Being Mom

Wyatt.

My heart.

This little guys has been putting me through some challenges parenting-wise.  He is a little over two and a half, and it shows. He has his own agenda, his own ideas and his own opinions. He wants to do things for himself, the way that he wants to, and heaven forbid anyone get in his way.

He does the full body tantrum, has it perfected, and will stop, make sure you're watching, and then resume full-on brat mode once he's certain he has your attention.  If the twins upset him, he will scream, his volume ear deafening, until the twins give in, or Josh and I intervene.

We're working really hard on getting him to use his words, and this week I've seen some definite improvement. Instead of screaming bloody murder, he will come find me to tell on his brothers.  He will also (instead of flailing on the floor) tell me the idea he had for how things were going to go.

Getting him to ask for what he wants has been key.

Changing our bedtime routine (details here) has been so good for both of us.  I miss rocking him like I did when he was a baby, but he's been great about putting himself to sleep.  And it's been nice to have Josh put him to bed occasionally.  

But regardless of him using his words and going to bed without a struggle, it's been a challenge to adjust from "Two kids and a baby" to "Three kids".  They team up against each other... They fight like gangbusters... They all want the same toy...  It's exhausting.  

Last time I talked to my grandpa he said it sounded like I needed a referee uniform.  Maybe he's right. Perhaps the boys would take me more seriously if I looked the part.

Luckily along with the challenges of him growing up (sharing with his brothers, using his words and understanding that he's not the boss!) there are some adorable things he now does.  

For instance, when there is a lag in conversation, or I just look at him instead of answering, he says, "Awkward!"  It's seriously hilarious!

His other new thing is to wipe my kisses off his face with his beloved taggie. He smiles evilly and says in a sing-song voice, "I wiped them off!" Then I tickle him, attack him with more kisses, and the cycle starts all over again.  It's adorable.

{Wyatt:: 10 weeks}

Wyatt is now the age the twins were when I quit my job. I can't believe that I worked so long when they were little.  I feel so blessed to have been home this whole time with Wyatt. To never have to leave him. To witness all his moments.  I particularly loved breastfeeding him, laying him down for every nap & bedtime, and enjoying post-nap snuggles for the last 2+ years.

{Summer 2011}

I realize now just what I missed with Jack & Logan, and I'll be honest, it breaks my heart a little bit. But life can't be lived backward, so I am just doing my best to enjoy right now. To make the most of today.  To write down the funny things they say, to read their favorite books (sometimes over and over again), and to let them be little.

{Fall 2011}

Today I am grateful for the gift of Stay-At-Home-Motherhood.  A gift that my loving husband gave me and continues to give me by working hard enough to provide for our family on his own.  He is so supportive of my role at home (both mother and homeschooler) and always does whatever he can to make my life easier.  

It's a beautiful thing, 

raising these boys, 

and even on the hard days, 

I feel so blessed to be doing it.