Our little man turned 1 this week! Where in the world did the last year go. Time has sure sped up since we added another little person to the house. It seems that we have entered a new phase in parenthood. This week Henry didn't want to hold my hand while we walked around the playground and I thought this is just the beginning of independence. I'm sad to leave babyhood, but very excited about the new things Henry is learning. We had a great birthday party at the house on Saturday with family and friends. Both kids really had a great time and they have been enjoying the influx of "boy" toys in the house. Henry especially likes running the toy electric drill on his gums. I'm thinking it may help his top teeth come in. Josie has become somewhat obsessed with a 4 wheeler they can ride on that Grammy and Papa Stewart gave Henry. She keeps signing "share" to Henry when he wants to get on it, which I really think means "mine". Still working on that sharing thing. For Henry's actually birthday we spent a good part of the day playing outside in the beautiful fall weather we have had lately. Gramma Scott came up for the day and enjoyed chasing the kids around outside too:)
The kids have really enjoyed the cooler weather this week. We've been outside most of the time playing and going on walks. The elementary school that is just a few houses down recently updated their playground after it was burned in a fire this summer. They put in a large area of artificial turf and a new toy set. The kids absolutely love it. The turf is perfect for both of them to walk on and Josie loves playing on the toy's, especially when there are other kids around. As soon as we pull up to the playground she is signing "play". Henry loves the slides and tries to follow the big boys around. We've also spent some time exploring the local trails. There are some beautiful canopied walking trails close to our home that both kids have really enjoyed. Henry, of course, falls asleep the minute the wheels start rolling and Josie signs "trees", "flowers", and "leaves" the whole time. There are a few very specific situations that we see Josie experience a feeling of total peace. Her face changes and she hums quietly. It is mainly when she is swimming, dancing, or outside. She has this look now on the walking trails. Chad and I have really enjoyed seeing her feel this way and it gives us a great feeling of enjoyment, too.
We are looking forward to another beautiful weekend and a lot of time outside. Hope everyone has a great one.
