Whitney, Charlie, and I hopped in the car to go hang out with Elizabeth and Hudson for the day. I love summer time and being able to hop in the car on a whim!
Charlie has really mastered using the word "NO," and unfortunately, I have modeled it well. He hears me say it to the dogs and when he does something that is deserving of a "no," he hears it again. I've got to work on redirecting him when he goes on a "no" tangent, but he typically responds with "No no, Mama." Surely, this is a phase that he will grow out of...maybe? One day?
Phase one of the boys playing was a stand-off in the kitchen. Charlie wouldn't let Hudson pass. He kept putting his hand up shouting "No!" and sweet Hudson wouldn't budge because this bossy kid kept yelling at him. Phase two was the boys coexisting, playing near each other. Phase three consisted of Charlie saying "Mine," and wanting everything that Hudson was playing with. And the final phase was the boys playing together happily! It only took three hours, but when they finally played and laughed together, it was so precious!
Meanwhile, while the boys played, the moms lounged under the umbrella, chatting. I love being able to spend such quality time with friends. We all talk via What's App daily, but to be able to sit and talk face to face for an extended amount of time allows for higher quality conversations. Not necessarily world changing discussions, but fun chats about decorating and renovating, new nurseries, mommy tips, fashion, what we've been up to, and silly random things. There's nothing like spending time with friends.
