26 Months

Ari and Alex are 26 months old today! To celebrate, we went to an outdoor concert starring Yosi and Jammin' Joe. It was a beautiful day for a picnic snack and for catching up with lots of friends- neighbor twins Jake and Cole, Riley, twin friends Rina and Celia (and their baby sister)and several other neighborhood and synagogue friends. Ari, Alex and Kira loved the music and dancing and sat (or danced!) so nicely the entire time. Yosi and Jammin' Joe were GREAT and really got the crowd (kids and parents) into the music. It was such a fun way to spend the morning.

Yosi came to talk to us (and friends Cole and Jake) before the show!

Ari, Alex and Kira chat before the show

Ari and Alex dance to the music

Alex makes a whale spout on his head

Kira loved the music too

Alex dancing with the band in the background

So what are Alex and Ari up to at 26 months?

Alex's newest talent seems to be his amazing recall of details. Earlier this week we were at the playground and friend Darby's mommy drove by. She didn't stop, and Alex had his back to the street but when he turned around and saw her car passing by, he said "Darby!" Mommy had NO idea how he knew that was Darby's mommy's car, since Mommy hadn't said anything when she passed and the car went by pretty quickly (Mommy hardly had time to realize it was her). But yesterday at playgroup when Darby's mommy pulled up to the playground, Alex again said "Darby!" We still haven't figured out quite how he knows that was Darby's mommy's car, except maybe he saw her car once or twice at other playdates. He also identifies "Poppy's car" any time we see the same make/model/color of Poppy's car on the road. Alex can also point out locations we've been to only once or twice when we pass in the car. His sharp memory probably helps Alex remember the alphabet (which he can recite) and identify many letters. He also remembers words to songs he hears only once or twice. It's uncanny- but he probably takes after his Daddy that way!

Alex is getting very good at saying "please," "thank you" and "sorry." Too good in fact- he often says "sorry" for things Ari does! And he says "thank you, Mommy!" for even the smallest gesture. Ari, on the other hand, knows how to say all of these things but will often stubbornly refuse (with a sly smile on her face) to say it. She is getting better though and has started saying "thank you" even unprompted. Both Alex and Ari have made Mommy and Daddy very proud by how well they share and take turns, moreso with other children than with each other, but they are very loving to each other and are clearly each other's best friends (and partners in crime!!)

Ari has experienced a jump in language skills again this month, as she's started speaking in full sentences and using lots of new words. She also can recite the alphabet and knows almost all of the letters of the alphabet. In fact, she can tell you what words start with certain letters; the other day, she saw a "K" and told Mommy that "K" is for "Kira." Ari LOVES to read and will ask anyone available to "read book." She's turning out to be quite the girly-girl, and loves everything pink, painted fingernails, shoes, purses and hats.

Every day brings new developments and surprises...we're looking forward to what's to come!