So proud of my BIG boys!

I picked the girls up from school early yesterday so that we could get to the beach. We did try to spend a day on the beach today but it was way too windy. I got some cute pictures-especially of AJ, so I'll get them uploaded when we get home and tell a little more about our day.

In the meantime I just had to write about the events happening right now. At home Ryan and AJ are in separate rooms, but here at the beach we decided to put them in the same room. Last night I put Ryan in my bed because I was a little concerned about how it would go. But, at nap time today Ryan actually ASKED to sleep in the room with AJ. That went well, but AJ was already sleep by the time I put Ryan in the room. We decided to give it a try putting them together tonight-putting both of them to bed at the same time.

Since AJ was practically climbing the crib rails trying to get in his bed, I decided to put him in bed first. He laid down, burying his head in the mattress, as usual. I was pleasantly surprised that he didn't bother him to have me and Ryan in the room. So, I proceeded to put Ryan in his bed. Ryan started getting scared because it was darker in the room than he prefers. I quickly decided this wasn't going to work so I picked Ryan up to take him to my room. I couldn't believe AJ stood straight up, screaming and reaching for Ryan. I guess he really liked the idea of having his brother in the room with him. I couldn't take Ryan out of the room knowing AJ was already so attached to the idea.

Actually, I had to take a little break just now to deal with the girls and as it turned out-to deal with Ryan as well. Let me see if I can regain my train of thought and get back to the story.

I did put Ryan back in the bed next to AJ after all. As soon as I did AJ laid right back down and proceeded to settle in for sleep once again. I left the room and came upstairs to do a little reading. Just a few minutes after I sat down I thought I heard crying. It wasn't crying at all, it was actually AJ and Ryan giggling together!! I have been so worried about putting them together for fear that it will be too much of a break in their normal routines. I had been worried about crying and an inability to settle down, but giggling together certainly never crossed my mind! So, I must admit I had to go stand outside the door for a little while to listen to the giggling. I almost said something, but decided to come up here and write about it instead hoping they'd eventually settle down. Besides, I was really worried they would start crying and it would be all over. After getting the first part of this typed the girls needed to get to bed and I decided I needed to say something to Ryan and AJ while I was at it. Just as I was about to walk in the room I heard Ryan say "go sleep, AJ!" I walked in and gently told them both it was time to be quiet and close their eyes. I was absolutely stunned when both of them, yes-even AJ, laid back down without hesitation.

They both seemed so OLD tonight! AJ isn't a baby anymore....he's able to tolerate changes in his routine and he's able to listen when I ask him to "lay down and go to sleep". Actually, maybe it's surprising, too, because in lots of ways AJ seems to be catching up to Ryan. I know it was only in the last 6 months (right around him turning 3) that I was able to tell him to lay down and go to sleep. So, I guess I'm feeling proud right now that Ryan is where he is and that AJ seems to be developing sooooo typically of a 20 month old! (yes, his speech is behind but at least he's so typical in every other way). Mostly I'm just amazingly proud of how close my boys are becoming to each other. These are the moments that make me think our family is absolutely perfect the way it is!