3 1/2 years old

Wow!  How is it that you are 3 1/2 years old!?  Seems like just yesterday we were at the hospital with you, Eli, and now we are headed back for your little brother!

News headlines:  2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi

Milestones: You are completely potty trained and you have a big boy room that you love (which we're also slowly decorating).

Measurements:  size 3T clothes (although some of the pants are a little loose/long, so you mostly wear a 2T on the bottom), size 8 shoes, 37" tall, 37ish lbs

Favorite toys/games:You love puzzles, anything with a ball, and playing superheroes.  You like to chase around the house.  Thanks to the Olympics, we've been playing a lot of "hockey" (hitting a big bouncy ball with golf clubs/bats, while "skating" around in our socks), on top of the soccer and football you like to play in the house.  You enjoy cooking.  You and Daddy like to play Jake vs. Captain Hook (sometimes Mommy gets to be Izzy), and Ninja Turtles vs. bad guys.  You also love listening to music on Momma or Daddy's iPhones.  Frozen songs are some of your favorite sing-alongs right now.

Books:  (Formerly "words" category) You love books and reading.  You are a creature of habit, and we tend to read the same stories over and over again!  Mommy hopes you always have a love of reading and books.  You like bedtime/naptime stories and reading your Jesus book (the Jesus Storybook Bible) each night, Knuffle Bunny books, and Dr. Seuss.

Challenges: You have become quite independent.  The 2s were not "terrible" for us, and I won't say the 3s are either, but they are certainly more challenging.  You also are like Daddy when it comes to fashion - you both prefer athletic gear.  : )  Both of you usually complain if Mommy insists on the boys wearing "belts" (jeans).  You love play clothes, Eli!

Our Days:  We wake you up at 7am on school mornings, and this is still a battle.  You are a sleepy head and fight us on everything - getting dressed, brushing teeth, breakfast, shoes, etc.  We are out the door no later than 7:30.  If Mommy picks you up, I get you you no later than 4:30.  If Daddy doesn't have soccer then he gets you no later than 3:30.  After school we have a snack and play. Here lately you like to watch your shows after school, and then when it's dinner and Daddy is home we turn the TV off and read, play, listen to music, etc.  You love to help us cook in the kitchen, and are usually a big helper for getting dinner ready.  You get a bath every other night, and love bath time.  This is usually guy time, but sometimes Mommy comes and sits and talks to the boys.  Bedtime routine starts about 8:30-8:45 (most nights).  You are still in a pull-up at nap and bedtime, and you still love playing with Mommy's hair as you fall asleep.

Funny/Favorite Moments:

Mommy's Favorite:  I love watching you become such a big boy!  I love hearing all about your day and listening to you tell me stories about your friends or animals you've seen or what you've learned at school.  I also love watching you play and use your imagination!
Daddy's Favorite:  Experiencing Auburn football games and such a great season, especially your retelling of what happened at the end of the Iron Bowl!  This past Christmas with you and how excited you were.  We loved teaching you new songs (which you still sing), and watching you in your school's Christmas program.  Also, you've been such a big help with getting ready for baby Landon.  Mommy and Daddy both love watching you "read" books to him.

*Really, all the moments are our favorites.  We just love life with you, Squirms!

Upcoming Events: Becoming a big brother in the next few days!  Your world is about to change, but I know you're ready for it.  I can't wait to watch you with Landon!  This summer you are also going back to "sotter camp" and are already talking about it all the time.

2 1/2 year post