1st SPARK

OK, so here's the next post. Thanks to all who encouraged me and commented so I know SOMEONE is reading. Blog on. I'm feeling so blessed this week noticing that Kai and Addie already have such a special sibling bond. They play well together, they are able to say/hug "sorry" when needed, they watch out for each other, they chill together, and of course want 'equal' treatment. It's only a matter of time before Eli joins in the gang. THEY PLAY WELL TOGETHER--Kai has a list of imaginary play to chose from each day....bear cave, Lightening McQueen, camping, all sorts of cooking scenarios, Thomas, etc. He includes Addie in the scenes very well. He prompts her in how she needs to act or sometimes talks her through the whole thing while she plays beside him (I'm not sure she really knows what's going on when that happens)! But she loves to play along with her big bro. There are of course a few 'squabbles' here and there....usually when Kai is grumpy or he thinks he dominates all the toys or when Addie is very willing to share unless it's something she wants to play with at the same time, then watch out! Gezzo! Thankfully more calm and co-play has been happening lately. THEY ARE ABLE TO SAY/HUG "SORRY" WHEN NEEDED--I'm trying to work with K and A on gracious sharing and thinking of others before themselves. Examples of letting someone play with it because you know it will make them happy or giving your favorite toy to someone else instead of the one you don't care about. This is an ongoing difficult lesson, so true. But I'm seeing a little improvement over time. If squabbles occur, they can at least face one another and give an apology (sorry from Kai and hug from Addie). THEY WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER-- Two cute examples: When Kai is hurt, his nurturing sister is quickly by his side pointing to is "ou-wee" with her head cocked to the side, nodding and squinting her eyes like she knows his pain. So precious. And just today at Focus on the Family an unfamiliar young boy befriended Addie (out of Kai's sight) and led her around hand-in-hand. Kai did not approve of this when it came to his attention. He followed the other little boy saying "hey, hey" until I assured him Addie was okay. What a good big bro looking out for her! THEY CHILL TOGETHER--picture is worth a thousand words. I think this pic is one of our many sick at-home days. THEY WANT 'semi-EQUAL' TREATMENT (really this should actually read Kai wants equal treatment but his sister is catching on quickly)-- Derrick and I had a 'date night' with Kai alone. We took him to a local HS basketball game with hot dogs and snacks galore (his kinda date). A few nights later I told him I was taking Addie on a date alone to get haircuts. He cried until I reminded him of our basketball date. In hopes of getting Addie to drink milk, we add Ovaltine to it....of course Kai cannot drink his milk white if Addie gets Ovaltine. If Addie naps with an extra stuffed animal, Kai needs one as well. If Addie picks the bedtime story, Kai requires we read one he wants as well. If Kai gets a special snack Addie wants one too. If I let Addie lay in Eli's crib with him, Kai demands in as well. The list goes on and on and on. In other news.... Eli is sitting up completely on his own and loving the new view! He also has 2 bottom teeth to munch with and is starting to sleep a little better (I don't want to jinx myself here). These are just a few other moments caught by camera lately to add to the SPARK. Now that Eli can sit alone it allows for a whole new slew of toys to grab his attention. Addie is such a helper in showing him how it all works via demonstration. Washcloth heads! Derrick initiated this after a flashback from his childhood...wish I had that pic of he and my bro-in-law for blackmail purposes. K and A thought it was EXTREMELY funny. Not sure which is cuter.....cowboy or sheriff???