Two Down and Many to Go!!!

Two years ago our grocery bill increased, more toys began to litter the floor, and smells around the house changed.  These outcomes were created by the arrival of our little man Corwin.  That can only mean one thing now, that we are celebrating his second birthday!!!

Corwin celebrated in style, surrounded by family, friends, and enough sugar to feed a village.  The occasion was certainly festive, but the milestone itself also offered a chance to look back and reflect on the journey from then to now.  

We've enjoyed the first two years with Corwin, and he has definitely made the family more complete.  His progression on many fronts is also what you'd expect.  Corwin’s physical coordination and motor skills have always been great, and he loves kicking balls around the house.  His speech is also coming along.  He loves saying ‘fire truck, pumpkin, popsicle (of course), and other interesting words he comes across.  Given the multitude of sound waves dominated in the house by his mother and sister, I’m just glad he’s not mute.  That’s basically a nice way of saying that it’s tough for him to get a word in.  Corwin's sense of humor is also not lacking.  He enjoys shifting quickly between his 'serious face' and then his 'happy face,' back to his serious face quickly followed by his happy face...you get the idea.  He'll do that several time, then look at you, throw his head back, and laugh hysterically.  

For us as parents, he's brought quite a lot of joy, pride, and entertainment, which is a nice element to accompany the slobber, drool, and random assortment of body fluids and solids.  He's our little guy, and we love him :)

                                                                    

In other news, Sydney is loving school.  Kindergarten was built for her extrovert nature.  We recently attended her 'curriculum night' to learn about what they will be teaching the students this year.  To give you an idea of her academic abilities, reading level begins at "A".  Their spring goal for all kindergarten students is level "D."  Well, apparently our little Sydney Ru is already reading at least a level F, which is already first grade level.  She's become so efficient at reading, that many nights she takes over nighttime story responsibilities with Corwin.  She gets more practice, and he loves being read to by Sydney...a great time for both!

Everyone is getting ready for Halloween.  Sydney will be in a costume that we have not shown her yet.  It'll be a surprise for her, so I'll guess you'll have to wait to see the pictures, too.  For me...I will once again be playing the “Tired Dad” exhausted by life’s ongoing house projects and other to-do lists.  I had considered an alternative costume this year, but people have always commented on just how authentic and believable it is.

That's it for now.  I hope everyone else is doing great!!!