New Habits

As the boys age, we've found life goes much more smoothly when you have a few set activities to do before bedtime. Depending on nap lengths, these activities may be more physical in nature. When we need them to run off some energy we either play football as a family or duck duck goose. As one might guess, rules of games for a 3-year-old and 1-year-old are pretty loose. For example, as quarterback, Dom will say "set set HIKE" and then run around in a circle and throw the ball at any person directly in front of him. Whether on the opposing team or not. Will likes to tackle. Whether the person is on the opposing team or his own. And preferably once that person is already on the floor.

Duck Duck Goose is progressing though it started out quite confusing for both boys. Dom figured out quite quickly that once the word "Goose" was said, he got to run around the loop. However, this means EVERYONE is suppose to run around in a circle. If you don't get up to run, he stops and says "Come on, Mom!" So I get my exercise, too. Will figured out before Dom that you are suppose to tap everyone's head as you say "Duck", but he always starts with his own and will only run if a parent gets up also. Though, this may be a defense mechanism as Dom likes to combine football and Duck Duck Goose by tackling Will at some point in the run.

Will has also started replacing "ready, set, GO" with "Duck, Duck, GO." This can be witnessed when we are playing Mario Cart and, let me tell you, do not listen to a 1-year-old when determining at which point to go. You get penalized every time.

Finally, I apparently call the boys "Honey" quite often, as Dom has started to call us and Will this as well. I'll be cleaning dishes and overhear him say to Will "Here you go, Honey." and the other night he went up to Eric and said "Do you want to play, Honey?" Eric isn't quite as amused by this as I am. But, I think he'll come around. Plus, he is glad I stopped calling the boys "Sweet Pea" before Dom could start repeating that.