Life with an (Almost) Two Year Old

Life with an (almost) two year old can be a little challenging.

For one thing, she's cute. So people are always oohing and ahhing over her.

She also had to do everything I do.

And then, there's the crying.

Oh, the crying. It can drive you crazy.

And even when she's pitching a fit, adults still think she's cute.

Somtimes it is just plain dangerous! No biting!

And just when you think you can't take it anymore, you figure out how to make her laugh.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long. Here we go again!

I try to be a good brother.

And help to figure out how to make her happy and make the crying stop.

But, sometimes I feel like I will lose my mind! It is hard to be patient.

Until she does this. And then I'm pretty much wrapped around her little finger again.

We are definitely dealing with a soon to be two year old in our house. It is challenging for all of us, but it can be especially challenging for her big brother. She demands an awful lot of attention from us and she follows him around everywhere. She has to do everything he does, play with everything he plays with, she even repeats every single word he says sometimes. And then there's the crying and the fits. Oh, the crying. It's enough to make even the most patient brother (and mother) a little cranky. But, Evan handles it all pretty well. Chloe couldn't ask for a better big brother in all the world. He tolerates her (usually), tries to entertain her, tries to help her. He occassionally gets frustrated with her, but that is understandable. He sometimes wants time to himself. And he sometimes forgets to "use his words" just like she does, but, fortunately, he doesn't bite. But, for the most part, she is one lucky little girl. Why else would she idolize him so?

Yes, life with an (almost) two year old can be a challenge. But it is a joy as well. We are so thankful for our "terrific" two year old, even if we will all be getting lots of practice in counting to 10 this summer.

Just Like Mommy

I have no idea where she would learn to multi-task like this. I think she might be updating her status on Facebook in that last one!

Two Peas in a Pod

Playing in Evan's sleeping bag. They had a blast crawling in and out!

Birthday Dinner

Evan loves lobster. We accidentally discovered this one time when Matthew offered him a bite, never expecting him to like it. So, when asked where he would like to eat for his birthday...

Happy Birthday, Evan!

And Now You Are 5

Dear Evan,

Today you are five. You have been anxiously awaiting this day. Many times over the past year you would ask, "Will I do that when I'm five?". Now you are five and you will do many things this year. You will start school and grow and learn. I can't wait to see all that you will become this year, but now it is a time for me to look back and remember all that you have been to me.

Once you were only a prayer in my heart. A desire to love someone. A hope for the future.

Once you were a tiny flicker. Undetectable on the outside, but fully loved on the inside. The tiniest of little beating hearts.

Once you were a flutter in my tummy. The most amazing feeling of life growing. The most amazing reminder of a miracle taking place.

Once you were a teensy 8 pound 3 ounce bundle in my arms. An unbelievable precious gift. Totally dependent upon me.

Once you were a rolly baby boy. Laughing and giggling. Cuddling mommy close. Experiencing everything for the first time.

Once you were a  blonde headed, curious toddler. Full of smiles. Full of hugs. Full of mischief. Full of joy.

Once you were a strong-willed preschooler. Making a place for yourself. Asking questions. Learning to do on your own. Learning to love and care.

And now you are 5 and when I look at you I am amazed.  I am amazed by you. By your intelligence. By your humor. By your bravery. By your determination. By your ability. By your humor. By your sensitivity. By your kindness. By your compassion. By your ferocity. But, mostly by your love.

Being your mother has been the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life. From the time I hoped for you until tonight when I  tucked you into bed I have loved every single second of it and every single second brings me joy. I always knew I wanted to be a mother. I always expected to enjoy motherhood. I always assumed I would love my children. I could have never in my wildest dreams been able to guess how absolutely wonderful it would be or how much I would ever love you. I could have never been able to guess how perfectly wonderful you would be.

I became the luckiest mommy in the world five years ago today and I realize it more and more every single day. I love you more than anything.

Happy birthday, buddy!

My Cup Runneth Over

It's (Almost) Summertime!

And we are SO HAPPY!

The Graduate

It was not lost on me as I dressed Evan in his little cap and gown that someday in about 13 years I will be watching him don another cap and gown. A much larger one and while I looked at him last night and couldn't believe how big he was and how fast it happened that one day I will look at this little cap and gown and won't be able to believe how little he was. Last night was both an end and a beginning.

Ready for graduation.

Evan and his teacher, Ms. Becky. He has loved being in her class.

Chloe singing along with her age group.

The graduates and the three year olds singing Jesus Loves Me.

Waiting for their names to be called to receive their "diplomas".

Watching the slideshow of the year.

Evan and his future spouse. He wouldn't get too close, ha!

My little graduate, ready to conquer the world!

Last night signified the end of preschool. He is a baby no more. My heart was bursting with pride as I watched him performing his little songs and receiving his little diploma. I am so very thankful for his school and his teachers and all of his friends. It has been an absolute joy to watch him learn and grow and develop this year. It is hard to know that he is getting older, that time is flying so fast, and to realize that he will never ever go back. He is changing so very fast. Everytime I look at him he is different, but with every change I am more and more proud of him. He is absolutely amazing. And I am so very thankful for him.

As I think about him starting big kid school I am so excited for him. I love to see him so excited and ready to face a new challenge. I know it will be an amazing experience and I can't wait to see all that he can be. Last night was an end of the baby, the toddler, the preschooler.

And now.... Evan the kindergartener! The beginning of the child, the scholar, the student. I once wrote about how from the time they are born, children are taking steps away from us. It is time for another step forward. Another step toward independence. And what an honor it will be to watch him go.

What an honor it is to be his mother.

I love you so much, Evan.