Liam and Oliver are becoming extremely fun. The first few months I felt like I had fallen through the looking glass into Alice's Wonderland. Eventually, the boys started to get a little more interactive, we got onto more of a schedule and things were more comfortable. Now, these lads are becoming downright enjoyable. I am no longer in a state of panic when left alone with them, although I think that will return at the end of this month when they're mobile.
Liam's word of the month is Grabby. He has successfully accomplished many tasks this month, although I must say that we are clearly not super parents as neither child can speak a discernible language or even play a musical instrument passably yet. Never the less, Liam has become very dexterous and is able to grasp my sweatshirt zippers with his thumb and forefinger. He also grasps anything else in his vicinity including plants and cats. He sits up all by himself, is about two seconds away from moving around the room on his belly, and has neatly eaten several vegetables, fruits and cereals. He can even neatly sip from a cup of water. Liam grew two teeth on his bottom bitey little jaw. This is a serious design flaw for nursing mothers. I don't mean to be critical here, but if there were a question as to whether our deity is a male or female, I have learned that HE is a misogynist. The boys took their first series of swim classes this month and Liam was a natural in the water. Liam did one other cool thing- he learned to soothe himself. When playing in his exersaucer one day, he started getting a little cranky. He looked around, located his pacifier, put it in his mouth, calmed down and then took it out. I wish I knew how to soothe myself.
Oliver's word of the month is Tasmanian Devil. This boy is going to break things. Oliver has also successfully accomplished many tasks this month. His dexterity is growing, but not as fast as his ability to verbalize anything. He is a noisy and boisterous boy. Oliver sits by himself, moves around the room a little on his belly and back, and very messily eats a variety of cereals, fruits and veggies. He very messily drinks out of a cup. He kicks his legs like a frog, hums and opens his eyes as far as they can go while eating. Also, he has a frequently turns his head just as the food is about to enter his mouth. Oliver cut two teeth the same day his brother did. He now has a habit of taking off his socks, putting his feet in his mouth, biting and then crying in pain. I try to tell him never to eat his OWN feet, but his English is still a bit sketchy. The two boys have started their first true brotherly interaction this month. By this I mean that Liam tries to take Oliver's toys away and Oliver hits Liam with his toys. Oliver is also a natural swimmer but it took a few minutes for him to become comfortable in the water. Both boys flirted shamelessly with the life guard and swim instructor. Chris and I are a bit nervous that we decided to bring these boys up in a college town with a 7:3 female to male ratio.As usual, we had a very busy month. Chris and I helped the Gambill Family throw a baby shower for Chris and Cat Brent's little boy. The shower was on a perfect day and the food was spicy and delicious. Liam and Oliver got to hang out with some of their favorite people including Uncle Jonathan who came in from Ithaca. Also visiting were Al Baby and Christy in from D.C. They stayed with us and spoiled the boys.
This month we also welcomed the Oliver and Liam officially to our family and friends at their Baby Blessing. We threw this big party in Letchworth on another idyllic day and had an absolute blast. Dina and Harry came in from New York to serve as godparents, along with Aunt Lauren, Uncle Erik and Uncle Jonathan. During the short ceremony, Chris Brent presided, Aunt Nancy, Katie Scherer and Lipa Pattison read, and Grampy and Babcia Ivers and Gammy and Grandpa Scherer blessed the boys. Oliver and Liam took turns hanging out with the Ithaca Ivers family and friends, the Buffalo Pellerins, the Buffalo Scherer family, the Pittsburgh Scherer family, Chris' work friends from the Southern Tier and Geneseo friends. Chris and Tony worked on making pulled pork all week and everyone who came brought a dish. Boy was that food ever good.
In the photos, please note the abundance of pregnancy. Dina, Cathleen, Serena and even Rachel Bailey Jones showed up with adorable bellies. Rachel is due on October 31, 2008 which is exactly one year after my due date. Spooky, yes??? Congrats to you all and remember to sleep now.
One of our favorite moments at the blessing was when Gammy Scherer unveiled the family quilts for Oliver and Liam. Months ago, she sent out squares to the Ivers and Scherer families (also Pellerins and Funkes who we consider family) to personalize and paint or sew or write on for the boys. Then, Gammy put the squares together and created two beautiful heirloom quilts for the boys. They are AMAZING!!!
One last favorite moment at the blessing was when Aunt Katie and Uncle Joe thought to get all the Scherer/Ivers boys together for a photo. After taking about 6,000 shots, none of of had a picture where all four boys were looking at the camera- but they are some cute boys!
In other family news,
- Chris needed six stitches due to an attempt to open a beer gone sour. (This sounds made up but check out the photo.)
- I am one month into official training for a late July triathlon sprint. Lauren told me to publish this so I can't back out. I'm stuck now. Lauren and Erik are also signed up for this crazy fiasco.
- I went to see a movie for the first time in 8 months. I watched a movie from START to FINISH in a row. Wowzers.
- Just a minute ago, Chris asked Oliver to please keep on his socks and please not to eat his socks. A few moments later, Chris checked on Oliver to find that he had taken off both socks and was happily chewing on them.
