June 11
Luke just decided the other day to take his straw out of his cup and drink like everyone else from the cup. It is a big step. He's been straw-free ever since. We've also thrown out all plastic cups and sippy cups, so inch-by-inch we're detoxing our home.

Luke's conversation is getting better and better. I explained to him the other day that he would be playing "Luke's games" with Ms. H. and Joel and I would be going grocery shopping. He thought about this for a minute and then said "I want to go grocery shopping, too." So cute, and so well said, but still had to say no :).

We went to J & P's again (book-keeper) and Luke once again impressed them with his conversation. For the first time ever, he answered a question asked by someone. J aksed Luke what he had in his hand? Luke replied "tomato" (plastic tomato). I was happy to see he was conversing naturally. Very, very cool. It's coming slowly but surely!

Joel and Luke continue to play and fight like typical kids. Joel gets a little impatient when Luke either "bugs him" or isn't listening or "obeying" Joel. Haha. I usually leave them to duke it out, but they are actually getting quite physical... pushing and asserting themselves.

He's been a bit stressed out and acting emotionally lately, but I blame a too-fun weekend with late nights. No matter what time Luke goes to bed, he wakes up at 6:15, so to keep him happy it's best that he goes to bed regularly at 7pm (for everyone's sake!). He has not freaked out at all lately about falling, tripping, bumping into things... but will freak when the BI puts an "8" on the table... ayiyiyi. Guess we all have those inexplicable days???

June 21
Luke totally impressed me on Monday, June 14 when he went to the dentist. This is something I had always been a bit nervous about. I went in with no expectations. Luke sat patiently in the waiting room with me, played with the toys a little and put them back when he was finished playing. When we were called in, Luke went willingly and sat in the big chair with no problems. The hygienist explained everything... put the bib on him and showed him the light and let him hold a mirror to watch what she was doing. He opened his mouth and was so compliable with all her requests. It was really, really cool and I was really proud. He got to choose a toothbrush and some toy cars (one for Joel). He also llowed the dentist to look at his teeth. They counted his teeth (20 in all) and although he has some pretty serious wear (due to grinding), his teeth looked fine. They didn't clean or floss them as Luke decided they'd prodded enough and they were fine with that. They suggested coming back every 6 months to get him used to the process and we'll eventually try to get his teeth cleaned. Luke has been playing with his mouth a bit more this week... renewed fascination I guess.

A new touching moment was when I tucked the boys in one night and asked if they wanted me to sing a song. Luke said "Lord"... the first word of a good-night song I've sung to him often since I was pregnant with him. I was moved.

Otherwise, Luke is Luke... still being a bit of a brat when playing with others (likes to crash whatever they're building). He has so much more to learn about socializing and play, but his speech continues to improve. He does tend to make odd sounds often and we refuse to respond to them... pushing him to communicate verbally.