10!

Jacob is 10 months old today!  And I would say he is offically walking.  I watched him meander from one side of the kitchen to the other without falling.  Quite a feat!  I would also say his first word is "Dada."  Kind of fun, since Ally's was "Mumma."  I love my kiddos. 

Ally is keeping me on my toes.  She is constantly coming up with stories or repeating something back to me that she heard.  I forget that she is only two.  I've made a sort of chore chart for her.  Still trying to work out exactly how I want it to go, but this is our first try.  I like it and am planning things I want to change on Take 2.

As part of her chores, I also have her help me clear the table, unload the dishwasher, and clean the tub.  It's fun, but takes a little longer.  Here's a picture of Ally after we were done in the bathroom on Saturday.

We are also trying to figure out the best way to teach Ally, while maintaining our own sanity.  I saw the idea below on pinterest and decided to try it.  A "time out" jar of sorts.  When she needs to settle down, or I need to settle down, we have her sit in the kitchen and shake up the jar then watch the glitter.  It distracts her for a minute and gives me time for a few good deep breaths.