A new year is among us. We have all survived (barely it seems with everyone being sick). Yet, here we are, almost the year of the dog. I can proudly say I made it to midnight for once. I rang in the new year alone. As everyone else was asleep. It was nice and quiet. Just me and my book. Aw.
This new year has already been adventurous. We've had lots of cold weather, ice, and snow. Apollo had his first real sledding moment down a hill. He wasn't excited about it. He was sitting on my lap and we were pushed down a hill by our house. It was dark and cold out. He seemed happy at first. Then we hit a little hill at the bottom, and a big spray of snow went right into his face. He immediately started crying. I put him in the car to warm up and calm down.
Lucian, however, had a great time on the hill. He has really warmed up to these types of activities. He had his own tube to use and was good about walking it back up. He flew down pretty fast if you ask me. I don't think he wanted to go home yet, but it was too cold to stay out too long. So we drove home, put warm clothes on, and drank hot chocolate.
We've had more snow with a little warmer weather recently. Lucian didn't care about going outside, but Apollo was all about it. I think he was just genuinely interested in the snow. He was even willing to put snow pants on this time around. He had a lot of fun in the short time we were out there. He was throwing snow at Daddy and me, shoveling snow with his pretend frying pan, and tossing handfuls into the air, watching it rain back on top of himself. I feel like he has come a long way with his explorations.
Otherwise, we've mostly been hanging out inside with this frigid weather. Sometimes we all do our own things. Sometimes we play family games, like Mario Bros. Even Apollo helps out on the gamepad. I've also been trying to get the boys into reading more. We used to read a lot with Lucian when he was little. Now that we've been working on reading, writing, and speaking, we have been trying to incorporate more books that he can read to us. He huffs and puffs about it because he'd rather do other things or have us read to him, but I think he does have a small bout of accomplishment when he realizes he could read some of a book. He has a weekly library class at school and always brings home interesting titles. One of us will read the book with him. I've also been pushing Apollo to read more with me during the day. Sometimes when we are having a snack or just sitting around I'll ask him if he wants to read a book. He usually answers with "No book", but I pull some out anyways. He's such a curious kid. It would be a shame not to force him to look in a book. He's always asking "what's that?"
I'm enjoying the snow. But I'm looking forward to Spring. Looking forward to Lucian playing soccer, planting a garden, and riding bikes. I think it's time to find dance or gymnastics classes for Apollo. He loves music, dancing, and downward dog. Maybe there is a toddler and mom yoga class? That could be good for both of us. Mostly my sanity. Thank goodness we go to the Children's museum frequently! It's been a great escape from the house. Plus, there are so many things to wear him out. If I'm being honest, it wears me out too. The loud noises and fluorescent lights and a killer. I'm being beckoned by the little guys. Time to be Luigi.
