THANK YOU Grandma and Grandpa!

Well, as I previously mentioned, we really didn't want any gifts this year. We just don't have the space for any more things and what we do want/need just can't easily be shipped. So, we asked (okay, I actually begged and pleaded) for money so that the boys could start some activities. We decided that they were old enough to each handle an activity and I really need them to burn some steam outside of the house. Like everything else here, it was all obscenely expensive. But, I found some swimming lessons that I could stomach the price of and gymnastics that I was pretty happy about. So, I gave the boys a choice. Xavier really wanted to do swimming lessons and Ezekiel really wanted to do gymnastics. Neither choice really surprised me and I was happy that I didn't have to run Xavier to gymnastics right after school and make a long day even longer.

Xavier's swimming instructor (who speaks English - yeah!) told us we could watch from his office last week, but it was really better if the kids were alone. That made me a little nervous since it was one man with 15 four year olds, but we watched through the glass last week and got a few pics. This week there were two two teachers who didn't speak any English, but they let me stay in the pool area the whole time. I think Xavier will do better without me. Hopefully the man who speaks English will be back as well. Xavier enjoys playing in the pool and really wants to learn to swim like his cousins. He can't wait to go swimming with them! I don't have the heart to tell him we're not planning on going to Georgia this summer.

Waiting for class to begin.


Xavier received a lot of one-on-one attention last week. I'm not sure if it was because the instructor was having to re-explain things to him in English or if he's the only one who didn't take the class in the fall.

I am very happy with Ezekiel's gymnastics. A lot of times gymnastics for two year olds is just run about the gym, play with a parachute or bubbles, or just do non-sense. I understand the need for those programs, but I want Ezekiel learning proper form for flips. He does them all the time and I need someone else showing him how not to break his neck. He doesn't listen to mom and dad. The gym that I found they actually use the equipment in the manner it's supposed to be used! Ezekiel walked on the real balance beam, flipped forward and backwards properly over the bar and got to jump off the pummel horse. The instructor showed him and us the first time and then we helped him as the class made a circle around the gym.

Forward flip with Daddy


Doing the balance beam with Mommy


I'm posting this for any of our Champaign therapists, pediatricians, or nurses to prove that Ezekiel is showing some fear. Not only is he growing like a weed since he doesn't need any neb treatments, his sensory seeking ways are becoming safer! He's still full of bumps and bruises, but he does ask for a kiss on most of them and recognizes that he's hurt himself. Growing update - 18month clothes in June when we left, 3T clothes right now!

So, THANK YOU Grandmas and Grandpas for giving us the chance to let the boys do some activities. They love them!