Steel trap? Yeah, right.

Apparently, I can only retain information for about two minutes these days. After that, I'm lucky if I have any recall of something. Perfect example, I took Alex to the doctor for his two-year check-up a few weeks ago and asked the doctor about his eczema. The doctor recommended Dove soap as one of the treatments. What did I do? I went and bought him Ivory. You know, the soap that dries out skin rather than moisturizes. Nice. Anyway, that's how things are rolling these days. If I don't write it down, it may be forever lost. So this post is just a random sampling of goings on these days. In the hopes that I'll be able to recall some of the memories down the line...

Alex is starting to put a couple of words together, although they still sound like one word. "I want some," and "open it," are the two phrases most commonly used. Also, his words are becoming clearer. (Except for the phrases, which require some translation if you're not used to hearing him talk.) What was once "Meemo," has now become accurately pronounced, "Nemo." Likewise, "nah-nahs," has morphed into a true "thank you."

He's also learning to identify feelings. Today we took something up to Jerry's office, and when we left, Alex said, "Daddy. Work. Alex. Sad." He was sad that Daddy couldn't come with us. And the saddest little thing ever was the other day after I had to discipline Alex for disobeying. He was crying and looked at me and said, "Alex. Sad." Pitiful, I tell you.

Speaking of discipline, we've had our fair share these days. The typical actions and attitudes of a two-year old have most definitely set in around here. On Saturday, we told Alex that if he did a good job obeying, we would take him to get a new Car. Well, let. me. just. tell. you. he did NOT obey. And he did NOT get a new Car. But today, he was so obedient all day long, and my heart just burst with joy. Tonight at dinner, I said to Alex, "You have done such a great job of obeying today, would you like to go to the store and get a new Car?" You could see the wheels turning in his head. His eyes let you know he was processing the question, and then after a few seconds he gleefully exclaimed, "YEA!" and clapped his hands excitedly. It was so precious! Jerry and I just rolled with laughter. So Miles Axlerod has been added to the collection. And to accompany Miles was a nice reminder that just because we obey doesn't always mean that we get treats.

Oh, and Alex does love his treats – especially of the food variety. After requesting cake as his "birthday meal," it is clear that he is my son. It is also abundantly clear that he is his father's son, too.

That's right. Two little chip-lovers in this family. And don't dare forget the guacamole. Because a chip isn't nearly as tasty without the Chipotle guac which Alex takes great pleasure in dipping all by himself. "Self," he says to us, as in "I don't need your help, thankyouverymuch."

And sweet little Andrew...well, he is just as precious as ever. He'll almost give smiles by request these days. Unless of course, you're trying to take his picture with his brother. And then, notsomuch.

Oh, and not when trying to get him to show out for a stranger either. Just keepin' it in the family, he is.  And I'll admit, I do beg him for smiles when Alex starts with his two-year old antics. I need to feel the love somehow. Ha!

Our doctor visits don't line up very well with my Roary and Andrew posts. I get my stat info a couple of weeks later, so I wanted to post the most current info I have since this is for the memory books and all.

ONE MONTH

• Height: 22 inches (49%)
• Weight: 10 lbs, 4 oz (48%)
• Head: 15 1/4 inches (51%)

TWO MONTHS

• Height: 23 1/2 inches (59%)
• Weight: 12 lbs, 5 oz (53%)
• Head: 15 3/4 inches (42%)

Little Roo (his new nickname in our house) is giving a little fist bump to those of you checking in. We'll be back with more photos later. Peace out.