Movers, Shakers, Mischief-makers

That's what we have in our household these days, now the Frankie is rolling all over the place! He's six months old already, and he's taking over the house and getting into anything and everything. Just last week, TJ helped wrap his cousin Mary's birthday present. He very gently put the bow on it, and I stuck it in the box to be mailed. In one swift move, Frankie rolled over, reached his arm into the box and ripped the bow right off! Luckily, TJ's been pretty good about the change, and he keeps all his small toys off the floor - mainly because he doesn't like Frankie's slobber, but whatever works!

The two are playing together more, much to everyone's delight. TJ loves it now that Frankie interacts with him, and he's actually really good about sharing with his baby brother, which is great since Frankie wants everything TJ has. (This is just the beginning.) Frankie's pretty much always has a smile on his face, and he talks and talks and talks. We know we're in for it, but we just love how expressive he is. He's extra-chatty when he's talking with TJ, so that's really fun.

At his six-month appointment a few weeks ago, he weighed in at 17.5 lbs! Our little chunker is trying to get used to eating baby food, but he's a lot pickier than we expected. He has taken a liking to carrots, but forget plain rice cereal or oatmeal! Mommy is trying to make his baby food again, and she just whipped up a batch of peas, so hopefully those go on the "like" list.

Mommy's taking Frankie to storytime on Thursday afternoons, and he absolutely loves it. He just sits there with a giant gummy grin on his face during the stories and songs... it's so fun to see! TJ's doing great as well. In addition to gymnastics, he now goes to basketball practice on Monday afternoons. (That means, no naps for Mommy on Mondays and Thursdays, but I would trade sleep for time with the boys!) He really loves playing, and the coaches are awesome -- teaching him basketball skills through fun games and drills. He's actually a little natural... he's picking up dribbling, and the first time he had to throw an overhead bouncepass, it was perfect! We just love watching him play, and it's so fun to share my love of the sport with him.

TJ's skills at gymnastics are improving as well. He can do the balance beam by himself, and he's becoming a pro on the bars -- he can do a front-support and straddle on his own, and he's working on flipping over the bar now. It's crazy! Aside from playing with the cubby-full of cars and super heroes,

TJ loves to draw. Aunt G bought him a desk/easel for his birthday, and he uses it almost daily. He draws pictures of him and Frankie as well as BoBos the cat and pretty much everything his mind cooks up. He drew Pa a picture of him for his birthday, and he even drew a kidney stone on it. Silly boy. He's also really good at writing his letters... not just his name, but everyone's names!  He even draws on himself... this one, he wrote his name, upside down (looking down onto his belly), and while we told him he shouldn't write on himself... it was pretty impressive!

TJ loves to sing songs... songs from preschool and songs he makes up in his head (which are really quite good.) Both boys are such a joy to be around, and while it's so fun watching them grow and become who they are, it's really sad to watch how fast the time goes by. 

Just GREAT!

It’s been a great couple of weeks in the Martin household… we’ve been busy having fun and making wonderful memories.

A couple of weeks ago, we took a trip down the peninsula to Santa Clara to spend the day at Great America. We haven’t been to an amusement park since TJ was 18-months-old, and needless to say… he had a blast!!! TJ rode all the rides in Kidzville, and he loved playing in the water park at Planet Snoopy. His favorite ride? The rollercoaster! Mommy wasn’t sure what to expect, but TJ loved the fast-paced ride… raising his arms and squealing in delight. We rode it four times! He also jumped behind the wheel of a bumper car for the first time. Initially, he couldn’t figure out how to get out of the corner, but he got the hang of it, and he loved it when he and the other kids would bump! TJ & Frankie met Snoopy, Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts Gang. Our “Little Linus” even got a picture with the real Linus… blankets and all!

 

Last weekend, Aunt G came into to town to visit and help Mommy out while Daddy was at his Fantasy Football Draft. The new Bay Bridge was opening, and we were expecting a busy weekend at work, but it ended up being slow and we had a chance to get in a lot of quality visiting. Before Daddy flew out for SoCal, we all went to the Greatest Show on Earth! It was the boys’ first time, and we all had an amazing time taking in the sights and sounds of the circus! TJ loved the woman who flew out of the cannon – he now tries to get Daddy to help him re-enact it! Frankie was in awe of all the music and lights! The next day, the boys had their first experience of Chuck E. Cheese’s. TJ was a crackup. Apparently he watches too much TV because he kept saying, “Chuck E. Cheese’s is a proud sponsor of Disney Junior.” Oh Lord!

 

It was a great weekend, and we were all sad to see Aunt G go, but we’re excited to get through the rest of the week so Grandma can hurry up and get here! She’s flying in to watch the boys so Mommy & Daddy can fly out to the Big Easy for the big game (and to celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary)! WHO DAT!

 

Baby Frankie's Baptism

On Saturday, August 3rd Robert Frank Martin II was baptized in Salida, Colorado. It was a wonderful ceremony with family, and friends who have become family. Frankie wore his father's baptismal outfit, just like his big brother did. He was baptized in his Mother's church -- the same church she was baptized in and his Grandpa was baptized in. He didn't cry at all... instead, he smiled and giggled through the entire ceremony. TJ wore a suit, complete with his orange kicks. Before Mass, Grandpa & Grandma put together an amazing Italian dinner complete with homemade meatballs and sausage and Grandma Reno's pasta sauce. It was awesome. Frankie's Godmother, Susie, and her family drove down from Parker. So, TJ had a blast playing with Jack and acting crazy like they always do. His Godfather, Jonas, flew in from NYC, and we were so glad to have him stay with and get some quality catch-up time with him! Our family from Southern California were actually in town that weekend as well, so Frankie got to meet Aunt Debbie & Uncle Kevin, and TJ enjoyed playing with their cousins, Izzy & Chloe. He also met Aunt Diane and Danielle. TJ & Frankie were both spoiled rotten, by everyone -- especially Grandma, Pa & Aunt G. And TJ had a great time fishing at the lake. He even got to drive Uncle Carl's boat (which made Mommy a little nuts.) It was a short, fun-filled weekend -- Full of friends, family and wonderful memories.