No!

We knew the time would arrive - our little prince has found the correct use of the word "no". I've been expecting this since he was 10 months old, thinking that at any moment we'd hear that word thrown back at us.

Thankfully we haven't had any fits or tantrums, but Will started using "no" at lunch when I asked him to take a bite of mashed potatoes. He just turned his little head away from the spoon and gave me a curt little "no". Can the terrible twos begin at 20 months? I'm guessing the answer is "yes".

EJ Days: What Are You Laughing At?

Today, on one of the most perfect days this spring, we took a big family walk around town. We took the kids down to the heart of New Freedom, stopped by the post office and a farmer's market. Will got to see the inside of a real train caboose and mom and dad tucked into some omlettes at the Railroad Cafe. We of course passed by the police station and let Will count all of the police cars then headed home.

Elizabeth, our gem, was as quiet as a mouse during our two and a half hour trek around town. I was a little suprised she was awake when we got home. She kept an eye on Will while he played, ate his lunch, then headed off to his naptime. She kept herself busy watching those fancy new hands of hers and was all smiles with mommy during some playtime. Then out of no where, she laughed. Mom and dad both heard it loud and clear, twice. A laugh. Awesome.

EJ Days: Newborn Summary

That's it, it's over, EJ's newborn days are gone. She turned three months old on May Day and she's all grown up now. (Well, not quite, but we are starting to see more and more personality!). We're just loving our little cheeky monkey.

Highlights:
- She is all sweetness. She loves to be held and to be around us. When we are on the go, she's a doll and rarely complains.
- She's a big sleeper, four naps a day. We get about an hour of waketime between sleep. When social hour is up, she shouts, tosses her head from side to side then falls asleep. Eat, play, sleep, repeat - ah, life with a baby.
- Her hand is her favorite thing. As soon as she wakes up, she wants to chew on her right fist. My bet is on a righty.
- Tummy time is a breeze. She's lifting her head, arching her back, pulling her legs off the ground and even rocking just a little. Despite my hopes for a late mover, I think she'll be rolling earlier than Will did. Darn.
- EJ eats like a champ and has grown like a weed. She's all cheek, belly, and leg rolls. You can't help but give her a squeeze.

Mama skills:
- I can feed a baby, undress a baby (diaper, clothing, swaddle), and redress a baby in less than 25 minutes, in the middle of the night, without turning on a light or causing a single baby cry. If this were a sport (and I think it should be), I would be a shoe-in for the Olympic team.
- I have mastered the art of watching two kids under two all day and all night. I made it four nights while Andy was on a trip for business. The kids survived, I survived, and we were all happy when dad returned. Actually, I loved it. We had lots of fun, kisses, and cuddles, but it sure is easier and even more fun with dad around!

Sneaky, sneaky!

I think the king of our castle has begun to appreciate the element of surprise.

Will's normal approach to our cat Tuxedo is one of laughter, top speed running, shouting "cat, cat, cat", but not today. This is the closest Will has gotten to our cat Tuxedo since he has been a toddler (without Tux sprinting the opposite direction). Our exceptionally patient Himalayan is perched in his only remaining safe haven on our main floor. It is safe no longer. Tux will have to retreat to the basement if he wants peace and quiet.

Look at those sneaky eyes. Watch out Tux, Will is gonna getcha!