Growth and Change

When Brick was born, I kept a handwritten journal, and wrote often during his infancy. In his baby book, I recorded the date each new tooth broke through the gum. I photographed our new little family and faithfully posted them to share with family and friends. I still use the camera and I still write, but gone are the days when I actually posted pictures in a timely manner, or was able to find a pen and the baby book to record the appearance of a new tooth.
Brick now reads. He turns five later this month. He has been reading random words for a few months now. He does pretty well sounding out words as well. He is still very compassionate, smart, and talkative. But, he also has grown picky about some foods and his attention-seeking behaviors have turned negative on occasion. Some might say his 'boy' energy is showing. For the most part, he is a really wonderful older brother to Puddles.
Puddles could not be cuter. I am surprised just how much he picks up by imitation of his brother and myself (and others, too, I'm sure). Around 16-18 months, he added phrases to his single words (one of the first discernible word was my given name), "I will" "I do" "there you go", for example. He also sings songs that one can figure out by melody; songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", "Trot, Old Joe", and "Old MacDonald". He walks around and randomly sings "EIEIO...quack quack quack". After visiting my sister in Texas, now he also says, "hot cocoa" in a very charming manner. He likes to help with everything--getting dressed, cooking, cleaning, carrying items, et cetera. He wants to do all things himself. He will turn two next month. He's very social and loves to be outside. He also likes scribbling.
I am trying to bring about changes in our lives. My partner and I attending counseling separately and together. This has been on-going for the last couple of months. We have witnessed some positive changes in how we relate to each other and plan on continuing with therapy until we feel secure that we can do this family thing well on our own. Personally, I feel more secure than I have in quite awhile. So, life is looking a little bit brighter, as we all keep learning and growing together.