Let's Count

Poem counts . . .

Poem Counts from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

then Noble follows up with his rendition of 1 to 28.

Untitled from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Up Up Up it Grows

Beach Fun

We went to Charleston for 3 days over July 4th weekend. The kids enjoyed playing in the sand and splashing in the waves on Sullivan's Island. We saw sailboats, crossed bridges over water, saw people heading off in speedboats at the Isle of Palms Marina, and ate yummy homey food at the Glass Onion. We all had a great time; it whet our appetite for more vacation, more vacation! Noble has been pretend-packing ever since we came home.
The kids are doing great. Noble is talkative as ever and picks up on everything, it seems. He has starting calling me, "honey" and yes, I'm trying to shake him of that! His new curious activity is borrowing the screwdriver and dismantling cabinet door knobs and toys. Poem is spirited and a great little playmate for Noble. They chase each other and squeal together. Poem is particularly interested in animals (she now says, in Cantonese,"dog" and "horse" and "rabbit" in addition to "cat" - everything used to be a "cat"). She will hug anything that has an animal on it; the other day I wondered why she was hugging a tin box till I noticed that it had a drawing of a St. Bernard on it. So yes, she is super cute!

Noble "Reads"

Three Little Bears from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Noble recites a familar story

Poem walks, Noble jumps, and other events

photo by Grandpa Erik (erikmoorephotography.com)

Poem's growing up so fast. She's saying lots of words and comprehending even more. She likes to say all our names (doh-doh for Noble which sounds like big brother in Chinese, ma-mee, and ba-ba) and to inquire as to where we are when one of us isn't present. She is very curious about animals, and calls any animal "meow" (chinese for "cat"). Her favorite thing to do around the house is try on shoes and hobble around in those that are much too big for her feet. She also loves to do whatever Noble is doing, of course. One of which is singing. They both love to sing and to do hand motions to their childrens songs. I am surprised by how much Poem knows, clapping her hands to "If you're happy and you know it" and singing out words here and there. Noble can carry a tune here and there and knows all the words to his favorites. He is an active boy who loves to be out and about. He is currently interested in all sorts of cars and trucks and asks us if he can drive them soon.
Here's a pictoral look at them over the past few months.


Poem scooping water on a warm April dayHappy Birthday Brian (homemade Tres Leches)Snow March 1st (we waited and waited and we finally got snow!)

Licking Plates from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Noble at gymnastics class (February)

Noble on Trampoline from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Poem walked with assistance for a month or two before going solo. Here she is with Noble helping her around the house. (February)

Walk Together from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Poem started taking her first steps sometime around 13 months of age. This video shows her standing up on her own. She would do this over and over and over while clapping and squealing in delight.

Poem Stands from Brian Strickland on Vimeo.

Happy Birthday Noble & Poem (JAN/FEB)