I am creating this to finally start recording some of Patrick and Jack's special moments and fun habits as they grow up.  At least I can get some of them down, I have already forgotten so many cute things they have done!  At this time, Jack is 9.5 months and Patrick is 3 years and 3 months.  Fair warning: I think my kids are pretty amazing and this blog will be filled with our amazement with them.  I am not sure who I will share this blog with, but I hope nobody minds shameless bragging.  Really, I just want to remember all of their phases and steps, maybe they'll be interested some day too.

I love the way Patrick says names like Finlee (Finwee) and Sarah (Sawah).  He is becoming so fluent and can communicate so many things, it gives us a good look at what is going on in that head of his.  Lately, he has checked out library books that he is glued to for weeks (we had to make a rule that they are not allowed in bed!).  He has memorized a number of dinosaur names, many shark names (Basking Shark is his favorite), he knows a lot of sea animal names, and is generally interested in sea live.  We are taking an Aquatots class right now, and he is always excited to "swim in the water like a baby dolphin" - an idea he came up with himself.  He has a wild imagination, we really enjoy listening to him play.  In the bath, he loves to do things like cook, make mashed potatoes, shave with bubbles, brush dino teeth, all kinds of fun ideas pop into his head.

I want to remember some funny words Patrick used to say.  He would say flouter instead of flower, I love that.  I think he still puts a 'd' on words like Pluto and window, I really like Plutod and windowd more myself.  He used to call squirrels this thing more like a sound than a word "ssshhhol."

Jack seems really smart for a 9 month old!  He already says Mama, Dada, Hi, Bye Bye.  He waves hello and goodbye.  He easily recognizes songs.  For example, "If you're happy and you know it" is a favorite of both boys, it is on a baby einstein video they love.  If you sing the song Jack looks at the TV to see if it is on there too.  He seems amazed that somebody could know just what the people on TV will sing.  Same goes for singing any show's theme song, like "Bo on the Go" another favorite right now around here.

Jack started crawling at 7 months, an army crawl.  He still relies mainly on the belly crawl and has gotten quite fast, he looks like he is swimming.  He now does the knee crawl and monkey crawl too at times.  He has been pulling up on things since late 8 months.

The best part of my day is when Patrick comes in to say goodnight to Jack as he is getting his last bottle.  Jack just squeals with excitement when Patrick comes in the room (not just in the evening, all the time really).  Patrick gives Jack a kiss on the head, and Jack waves and talks to Patrick.  I am amazed at their relationship.  They love each other so much already, I hope they grow up very close.

I have so much more to add, but at least I got this started!