This series is for all our mothers. We are grateful for your care and concern and love you very much!
Joseph developed a game with a box that involved running around with it on his head, the throwing it off. He learned another game, Böpperle, at Christmas, which could be used as a way to get him to eat a bite. He can also spin tops quite well (the video had me undo my earphones, get up and answer the phone, before I realized it was in the video). Joseph sometimes cleans up better if he can count his toys. Counting by threes is a favorite. He also likes his collapsing tunnel, which he can undo himself. He’s always finding new areas to help, for instance making orange juice. Janet set up finger paints for him, a first (and given the work involved, possibly a last for a while).
Vivienne, still unable to walk, is quite able to climb up on her high chair. She loves hugging and snuggling. We think her first word was “strength” – the video will show why. She expanded her mobility ever so slightly with the box for the building blocks. We’ve set out a number of musical instruments, and the kids enjoy them. Vivienne’s working on her kazoo mastery (as is Joseph – take two), but not neglecting her dancing. Janet’s tried to capture her saying “Joseph” – usually unsuccessfully.
The two can also play well together, which usually lasts until the camera’s discovered. One game they like is for Joseph to spin Vivienne on the office chair, again and again. Another game is to put things away together. Yet another is hide and seek on the bed.
We’ve also immortalized their eating styles.
January 13th was Joseph and Vivienne’s dedication. Cornelia was so kind as to take pictures, which is what you hear on the record. We also took the opportunity to celebrate Vivienne’s first birthday with a candle and a muffin. She was still more interested in the ribbons and packaging than the gifts she received.
What a great Mother’s Day present! I especially like Joseph spinning Vivienne in the chair and counting, as I used to do for him, though he seems to have forgotten that I switched directions occasionally to minimize dizziness. 🙂 Vivienne’s wooziness is especially impressive because the way Joseph did the counting it seems as if it comes after 300 spins.
As I read Vivienne’s expression on the cupcake incident, she’s annoyed that you guys blew out her nice candle.
Speaking of annoyance … thank you for including the dedication video, and I’m trying to suppress my irritation at your pastor, because I’m sure it was unintentional: but he gives us a clear view of the times when he is speaking, but apparently asks the congregation to stand for the interesting parts, completely blocking our view. It would have been perfect if only they had remained in their seats.
I’m impressed with the kazoo playing — I always found it difficult to get kids to hum, rather than blow.
I had no idea those Starry Night pieces were so big! My apologies for getting a puzzle that won’t fit on your table. What were they thinking?
“Thank you, Vivienne” — so cute.
I understand about the finger paints. As I watched I kept thinking to myself, “don’t touch anything!”
Maybe it would help to have a basin of warm soapy water all set up for him, before he even begins, to put his hands into when he was done.
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
He did switch direction between videos, but as I recall only because he was told to.
You’re probably right about Vivivnne’s disappointment at the candle being blown out. It’s mingled with the disappointment of not being able to touch the candle…
The finger paints are washable, but there’s a world of difference between something washable needing washing and nothing needing washing. So maybe we’ll work with the bowl of water – and maybe we’ll stay as is because Joseph might just splash water around.
What’s the sign he’s using in the video of putting away the puzzle, the one that looks as if he’s turning a door knob?
I think he’s begging Janet to flip the video camera screen.