Raleigh is still a snuggle bug, and he still loves to be read to, especially before nap and bed time. Sometimes I can't get him to stop bringing me books. :) I hope he keeps up that love of the written word for a long time! His favorite books involve animals and he especially loves touch-and-feel books.
Watching Tom leave for work.
Despite his sweet, quiet nature Raleigh is starting to develop a mischievous side (perhaps the by-product of an older brother?). Most of it is typical sibling stuff, like taking a toy he knows Tennyson wants. He gets this look, this little side glance, sometimes to see if we are paying attention to what he's doing. But all in all we very rarely have to fuss at him. Occasionally his feisty side will come out, but that's usually when he's overly tired and doesn't get his way.
I am thankful Raleigh is usually a very cooperative child. I say it's time to eat - he climbs in his high chair. I tell him we're going bye-bye - he runs and gets his shoes. I tell him it's time to change his poopy diaper - he gets the mat and lays down on it! I'm not kidding! He does not like to be wet or stinky!
I like this photo (below) of Raleigh because I think it reflects that sweet nature of his. It's nice when he sits and plays by himself, though if I am being honest, that doesn't happen often enough around here. Independence hasn't been an early desire like it was for his older brother. Raleigh is much more sensitive, quiet, and cautious. (Though he does like climbing on the coffee table and jumping off so we can catch him.) He also is very wary of strangers and has been known to burst into tears if someone he doesn't know tries to pick him up or touch him.
It goes without saying that with 2 boys they are into many of the same things. One of these are the love of firetrucks. Raleigh was also really excited about sitting in the fire truck at Chick-fil-A (so long as Mommy or Daddy was the one to put him in the seat)! I love his expression as he "drives" the huge fire engine. And since Tennyson loves "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" our littlest boy has taken to making pirate sounds. If you ask him what a pirate says he flings his arm out and across his chest and says "Arrrgh!" It's hilarious!
I am always amazed at what big personalities little ones can have, and Raleigh is one of those kids. He really has a funny sense of humor and loves to laugh. He lights up whatever room he is in and sometimes I just can't take my eyes off him.
Raleigh is very busy and important.
Raleigh's vocabulary is growing at a steady pace. He says 15-20 words, including "ball," "cracker," "mine," "bus," "Tens" (Tennyson), "dat" (that), "fish," "bath," "pop," "bubble," "sock" "hide," and various animal noises (cow, dog, lion, elephant). An exciting moment happened a couple months ago when we were playing Candy Land with Tennyson and Raleigh picked up a purple card and said, "Purple." We didn't even know he knew any of his colors yet!
"Say what?"
Raleigh is such a wonderfully easy child. I told Tom I'd love 10 more just like and he said, "Great! Who'd be the father?" Such a very "Tom" response. The main thing I am trying to do now is wean Raleigh. I have loved nursing this time around, but I am ready for him to give up his nightly nursing before bed (and once in the night). Honestly, I may be a little sad when that bond has ended, but sometimes Raleigh needs that little push towards independence. It's good for him, though sad for a mommy sometimes.
