Jonathan at 18 months

-Talking up a storm.  His most common phases these days are:  "Whaa oo oohing?" (what are you doing?), "Air our ooo?" (where are you?), "Ishing" (Fishing),  "OOOO-Gross," and every time I change his diaper he likes to point to his penis and declare to me "penis, penis."  And if I am telling him to do something, he'll ask "Why?" or "What?"

-The other night after I had put him to bed he woke up crying so I decided I would rock him to sleep.  Having a precious moment with him; me looking down upon his ample cheeks and resting closed eyes, I sigh,  "Oh JohnJohn" and he replies in this deep manly voice, "What?"  Makes me laugh everytime I think about it.  Proof that  he is not my baby anymore.

-For the most part he calls Isaiah, brother.  Sometimes he will say "Saiah" but usually he'll say, "brother, brother air our oo?"

-While Isaiah is busy mimicking everything Jaime does, Jonathan is busy copying everything Isaiah does.  Just one example:  Isaiah recently got potty-trained so Jonathan likes to sit on the potty too. 

-He is obsessed with fishing too.  Every morning he goes to the garage door to beg for his "ishing pole."

-He has grown attached to his crib blankets.  He sleeps with an assortment of them, but in the morning when I go to get him out of bed he has been grabbing one of his blankets to take along with him.

-He loves wearing his baseball hat.  

-He still LOVES his bottles of milk.

-For the most part he sleeps through the night, but occasionally he'll wake for a bottle around mid-night.  He does night fight his sleep.  He is great about going down for his afternoon nap and to bed.  

-I've noticed his physical abilities exceeding to the next level.  He has started to run and take on the park jungle gym as though they are nothing. 

Turning into a running machine.

Creating havoc...that's my mascara all over his face.

His favorite time of the day-going fishing with his Dad and Big Bro.

Testing the waters-literally and figuratively.

He took my hat off so he could wear it.

Sitting on the potty like his Big Bro.

Fishing obsession continued.

Loves brushing his teeth.

Ready, Set, Potty Train

     The best advice I received about potty-training is when they are "ready"- potty training will be a breeze.  JUST WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE READY.   If you push them before they are ready potty-training will be your worst nightmare.  I thought Isaiah might be ready last summer (a few months after turning two) but he gave me attitude when I would continually put him on the toilet and he refused to wear big boy underwear.  And after he laid a huge turd in the front room  it became apparent to me he was not ready.  Every so often I would attempt to pull out his underwear but again it would be a battle of the wills.  My conscious would remind me of that word "breeze" so patiently I waited.   In the last few months Isaiah has become an expert at peeing in the toilet before getting into his daily bath (baby steps). And his confidence in dressing and undressing himself has taken a huge leap (another "ready" sign).  And I have read that three is typically the magic age for "stubborn boys" to let go of their diapers.  Not to mention at night before going to bed I would ask him if he needed a diaper change to which he would start to strain (make himself pee) and then reply, "yes diaper change."  After the third or fourth time of him doing this, there was no question in my mind, he was READY.  Now I just needed a solid week off (March was a busy work month for me) and the opportunity to be on house arrest.  Fortunately this last week of March we were able to do both and Isaiah has been successfully potty-trained and IT HAS BEEN A BREEZE!

No more Diapers for this Boy!

Chillin' in his "chonnies"

J has been paying close attention to Isaiah using the potty.

The smile Isaiah gave me when I asked him for one:)

Isaiah's Birthday Road Trip

Our road trip to Monterey was only enhanced by the incredible scenic drive along the way.  Casa De Fruta happens to be the mid-point stop from our house to the ocean.  On our way home we stopped in for ice cream and some entertainment.  

Isaiah's Third Birthday

This year for Isaiah's third birthday we traveled to Monterey for a weekend getaway.  If you remember this POST; Isaiah has been surrounded by all things ocean since moving into his big boy room (at eighteen months).  Turning three was the perfect opportunity to get out of town and let Isaiah see for himself what his room decor is truly all about.   Monterey was the perfect location.  The Aquarium there is teaming with sea-life and the beaches are clean and well kept.  My parents were also able to join us for the fun.  Days after our trip was over Isaiah kept saying "I want to go to the beach and see Grandpa."  Happy 3rd Birthday Isaiah!!!!

Fisherman's Wharf

This bird stayed on Isaiah's shoulder for a solid minute.

Jelly Fish Exhibit at the Aquarium

Beach Time with Grandpa Gary

Jonathan enjoying Isaiah's birthday trip.

Jaime and Isaiah going for a stroll.

Jonathan wanting to join them.

My boys.

Isaiah loved running up and down the coastline.

Torres Family 2013

Isaiah and Jonathan in their element at the Aquarium.

Grandpa Gary and Grandma Carol- 2013

There was so much to see and learn.

Isaiah and Jonathan were the perfect students for Grandma AKA (Teacher) Carol

Isaiah was so intrigued by all the fascinating sea-life displays.

I couldn't agree more.