Bits and Pieces

Jerome: “Katie, where are you?”
Katie (from another room): “In my woom, Daddy. I make mess. Don’t worry Daddy!”

As you can tell, Katie now enjoys playing on her own in her room. This may not seem like a big deal but, for us, it means increased independence on her part and increased freedom on our part. Katie is engaging in imaginative play with her toys and “reading” her books “hersef” (as she says) and we think that’s important from a developmental perspective and from a quality of life perspective. She’s not as dependent on us to amuse her. Playing with her is fun but it’s nice if she can play on her own sometimes, too.

Katie is getting better with potty training and we’re going to be trying to transition to big girl panties very soon. I think we’re more excited by it than Katie. I asked her the other day if she was my big girl and she said no, she’s my baby. Oh well, baby steps, I guess.

Katie also likes to shush us a lot lately. “Stop talking Daddy! Too noisy!” I’m pretty sure she gets this at school, although we say it some here, too. A room full of toddlers can get insanely loud so I’m sure the teachers do their share of shushing the kids. Jerome is convinced there’s a room at the back of the school with an open bar for teachers. He thinks that’s the only way they stay sane.

In Ethan news, he’s a Cub Scout and Jerome is a Cub Scout Den Leader! Both Jerome and I were scouts, so a family tradition continues. Pictures to follow. Ethan is a tiger cub (if you're aware of the Cub Scout hierarchy, that will make sense) and he’s now in karate and kids chess, too. Busy boy! As parents, we're definitely feeling the increase in activities in terms of our schedules and "to do" lists. He’s enjoying first grade and seems to be adjusting well. He’s so tall and very skinny.

As you may know, Jerome lost 33 pounds over the summer and won his office weight loss challenge. That gave us a nice chunk of change for our cruise in early August. He has made a real transition in his life and health and I'm so proud of him!

So good times in the Brown-Raetz household. Hope you are well, too.