January 2011

Back from our UK travels, we all found ourselves gathered for an impromptu play afternoon and dinner at Marvin & Frida's.  Thomas got to try Marvin's new go-cart, James got to ride on a tire swing, and the gang even managed to build a big snowman in the front garden.  Swedish-Argentinean neighbours Maya and Mila came down and joined for dinner together with mum Paula, and a most "hyggelig" (cosy Danish-style) time was had by all.  The boys even managed to stay awake for the metro ride home, stimulated by an active afternoon!

               

       

Unfortunately James was hit with a nasty flu bug shortly afterwards, and had to stay home from day care (along with more than half of the other kids!) for a whole week while he slowly recovered.  The doctor confirmed that his lungs and throat weren't infected, but he had high fever and very hoarse voice for quite a few days.  Just when he finally started to resemble himself again, Jonathan got hit with the same flu, with a double-whammy of sinusitis and laryngitis to top it off. Thomas and Cindy have luckily escaped, so far...

James' vocabulary is growing steadily; we can now understand quite a few of his comments, including:

  • Hi!
  • Hat! (usually accompanied by putting whatever is nearby on his head)
  • Boo (Thomas' word for pacifier has stuck)
  • Far (seems to mean "sun" to him, but is also the Danish word for "Dad" and sometimes that also appears to be his intended meaning)
  • Up
  • Yeah!
  • Help (also sounds like "up") - a real pleasant development, he now asks for help when something frustrates him rather than throwing himself on the floor screaming!
  • There!
  • See!
  • A few names: 'oma (Thomas), 'abba (Jabba, his favourite adult at the day care)
  • Ball!
  • Na (Banana)

At the same time, he is clearly understanding more and more of our conversation, and responds enthusiastically.  He especially loves joining in Thomas' activities, and if handed two of anything, will rush to bring one of them to his favourite brother.

More fun and games, on the home front this time.  Thomas is getting more and more skilled with the various games on the Wii electronic game console, while James is able to get quite far with his random wiggles.  Both are delighted with the reappearance of the toy slide, which had been put away temporarily to make room for James' playpen.  And we were delighted to discover the installation of some improved swings at one of our local playgrounds!

               

               

Updated 22.01.2011