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Running a little behind here on the family blog!

The biggest development is that Lloyd is now officially three-years-old.   He had two wonderful birthday parties with lots of family and friends.  He yelled out, “Happy Birthday, everybody!” and “Thanks for all the presents!” (unsolicited) and after opening his last present, “Oh no!  My birthday is all gone!”  On his actual birthday he got presents from Greg, Henry, and me, and Greg and I took him out to see “The Muppet Movie.”  He had a lot of fun, topped off with mac-and-cheese for dinner.

Greg made Lloyd a dinosaur-excavation cake

Lloyd’s potty training is progressing nicely.  He won’t go unless we tell him to, but usually he will go without too much of a protest.  He’s just starting to tell us or at least hint when he thinks it should be “potty time.”

Another fabulous Lloyd development is in the arena of winter-gear.  In case you don’t remember, last year Lloyd would.not.wear.a.coat.  Hats were a battle and gloves/mittens were an absolute no-go.  Things that Lloyd wouldn’t wear included anything with zippers, snaps, buttons, collars, jeans, overalls, and corduroys.  That’s a limited wardrobe!  And it made for a restless winter as he was not able to play outside for too long, considering he’d only wear a hooded sweatshirt.   However, this year Lloyd happily is wearing his coat, his hood, hats, mittens, boots, and even snowpants!  What a difference a year makes!

A big milestone is on the horizon for Lloyd as we research pre-school options for the new year.   His pediatrician and the teachers at his “First Steps” school have recommended increased exposure to kids his own age to improve his friendship-making skills.  Lloyd is not currently interested in playing with kids his own age (and definitely not kids who are younger).  He’s very shy and nervous.  Lloyd is too young for Dexter Public and Dexter Co-op, so we’re looking into a private option to get us through the spring.

Melts our hearts!

So on to Henry – Henry has had an amazing couple of weeks.  He’s gone from 3 teeth at my last update to 6.  He crawls now, pulls himself up to stand, and scales himself across the furniture.  He loves to buzz his lips and babble.  He can pick up small objects and would LOVE to get his hands on all of Lloyd’s snacks.   Although he is still waking up several times a night, his naps have improved greatly.  Throughout the day he is mostly very sunny and independent :  )  It’s fun watching his personality develop; right now he loves babies, isn’t too shy with strangers, and hates mornings.

We had  a couple of wonderful Thanksgivings spent with family and are gearing up for Christmas!  Happy holidays!