The Kids

Yes, it's trite, but they are getting so big so fast! It is hard enough to believe that Jake will be five in two months, but Faith turning one seems downright impossible.

JAKE:
Jake continues to be a huge football fan. In fact Brian and I had to really discuss how much is "too much" to watch during the weekend because I think if he had the option he might watch all of all the games. Especially now during playoffs. He amazes our neighbors with his ability to discuss the games- the players, the outcomes, the next step in the playoffs, Superbowl possibilities... He likes school and is a natural mathematician. He loves me to give him "story problems" to figure out and (amazingly to my non-mathematical mind) he can figure out whether he needs to add or subtract and then carry out the operation in his head. He is beginning to read a few sight words and loves to hear stories- we are currently reading Superfudge to him, which he thinks is hysterical as it is about a big brother with a little brother and a baby sister, so he can really relate. He has begun picking up books he knows by heart and reading them to Tanner, which is great because if TJ had his way he would have someone reading to him 24/7. He says writing "is hard" but dictates stories to his teachers who type them up on the computer for him to illustrate. Not one to spend a lot of time on ANYTHING, his art work is a lot of scribbles- coloring in the lines of a project is usually not a priority. He loves PE, of course, and is constantly teaching Brian and I new games. Chess is still a big focus and he loves to play against students in my class after school. He tends to get discouraged when he loses, but we keep reminding him that to get better he needs to play against better players. I love playing against him and seeing his mind work as I learn the game. He has taken to "being easy on me" and pointing out when I am about to make a bad move or am missing a good move I could make- even if it means he won't win. He's gotten back into building things with his blocks, legos, magnetix, and Wedgits and often will stay occupied with them along with Tanner and Faith for more than his usual 5 minute attention span. Although his personality continues to challenge us frequently, he has gotten a lot easier to deal with on the basics like bedtime and mealtime. I'm so proud of the way he takes on new situations with ease and deals with social stuff so well.

TANNER:
Tanner's current obsessions include painting, reading, building, and watching "donkey". Anyone that requires privacy in the bathroom better not head to our house anytime soon. He insists on turning the lights on for you, flushing (after he has asked, "Pee or poopy?") and washing hands together. He is still obsessed with the "ah-ah song", does an adorable "booty dance" and "naked dance", and absolutely ADORES his baby sister- crooning "BABA GUL!! BABA GUL!" whenever he sees her after a bit of an absence. He insists on a hug immediately and literally showers her with affection. He is an imp and runs away whenever we try to get him diapered or dressed, still climbs out of his bed several times an evening to run across the room giggling maniacally, and loves to get a reaction from mom and dad by doing "naughty" things on purpose. He is also a complete sweetheart. He insists on a "love you, dude" from Daddy at bedtime, sits on the potty and says, "I twied, Mommy", greets me with huge hugs when I pick him up from school, and cuddles with the best of them. After seeing him so sick last week, it is great to see him back to his usual self.

FAITH:
Faith has found her official "stuffy" or "lovey" or whatever you want to call it. It is a giraffe that was given to Jake when he was born. We are currently on the hunt for "Replacement Giraffe" in case this one is ever lost. "Replacement Cow" and "Replacement Monkey" both live in the boys dressers just in case. Anyway, the giraffe's name is Sprinkles and she grabs it and puts it under her head to sleep with and when given the chance will drag it around the house. As you can see in the pictures, it is with her in both good times and bad times.






She has sort of learned to blow kisses and makes this ridiculous face that looks kind of a like a parody of a super model sucking in her cheeks whenever she tries to kiss. She delights in her food and I delight in her Buddha belly and dimply thighs -something neither of my sons ever had! She still has no teeth. In fact, when Jake was helping me put her to sleep the other day he said, "Mom, I think we may need to buy Faith some teeth soon". With as much as she loves her food, we are hoping she gets some quickly! Tanner is in his bed full time now, so as soon as her room gets repainted (the beautiful red and blue room that Brian painted last Christmas is now being painted light yellow) she will get the big crib and we can get rid of the mini one that she has been sleeping in up till now.

Time is going too fast. I want to remember it all. If you haven't heard it, you should download "You're Gonna Miss This" by Trace Adkins. It's a great reminder to stay in the moment.