Aeorbics - the FUN way!

As many of you know, one of Darren's favorite things to do is to run endless laps around the couch with either Matt or myself chasing him - usually with music playing and sometimes while throwing balls back and forth, and sometimes while adding a little hide and seek in there too.

Tonight he started throwing his balls at both Matt and I, and then trying to run away. This began one of the best nights ever! Matt and I simultaneously began chasing Darren around the couch, while throwing his balls right back at him! When Darren realized he was playing his little game with Mom and Dad at the same time, his little face just lit up and began laughing a great big belly laugh. We all continued running (literally) around the couch, throwing, catching, and dodging balls and pillows for the next half an hour! The whole time, Darren never stopped laughing, and Matt and I were having a great time too! When we finally quit, we were all dripping sweat (gross) and exhausted, but very content. With how hard and how long we were playing, Matt and I decided that it totally counts as an aerobic workout, only way more fun! Even if it doesn't really count, nothing beats seeing the joy on your child's face as he is obviously having a really GREAT time!

Discipline/Humor

The other evening, we caught Darren standing on top of the kitchen table, which he's not allowed to do. Matt and I both told him to get down, and he just laughed at us - he was obviously testing the limits! So, we told him he had until the count of 3 to get down, or he would get a little swat on his bum, and WE would take him off the table - he does actually get this whole concept, 'cause it's worked before. Anyway, Matt started counting, and of course, Darren just stood there with a little mischievous grin. When Matt got to 3, he went over to Darren and picked him up off the table. While setting him down and preparing to give him a little swat, Darren responded with a big, resounding, THANK YOU!! Complete with a little nod of his head! Matt and I both busted up laughing, in spite of our efforts to remain serious and stern. Teaching moment.... gone. What are we going to do with this kid?!!!

"Sleeping"

Yesterday, Darren was quite insistent that he "sleep" next to Joseph, with Joseph's blanket (though both were wide awake!). So I laid them down on the couch together, and got the camera. Darren's kind of a blanket hog, but fortunately, Joseph doesn't seem to mind. Coincidentally, they were both also wearing the same colors that day... light blue shirt w/ navy blue pants (not that you can see the pants, but they're there!) I promise I didn't plan it, but I think it looks pretty cute!

Showtime!

A few days ago when Matt came home from work, he and Darren started playing together right away, which is pretty typical (Matt's such a great Dad!). This particular day, I was sitting on our bed feeding Joseph, so I couldn't see what was going on, but enjoying hearing father and son laugh together and Darren sqealing with delight! Then, I saw this.... I was laughing pretty hard, so they kept doing it over and over.... I eventually had Matt go get the camera. I hope you are all as amused as I was! I LOVE my little family!

When Darren gets bored......

This week, we have all been sick with colds, including the baby. I didn't think it would be a very good idea to take a sick baby out, so we really haven't gone anywhere this week. Based on his behavior, I think it's been pretty hard on Darren, and he's been really bored. Let's just say that this will be a week remembered, and I only got the camera out for today's adventures with boredom. I'll just mention a few of his little escapades this week. On Tuesday, Darren decided the walls needed some color, and colored all over them with lip gloss he somehow retrieved from a shelf way above the kitchen counter. A little later the same day, he must have thought the dining room floor looked a little blah, because he decorated it with blue permanent marker!

Today I finally got the camera out for the cheerios he dumped out, scattered, jumped on, and ground into the carpet (note the cheerio dust in the middle of the pic). And then, an hour or two later he felt the need to throw beans all over the hallway, living room, and couch (including between the cushions!). Someday I will look back on all of this and laugh!!

Best Friends!

The other day I laid Joseph down on Darren's bed so I could help Darren pick up his toys and get ready for a bath. Anyway, Darren got distracted (surprise, surprise!), and when I turned around, this is what I saw. They look like best friends already! Perhaps this is a glimpse of the future!

Results

In case anyone was wondering, here are the results for the poll in my "one month old" post. The pictures on the left are Joseph, and Darren is on the right! Here is my favorite picture of Joseph taken that same day! I love how big that smile is!