Bradley at 18 months

Bradley turned 18 months on December 29th, but his appt wasn't until the second week of January. His stats were 23.3 lbs and 33 3/4 inches in height. He wasn't as heavy as his curve suggested he should be, but he had been having cold after cold this past month. After being extremely healthy last winter, he now has something every few weeks. Even though I have been upping the hand washing and putting a humidifier in his room everyday, these germs are unstoppable. I hope this means his immunity will be that much stronger next year!
At 18 months, Brad is still a ball of sunshine when he's not very sick. His favorite toys are the Little People Noah's Ark set (from Grandma and Grandpa Herstein), fake food (especially ones where he can put them in its container and take them out), stacking blocks, and playing in his new indoor cottage. Because of Sean's recent obsession with the Ipad and watching Disney movies, Bradley is also into those things as well.
We started music class, library story time and have weekly play dates with Jen and her daughter Isabella. Bradley is also a very good sport when he has to come with me to take Sean to and from school. He is an excellent eater, although he still throws his food when he is done eating. We are working on that!
He signs lots of words and is starting to talk, although most of it sounds like babble. He will be starting "school" one day a week in three weeks.
Here he is with Isabella, "taking turns" with her chair.

Christmas Festivities

We had a lot going on this holiday season! We had many parties to go to, including Matt's work party, a play group party, and a friends' party (with Erin and Steph's families!). There were a few other get togethers and it was great seeing everyone! Sean had a Christmas pageant at school that told the story of Jesus' birth. It was so cute watching the infants, toddlers, and preschoolers attempt to tell a story and act out a play. At one point, a toddler grabbed the baby Jesus doll from the manger and tried to run out of the chapel! Sean was a camel in the nativity scene. He performed well and he may have an acting career in his future! =)

Sean, center, as a camel

 Bradley and I watching the play

I was very excited to celebrate Christmas this year just because I was excited to give the kids their gifts! Santa did not disappoint (and neither did the grandparents!). Our boys must have been very good this year!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with the Hersteins and Christmas Day with my parents. We had our first snowfall and Brad was able to play in the snow for the first time. To the left, you can see a huge smile on his face, which was a little different from Sean's first time, two years ago, which you can click on here. We went up north for the weekend of New Year's and rang in the New Year at home with our tradition of ordering in PF Changs. I had a wonderful 2012 and hope 2013 is even better!

Matt's Birthday

Matt opted to see a movie for his December birthday this year. We saw the very long movie, the Hobbit. It was similar to Lord of the Rings since it was directed by Peter Jackson and is also written by Tolkien. I was adjusting to Sean's new non-nap schedule where I am a little exhausted, so I might have slept a little bit, but from what I saw, the movie was pretty good and I felt refreshed after it was over! hehe I was surprised to see the main character, who I think is a good comedic actor, played by Martin Freeman who was in the Office and Love Actually. Since Matt likes these kinds of movies, I assume I can catch what I missed after it comes out on DVD. The boys and I bought him a cake, two balloons, and some presents (The hobbit on cd, a green lantern usb drive and several dark chocolate candy bars from reeses, kit kat,etc). Matt turned 33 years young. Happy Birthday Matthew!!