2.9

Back on June 11, Reives turned 2 and 3/4 (2.9) years!  I am shocked when I realize that I almost have a 3 year old.  My mind immediately jumps to in 3 more years, he will be 6, and then in 3 more, he will be 9, etc., etc.  This is all going by way too, too fast!  I am trying to hard to cherish each and everyday with these two, little guys!  I just LOVE being their Mama, and I LOVE being able to stay home with them.  I wouldn't trade the diapers, meltdowns, tantrums, picky eating, and stressful moments for anything in the world!

My spunky Reives is turning into such a big boy!  It seems almost everyday I ask him, "Reives, can't you just stay little forever?"  I always get chuckled at his answers.  Sometimes I get a "Yes, I can."  Sometimes, it's, "No, I not."  Sometimes, it's "Don't say that." or "Don't ask me that."  Clearly, his answer depends on his mood, and I must say that I have a pretty moody little guy on my hands these days.  (Not that our whole family has been in the middle of a major move/transition period or anything!)    Reives definitely has a mind of his own, and I would consider him pretty strong willed.  He is definitely one to push the limits, and he isn't going to give in without a fight!  But, Reives also has such a tender, little heart, and can be just the sweetest little guy in the world.  He is generally very sweet to his little brother.  For example, if Brooks cries, he usually says, "Don't cry, Brooks.  It's OK."  Of course, there are many moments of him aggravating his brother, but he really does enjoy playing with Brooks, and he tries to include him in most things and wants him around.  He also really likes when he and Brooks get to sleep in the same room when we are traveling.  It is cute to hear them laughing and talking before they fall asleep.

Reives is definitely a little sponge.  He seems to catch onto things very easily.  He knows all of his letters and most of his numbers (he has a harder time with those.)  I notice now that when we go places, he will count things (1-10) and point out the different letters that he sees around.  It is really cute, and I am glad that he seems to like learning new things.  He has always loved music, and he still LOVES to listen to songs and sing.  He usually sings on pitch, so I think he must have some musical talent!  He likes to play outside alot, and he is really into riding his tricycle.  He also loves the beach, pool, and pushing trucks around.  He isn't too into playing ball yet.  He will hit golf balls or kick the soccer ball for a little bit, but then he is off to something else.

Other things about Reives at this age:

-still naps most days, but he has started not napping some days (I leave him in his crib anyways)
-still sleeps in his crib and uses his pacis for sleep
-is one of the best eaters I know...he will try anything and eat anything.  he usually clears his plate
-will drink some milk at breakfast in the mornings but not much
-favorite cartoons are "Super Why" and "Dora"
-is very into tractors and trucks right now
-is also into animals and seems very curious about them
-has mastered riding his tricycle very well
-swims around in the pool by himself with his swimmies on
-still has a bit of a cautious/fearful side when it comes to loud noises
-super friendly and loves to wave at people and tell them "hey"
-knows his birthday (September 11)  and that he will turn 3
-loves books

Pictures of our little guy at this age:

Just love him so so much!

Looking Back...

Back in March, we had pictures done for Brooks's one year birthday!  We just love these pictures so much!  The boys did fabulous at the photo shoot.  I am going to have a hard time deciding which ones to frame and hang up once we move.  Here are some of my favorites...

15 Months

Well, little "Brooksy" hit the 15 month mark on Tuesday!  He has really "grown up" in the last month.  He is wanting to become more and more independent, and he is definitely wanting to make his requests known to everyone.  He is also making it known when he doesn't get his requests!  He is such a funny, little guy.  He still loves to play with his toys, mainly cars, trucks, and tractors.  He would rather play than eat snacks, which is quite the opposite of his big brother!  He still prefers his Mama (no complaints there), and he is definitely a bit cautious around strangers.  As of yesterday, Brooks is walking....alot!  It is so crazy how he just decided he could do it and has taken off.  On Tuesday, he would only take 3 steps here or there.  Then, the very next day, he was taking 20 and 25 steps.  Brooks has also said goodbye to his bottles over the past week.  He easily transitioned to his sippy cup, and he even drinks his milk cold now!  (Hallelujah!...no more milk warming!)  I miss feeding him his bottles, but he will still snuggle with me and drink his milk sometimes.  He expects his cup of milk as soon as he gets up in the mornings.  Brooks's vocabulary continues to increase, and he has picked up some new words over the past month.  He can say "sheshie" (horsie), "cas" (crash), and "rock" (rock).  He has all four of his one year molars now, and he is working on his eye teeth.  Brooks had his one year doctor's appointment today, and his ears looked perfect.  Thankfully, he has not had an ear infection in over three months!  He was 48% for his weight (24 lbs 5 oz) and he was 81% for his height (32.3 inches).  The doctor said everything looked perfect!  Brooks went to the beach and the pool for the first time this summer recently.  He liked the pool better than the beach.  I think he was scared of the waves, but he did eventually warm up and play in the sand some.  He stayed very close to Mama, though :)

Some other things about Brooks:

-very picky eater
-rode the carousal for the first time and LOVED it
-takes 2 some days and 1 nap some days
-still loves his paci and lovey (my cut up T-shirt)
-still looks like his Grandaddy (my dad)
-does not have to wear his orthopedic shoes anymore
-is into everything!!!!
-gets mad when Reives gets to do something that he doesn't
-loves to ride around in this little red push car that I bought for $1 when Reives was a baby
-is a huge climber and tries to climb on anything and everything!
-takes a little while to "wake up" in the mornings


Some pics of Brooks at 15 months:

Stop growing so fast!!!

WE HAVE A HOUSE!!!

As of 9 days ago, we have a contract on a house!  Details to come....