Wacky Wednesday

There's something magical about right now - this stage of life for our babes.

Do yourself a favor - if you have never spent a few hours with two 18 month olds, do so. Find a family member, a friend or a relative and ask if you can join them at the park or on a play date. Don't think of it as a hassle - oh, I have to watch the kids while they play sort of thing - think of it as a privilege.

An exclusive party and you have been invited.

They've got a lot going on in those big old soakin' all of it in little minds. And when Lane and Andrea get together they really bring out the best in one another.

Alone, they are each fun. As mamas, we love to brag about their daily accomplishments. New words learned, games played, songs sung, and how they make us laugh.

Sure, it makes us feel good to know that we are doing something right. Teaching them. But, talking about them is fun too. Just telling one another about our babes makes each other laugh. Gives us something to look forward to. Makes us strive to teach something new.



Oh, but when they are together, it is even better.

They love to show each other how to play.

Lane's favorite game - Ahh boo. His papa taught him at home but he showed Andrea at the park. One ducking down below the tops of the tires then popping up and shouting "Ahh, boo!" much to the other's delight.

There's the mimicking of funny faces and silly sounds. Words repeated. Lyrics to songs sung to one another.

Andrea's favorite Pop Goes the Weasel. Over and over she would sing to Lane in her sweet little voice, "POP goes the Wea Sel," until he would repeat it to her. Together, they snuggled at the bottom of the slide singing.







There's the desire to copy one another. Gone are the days of parallel play. Now, they follow each other. Watch what the other does. Try to do it at the same time.





They are so silly. And so lovable. Such a delight to watch. We stayed for two hours staring at their beautiful faces, laughing at their funny outtakes, listening to them giggle and talk to one another. Watching them copy cat each other.

Because if one has some juice - the other must have some too.



And anyone who does not think social playtime is important at this age is wrong. Dead wrong.

These two have been playing with each other since before they could crawl. They know each other well. It stared in the pack-and-play when Andrea would tickle Lane's toes.

It moved to parallel play - stacking blocks, throwing balls, enjoying walks and picnics. Playing while the other was there but not really playing with each other.

Then we took them bouncing.

And running through the weasel.

Their faces light up when they see each other.

They have seen the season's change and celebrated birthdays together.

Now they are friends.

Yesterday, as Andrea walked in to the playground, Lane threw his hands over his head and jumped with joy to see her. Instantly, they began to play.

And teach each other all the tricks they have learned since they saw each other last week - like walking up the slide.


They love one another.

Who doesn't love that?