I left her on the loveseat while I carried a box downstairs. When I returned, Sheila was up on Joey's lap. I asked MJ if he picked her up, but he was in a different room. Sheila was quite happy being held by Joey, but he really can't do it on his own. (the above picture was staged and I put her in his arms).

Boxes and brothers are fun:
Mario got a new office chair, and the boys got a big box. The boys are very entertaining when they play together. Joey tries to imitate MJ, but really just likes to play around other people. This week we have been working on talking rather than pushing to get what we want. Of course, they slip up. Such as when they were fighting over some Fisher Price Little People. I saw some arms flying and reminded them to behave. Then I saw Joey wrap up MJ from behind and pull him backwards away from the toys. It was a pretty sweet move.

MJ is a big helper:
MJ helped feed Sheila today some of Mommy's milk in a bottle. This is our "just in case" preparation... she may only get 3 bottles a week (and it really wasn't a whole feeding) but just in case I'm away from her and she is starving, I have some milk frozen and ready for her. MJ was very happy to help. Of course, he couldn't do this alone, but really loves taking care of Sheila. The video of this was pretty cute as MJ explained how Sheila doesn't drink the same milk he drinks...like what we buy from the store.