Bath Time for the Lovies!

I've got some blog catching up to do! This is one that's been on my "to be posted" list for a while now...

Jaden and Elijah each have their own favorite "lovie" blanket that they carry around, sleep with, and pretty much keep close tabs on at all times. Getting those things into the washing machine is next to impossible! Finally one day, it just had to be done, so I decided to turn it into what I thought would be a fun experience for all. I let the boys put their blankets in the washer themselves, let them help add the soap, and even let them have front row seating to watch the show. Sounded like a fun time to me!

But Jaden was very, very nervous about it and I couldn't figure out why. Finally he told me that he didn't want his Bear Bear to shrink like daddy's sweater did (Sam had a wool sweater that apparently wasn't supposed to go in the dryer - it went in a size 2X and came out a size 5T...literally)! So poor Jaden was very paranoid and watched that bear like a hawk the entire time just to make sure it didn't come out the size of a cotton ball.

And Elijah...well, let's just say he made that 40 minute wash cycle seem like an eternity! He was mesmerized by the spin cycle for the first minute or two, but after that he was done being separated from his froggy and he wanted him NOW! He cried and cried, but would not let me take him away from the washing machine. See how well my fun plan worked out!

But in the end, two animal blankets were fresh and clean, none were harmed in the process, and two little guys (and their mama) were ready for naps! (And I know you're wondering, so for the record, this was not the first time their lovies had ever had a wash - Just the first time I wasn't able to sneak them away unnoticed).

Happy Birthday to An Amazing "Big" Boy!

On January 18, my sweet Jaden turned 4 years old! It was definitely BIG excitement for him, and something he has been looking forward to since January 18, 2010. Apparently when you turn 4, you officially achieve "big boy" status, so it was a day my little guy had been anxiously anticipating for exactly a year. And I'll be honest, it was a bittersweet day for me. It made me miss the days where I could just scoop him up and snuggle the heck out of him; the days where he would happily comply with anything I suggested; and the days that I was not yet thinking about the choices he will make with the pressures of being an adolescent. It also made me wonder why we are constantly subconsciously encouraging him to grow up so fast by talking to him about being a "big boy," behaving like a "big boy," and doing things that "big boys" do. And even though I wish he could just stay little (and often ask him if he will...he says nope), this day also made me so proud to reflect on the wonderful "big boy" that he is inevitably becoming. He is such a good-hearted, sweet-natured little ("big") guy who is so considerate of others. He loves his family more than anything and if we could have a family get-together everyday, he would be in seventh heaven. He's a ball of endless energy, always on the go and coming up with new games to play or jokes to tell; although he's shy (so he says) around new people. He's a little four-year-old attitude with an occasional case of selective-listening. He is so wise and thoughtful and I am constantly amazed at the things he comes up with. He's very inquisitive and is never short of curiosity and questions (and ironically, he knows the answers to everything, too!). And it makes my heart happy (and eyes teary) to think of what an amazing big brother he is. He would do absolutely anything for his Elijah, and Elijah loves him just as much. Jaden is such a blessing to our family and I am thankful for him every day. He has probably taught me way more than I have taught him. I am so thankful to be able to spend most of my day with him and Elijah (and am so appreciative to my hard-working husband who has given me the opportunity to spend this time with the boys each day). And as much as I would love to slow down the process, my little guy is growing up whether I'm ready to accept it or not. So as he grows, my wish is that he continues to love learning and reading; that he always treats people with love and respect; and that he never loses his joy for life.

Happy Birthday to our amazing "Big" Boy. We love you so much!