Budding Out

With Elena back in school, it's just me and the boys, most days. We go to the park and the library. We run errands and shop for groceries. We listen to The Biscuit Brothers and occasionally watch Dinosaur Train. Life is a lot calmer and more predictable, even if it's not the same things every day. With that, James is really starting to show personality, all of a sudden. I know, I know. "He's almost two!" you say. "Hasn't he been showing personality before now?" Well, yes and no. He has, but Elena (and to some extent, Joseph, since she's gets him worked up) has such a loud presence that James tends to become background noise when she's around. In just the last week (meaning since Elena started school) I've noticed James has started repeating people, using intelligible syllables; patting his knees (alternating back and forth!) while listening to The Biscuit Brothers; laughing with Joseph about some game they've made up; dancing along to a song or laughing at a character when we have a kids show or movie on; stealing Mima's wii remotes and swinging them wildly while yelling "Fwee!" and jumping up and down; playing with the cat; and quietly asking for water by grabbing a random cup and putting it in my hand, instead of just screaming indiscriminately. It's almost like he's a whole different person and my wallflower is suddenly the life of the party. This is going to take some getting used to, but I like everything about it.