Nicholas turned 5, April talking more.

Yesterday, we celebrated Nicholas' 5th birthday, along with Kooky the "Pirate" clown, and a bunch of friends and family.

April has started talking more and more, although it's not always easy to know what she's saying. She's consistent with her "words," but you sometimes need a few repeats to get it. If you ask her to repeat herself, though, she does. She obviously understands just about everything we say and do and is usually happy to do what we say, although at times she can be very stubborn.

April has gotten very good at climbing up and down the stairs alone, and up and down from her highchair (also alone). I think the side of her crib will have to be left down soon, since it seems obvious she's going to start climbing out of it soon.

Nicholas is doing a great job of playing with and sharing his stuff with April, and even when she takes his stuff and tries not to share, he handles himself very well. Amazingly, he continues to try and doesn't give up - and I'm very proud of him for that. I don't think I would be as patient as he has been.

More as it happens...

Pete

June 2009 updates.

Nicholas graduated Pre-K yesterday. Even though he was eligible for one of the "gifted and talented" schools on Staten Island, Jen and I decided to keep him at PS 65, where we think they're doing a great job challenging him.

April has advanced so much, it's incredible. Though she still doesn't speak much, she clearly understands everything you ask or tell her and communicates, but without talking. She only uses a few words, but you'd have to see it to understand it.

More as it occurs.
Pete

Gifted & Talented test results.

Nicholas recently took the Bd. of Education's gifted & talented placement test, and scored in the top 3%, citywide. This means he could, theoretically, attend one of the three "best" schools in NYC, though we're going to keep him on Staten Island. Jen is investigating a couple of the schools on the island that host the G&T program, and if any dazzle her, we'll see about applying. In any event, Jen and I are very pleased with PS 65, where he has been attending, and may just keep him there. We shall see.

Pete

Pee Pee on the Potty

April, 17 months old, went pee pee on the potty tonight. In the middle of her bath, she asked and then did it. Yay! April still says little, but clearly understands and correctly responds to just about anything we ask or tell her. Thanks to Milena, she even recognizes dozens of Spanish words!

Our car was stolen a few nights ago. Aside from the material possessions that were inside (and there were plenty), Jennifer is more upset because of the sentimental value attached to the car -- it was my mother's. Mom purchased it for herself towards the end of her life, with Jennifer being the intended owner.

Nicholas continues to read and read and read. At this point, it seems that no matter you put in front of him, he can get through it. He's now reading books at night that are too long for us to film for youtube clips (10 minute cut-off).

Pete

April 2009, Updates

We've been in the new house several weeks now. Things are going smoothly. Nicholas' room, which remains largely "unfinished" is taking shape and he loves his new space. April seems to love her new room, too.

April continues to do a lot of babbling, but she clearly understands when you ask her something or ask her to do something. Some of her words are getting easier to understand, and she'll repeat herself when you tell her you don't understand.

Nicholas and April play together all the time. Sometimes rougher than we'd like, but April's pretty tough.

Two nights ago, our cat Pip had to be put to sleep. We'll miss her.

More as it develops.

Pete

Nicholas' report card

Last week, we had parent-teacher night at Nicholas' school and we received Nick's report card, which was perfect. Nicholas has been tested and confirmed to have a first grade reading level (he's in the pre-k) and we're told by some of his teachers that his communication and comprehension skills rival many of the 3rd and 4th graders.

Nicholas likes massages.

Nicholas found Jen's massage oil and asked for a massage. While Jen was massaging Nicholas' back, he commented that he wished he had cucumbers for his eyes. He apparently got the idea from something he'd seen on television.

April running wild and Nicholas having fun.

From the moment April started walking last month, she has not turned back. She is so quick, it's difficult to keep track of her now. She's starting to say a few more words, and clearly responds to yes/no questions by nodding or shaking her head and sometimes will say "yes" or "no." She continues to be the happiest baby anyone has ever seen (everyone who sees her says so) and she is always smiling.

Nicholas continues to amaze everyone and has been playing chess a couple days a week at an after-school program that's run by one of the other parents. He's apparently the only pre-k student in the chess group and is able to hold his own against older, K and 1st grade students. Nicholas has piano lessons once a week, too, and he seems to be enjoying that, too.

At night, we have been playing games like Othello, connect-four, and Srabble. He occasionally wins at othello, frequenlty he wins at connect-four, but luckily (so far at least) he has not won at Scrabble.

More as it happens...

April started walking (Dec 30, 2008)

After many months of almost walking, April finally let go of the furniture and is walking 100% on her own. She's also starting to mimic more and more words. More as it happens!!
Pete