Thaddeus loves to sing. The first and only song he knew for a long time was "This Little Light of Mine." He still often sticks finger in the air, covers it and says "NO!" then waves his finger around in the air again. It's really pretty cute.

He has recently added to his stock of bedtime songs. But, the addition isn't so much a song as a rhyme. He pulls up his shirt, pokes his stomach three times and then blows air in an attempt to get someone to tickle his tummy while saying the following: "X marks the spot with a dot dot dot, three long lines and a question mark, uppity, downditty, all arounditty, a tight squeeze and a cool breeze. Now you've got the sleepies (or shiveries)."

He's also working on "The Wheels on the Bus," "Happy and You Know It," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes."

Yesterday when I came home, I was greeted with the usual set of screams and hugs from the big kids. Thaddeus was eating his dinner so I waved to him as I set down my computer bag and looked for a snack.

I was catching up with Shannon when all of sudden, Thaddeus gave me a big, not-quite-knee high, bear hug. He had climbed down from his seat and certainly needed a hug! After a big hug and kiss he returned back to his seat to finish eating.

It was a very special welcome home.

He likes playing in the dirt, with the hose, cars (complete with vroom sounds), bikes (just like the big kids), books (sitting on the couch or Eila's beanbag, just like the big kids), balls (throwing, catching, kicking, bouncing, etc.), and sticks (or anything else he can poke or hit with). Dancing and clapping are other favorite pass times.

Thaddeus adores his family and a few friends (like MaKenna and Micah - his new cousin) but he doesn't care much for those who might take care of him in the nursery at church or anywhere else he might be away from Mama.

TJ really wants to be just like the big kids in our house and one of the good things about this is that he often goes to the toilet and gets out his seat to practice sitting and going potty. Unfortunately, he has yet to actually use the potty for it's intended purpose.

We call him: Thaddy-Moose, Phineas, Thada, Thaddy, TJ, Thad, Baby Brother, Little One, Sweet Pea, and Thaddeus John.

When it's time to go to bed, we say "Night-night" and Thad blows kisses and waves goodbye to all nearby.

He says: NO (& No-No), Mama, Dada, Eila, Siah (Dada), dog (da), ball, big truck and probably lots more that we aren't recognizing.
He signs: More (I want) and All Done.

Today, he very clearly said "Siah, what are you doing in there?" with the worried Mom inflection... Tomorrow, he'll be calling you up and carrying on a regular conversation.