Thursday, July 1, 2010

Home Sweet Home!

Back to reality! We actually made it to my parents' house at around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, and then stayed for dinner (and bathtime for the kiddos). But we're home now, and it feels good! I definitely enjoyed almost every minute of our trip, but getting snuggles from our babies is pretty awesome, too. :)

The crazy thing is that every time we leave, they seem to change so drastically! I guess it's just proof that they really DO grow and change by the day, but we are normally too close to see it. But the changes in Maya were especially noticeable this time around. When we got there, she was SO much more talkative (in her own Maya way, which means we still don't understand a lot of it) and she was walking all over the place! She has gotten to the point where she can take a few steps, start to lose her balance, and correct herself without falling over. Which then translates to being able to walk longer distances and with less help. It really is something to watch! She walks like Frankenstein, but is very deliberate and exceptionally cute. And she is so proud of herself, she looks like she could burst! So adorable!

In terms of language, though, we have determined that she can say the following words: mama, daddy, hi, buh-buh (chicken noise), gaff (giraffe), ta-oo (thank you), dat? (what's that?), yeah-yeah-yeah!, and some others that are escaping me at the moment. But she's really starting to talk more! And, perhaps not-so-coincidentally, is using her pacifier less and less. I think she has things to tell us! And I am not complaining! :)

Her receptive language far surpasses her expressive language, though. I swear that she understands EVERYTHING. When I tell her not to do something, she stops (most of the time). If I ask her if she wants something, she will either say "yeah-yeah-yeah!" or shake her head vehemently to signal "no way!" And she has mastered the art of pointing at what she wants and whining. That isn't super fun, but she is definitely communicating with us. And if this is any indication, her opinions on things are just as strong as her brother's. It should be interesting as she starts to talk more!

And then there is her new favorite game, Ring Around the Rosie. She saw Nikos playing it with Grandpa, and had to get in on the action. It is hilarious to watch! The three of them (or the three of us, when it's just me and the kids) hold hands in a circle, sing the song, and then all fall down. Maya always falls down at the right time and cracks herself up in the process! And I really think she likes being included in a "big kid" games. It's really sweet to watch. :)

Anyhow... we spent our first day back at home making some heavenly strawberry ice cream and running errands. I've officially gathered all my gear to start potty-training next week-- wish me luck! Nikos is just as strong-willed as his mother, so this should be interesting!!

And... one picture of my girl from today, just for good measure. She kept walking around and snuggling with her puppy-- so cute!!

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