Beautiful Crazy March....

Our busiest season is soon upon us....March!

March is the month of my church's annual women's retreat...which is AWESOME! This will be my third year attending and I look back at the few years where I didn't go for whatever reasons and it makes me sad! Which is funny because at the time I didn't know what I was missing, but now it is mandatory for me. A weekend with some of my closest friends, mentors, beautiful, amazing women who I aspire to...knowing that my kids are with my husband and having a great time eating who knows what and doing who knows what! So fun.

Then of course comes my Son's birthday. We celebrate birthday weeks and so it will be a fun filled week of celebration. It's nostalgic and sad for me too. He will be turning 4 this year and it makes me sad. He is so big and articulate. The expressions he has and all he is learning....is it possible that only 4 years ago I could hold that precious boy in one arm and now I have to use all my strength to carry him!

We have lots of plans including fun at pump it up, birthday snack at school and of course his party at Chuck E Cheese.

And then my husband has a birthday a week later...His 30th! I am planning a big party to celebrate with all our family and friends. It's a cuban festival...with a roasted pig, black beans and rice, and all the works! I just have to figure out a gift.

Anyways, busyness surrounds March but hopefully april won't be so crazy! It sure is a beautiful life though!

Mommy Heaven

I just came down from putting sweet boy to bed. I sat in his rocking chair to read him a book, which I don't usually do; usually I sit on his bed with him and read but not tonight.

When I sat down, he looked at me and grinned and said, "Mommy, can I sit down with you in your lap?" I replied, "Of course." He came over and hunkered down. We read the book and I held him like I use to.

Once we were done reading he turned toward me and said, "Mommy can you hold me."
"Like I use to when you were a baby?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied very excited like. "Wait, let me get my puppy and my bie." He jumped on his bed and got his loveys and tossed them over to me. I placed bie across my chest and he straddled his little legs around me and hugged me, with his face in the crook of my neck.

We were quiet for a minute...perhaps both enjoying the nostalgic moment; remembering the days when he fit perfectly against my chest and I would hold and rock him till he was asleep.

He broke my thoughts and pushed against me to look at me and said, "Mommy, I love this."
"I love this too. We should do this more often."
"Yeah. I love it too."

I began to sing him a song that I use to sing to him...

"Baby mine, don't you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes..."

"Mommy what are you singing?"
"I use to sing this to you when you were a baby."
"I'm not a baby anymore. Don't sing that. Sing twinkle, twinkle little star. No, I sing it first...

"tinkle, tinkle, wittle staa, how I know you where you are. Up, up up up up up up up so high, wike a dymon in da sky. tinkle, tinkle, wittle sta, how I know you where you are."

Ok, your turn mom."






"Oh Father, I was in mommy heaven for a moment today. I look at my kids and think, how did time go so fast. It's not fair. He use to be so small and now he can do so much. I know I taught him to be independent and we at times push him to be a big boy, but I miss my baby. Even baby girl is getting so big. So Lord, if you can keep them little just like this, I would greatly appreciate it! But if not, let's have more moments like these. A lot of them. In your precious name, Amen."

A little bit of DIRT...

I was on double duty tonight since my Hubs has been sick.
I cooked dinner by ordering pizza. I worked out (while carrying baby girl!) and I got the kids bathed and ready for bed.

Baby girl just loves her bath and bathing with brother is a special treat. She kicks and squeals and laughs hysterically at him. So fun,

So, anyways, I bathed baby girl, bathed crazy kid and then left him in the tub to play while I lotioned up and dressed the baby.

I leave her in her room to play, while I go to get crazy...and I find him all scrathced up and red.

"Mommy it won't come off."
"What won't come off?"
"The dirt. I'm all dirty."
"Baby I already washed you."
"No mommy, I have dirt on me, see..." He says as he points to his tummy that as I mentioned before is all scraped and red. I strain to look past the scratches but don't see what he is talking about.
"Baby, you aren't dirty."
"Yes mom, I am. Right there." And then he points to a little bitty freckle.
I try hard not to laugh and say, "Baby that isn't dirt that is a freckle. The sun kissed you and left a spot."
"I don't want it, it's dirt. I don't like it."

Well,the "dirt" didn't come off, but he is the cutest kid!

And now to bed. Being mommy and daddy is exhausting!

"Dear father, thank you for moments like these that are so fun and precious. Thank you for reminding me how much help my husband is and how I blessed I am to have him as my helper. Thank you for healing! In your precious name, Amen."

Precious Sights

I just left my son to be put to bed by his father.

It was a rather precious sight and I wish with every ounce of me that I could capture that moment on film.

Just snap away and keep it with me.

Crazy kid is a big boy for his age I guess. One pound for all 37 inches of him. Most days I think, "My goodness child you are so big," especially when I haven't gotten any smaller and when trying to carry said 37 lbs. up the stairs because he fell asleep in the car is quite a challenge.

But today, I looked at him and thought, "He is still so small." His head reaches the door knob.

I watched my husband sit down on the rocker and my son jump into his lap, he looked so small and precious. Of course not anything like those first few months of tinyness, but still small.

He curled up in his father's lap and rested his head on his chest.

Oh my.

He is so independant and very strong willed and sometimes, no, many times, throughout the day I have a hard time parenting. Many times I feel very unsuccessful at this whole mothering thing.

Sometimes I think life would be easier if he were one of those easy going kind of kids. He isn't. He has an opinion and he will not let up.

And then I think, I am gald he is so strong willed. It is a great trait and if we do a good job, maybe he will turn that into great confidence and a strong mind of his own that won't follow the crowd or be swayed in wrong directions.

And tonight as I looked at my two boys holding each other I thought, this kid is the best kid in the world. How long will he fit into his father's arms? Worse, how long will he want to fit into his father's arms? How long will he want mine?

He is so sweet and charming and funny. And he loves us. He loves me. And man, do I love him. I could never ask for anything better. And even though he may test me, his personality is making me into a better person. He teaches me more than I could teach him.

I could never ask for anything more.

"Father, thank you for my son. He is such a precious gift. Thank you for his personality, his spirit, his fun loving nature and his charm. Father I know I am not the best mom, no matter how much I try or even sometimes pretend to be, but I just figured out that even if I am not, he thinks I am. He teaches me things all day long and I thank you for that. Protect my baby, keep him small a little while longer and mostly, let me remember and treasure these moments forever. And let him grow into the man you desire him to be. In your precious name, Amen. "

One more minute

A while back I read an article that said to give your toddler time frames for activities. The article stated that whether they understood the concept of time or not, once it is introduced they will understand the idea that whatever they are engaged in will shortly end and they will need to move on to something else.

I thought this was a great idea.

At the time crazy kid was maybe about 18 months old or so and one of our big issues was bath time. He LOVES his bath and always has and so he wanted to stay in until he pruned up or longer.

I am all for a fun, long, warm bath because it usually ensures an easy bed time routine. At the time, however, getting out was trauma for the child.

After I read the article, I began to use the advice.

I would bathe him, wash his hair and then he was free to play for however long I decided. And when time was coming to a close, I would put up one finger and say, "Ok one more minute and then we are going to brush our teeth and put on our PJ's. Say yes mama." And he would reply, "Yes mama."

After a few times of doing this, he caught on and the transition from bath to bed became much easier.

Of course, not too long after I would say, "Ok baby it's almost time to get out," and he would quickly put up one finger. Soon after that he began to say, "One minit mama."

We learned our numbers and he realized he could add to the minutes and so now he demands two and sometimes even five minutes.

Luckily, though he understand the number sequence, he doesn't understand the length of a minute. I'm hoping that lasts a while for my sake.

This time element has been a good thing. We have fewer melt downs because it sort of prepares him for change in whatever it is he is doing. Sure, it doesn't work all the time but for the most part...

Tonight I was putting crazy to bed and I was in the rocker holding him. This has become somewhat harder, though my belly isn't protruding too much yet, it has come out some. It isn't awkward for him, but when 35lbs are on me, I tend to lose my breath easily, not to mention the heat the boy puts off.

But...I wanted to keep holding him. His little face was facing mine and I was singing to him and I kissed his soft, tanned little cheek and I just wanted to keep that moment.

Of course two seconds later he pushed off of me and asks for his father.

I kissed him and said, "Can you hold mama one more minute."

Just one more minute.

I didn't get my minute. I got a big hug and a kiss and he called for his dad.

Sometimes all I want is one more minute. Or maybe two or five.

"Father, thank you for the minutes. Thank you for blessing me with so many one minute moments. Thank you for my precious boy and all his antics and sayings and his sweet heart. And thank you for the minutes I will have with the one inside me. Father I ask that you help me to not only treasure the minutes, but to seek them out. Not to be overwhelmed by busyness, but to wait and look for the minutes in every day. In your precious name, Amen."

Goodnight Sweetheart

We have a bedtime routine. Not me, but crazy. As I have said before he is a very routine kind of child.

We do the same thing everynight with few changes.

In the summer (at least this summer) bedtime is at 8:30, mostly due to the fact that the sun is still up till about that time and the time change sort of threw us off and now here we are putting him to bed at 8:30.

We head upstairs, he brushes his teeth, goes potty, chooses his pj's and gets dressed. The reason he brushes his teeth first is because if his shirt were to get one tiny drop of water on it, said shirt would then be "dowty" and crazy would be in a new shirt soon after. After a few "dowty" shirts, the cleaning of the teeth happens before the dressing.

He then jumps into his dada's arms, lower the dimmer on the lights, winds the two Winnie the Pooh water globes, makes sure the closet door is closed, grabs his milk and sits in my lap in the glider.

He prays, "Jejus, help me feel better. Tank choo. Amen." And then says, "Mama pray." I pray, he proceeds to drink his milk. I finish my prayer and he points to his dad who ends the prayer chain with, "And please help him stay in bed until the sun comes up."

At the end of the prayer, my husband kisses him, kisses me and kisses the "baby" or bump.

Now lately, crazy kid is on a dad boost. He wants daddy. Which is great! I love it because it gives me a break.

So usually, my husband will be almost out of the room when crazy says, "Daddy sit." So that is what he does. He sits. And they rock out.

At this time, I lean over and kiss my child and then kiss my hubs.

Lately, however, they both have a routine that was cute. Was. It is now somewhat annoying, that is, it becomes annoying very quickly.

Crazy husband taught my son to say "syke." You remember syke, right? You know when someone would say something nice and then proceed by saying, "syke" or just kidding.

Yeah, it was dumb back then too.

So anyways, my sweet boy says that when I go to kiss him. I lean in and he puckers up, leans forward and then turns his head and screaches, "Syke!"

Yeah. It's cute the first, I don't know, 3 times and after that, not so much. And of course, my husband, being the two year old at heart, joins along and continuously "Sykes" me out as well. I soon get fed up and begin to walk out, when my son says, "Aw mom, come back." And the whole thing starts up again.

So...finally after the parent who doesn't have to sit leaves, we sing two songs. His favorites include, "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Wheel on the bus," "He's got the whole world in his hands," "Hakuna Matata (Lion King)" and any Veggie Tales song.

He only lets my husband sing, as he calls is, "Hole whirl" that is whole world, mostly because he doesn't know the words to any other song which has led to frustration and hurt feelings. My son is frustrated and my husband is hurt because my son tells him, "No dad, no sing. Mama sing, daddy shhh," and he has even laughed at my husband's "singing." Not a ha ha kind of laugh, but a "this poor man thinks he can sing/Randy Jackson, Ha, ha ha, with a nodding of the head" kind of laugh.

After the song, crazy climbs into bed and jumps down. Literaly jumps. We have had bumps due to the head hitting the rail.

He asks for the parent who is not in the room. If it is me I sit with him for "one minute," and hold his chubby hand. I tell him I am leaving and he says "Cover feet." I cover his feet with his precious "Bie," go to the door and say good night sweetheart. He then will say, "sweetdweams," and I reply, "Sweetdreams."

I close the door and pray he sleeps through the night and doesn't wake till 8:30.

Atleast most of the time he sleeps through the night.

And that's his routine. To think one day he'll go up to his room and go to sleep by just me saying so...Not yet. I'll keep this routine for as long as it lasts.

"Father thanks for such routines. For things we can count on such as this. Help me to not take for granted these moments, but to treasure them. It may seem so distant to think one day he'll turn off his own lights and tuck himself in...God don't let those days come too fast. Even when I'm tired and ready to go, if he wants me to stay, remind me that this only lasts for a moment. In your precious name, Amen."

The funny things he says...

The other day I talked about how my crazy kid was talking a bunch, non stop, all the time, whether I understand him or not.

It's funny because though most times I completely know what he is saying there are the times when he says something and waits for a response and then looks at me as if to say, "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?"

Either way we have entered into a very precious time. The time where"kids say the darndest things." I'm loving it. Every night my husband and I relay to each other the things he says and does and its just very sweet.

He is consistently putting a smile on my face by the things he says.

For example, yesterday I had to get to church early for Praise and Worship practice. His father was making him breakfast and I was in my room doing my hair.

I had been in my closet for about 15 minutes just starring at the display of clothes that all do not fit.

I was a little sad and very frustrated. So I proceeded to put on the same denim skirt that I had worn three times last week and a black top.

Earrings were in my lobes, necklace, rings and bracelets were all on. And of course, pretty shoes.

I looked in the mirror and thought, "this is as good as it's gonna get."

I walked out of the room and kissed my husband when beautiful kid walks in the kitchen and says, "Wow mama, you pretty." But the best part was what he said next.

Now, please be aware that I have no idea where or how or why he said this or where he picked this up. I really don't know.

So after, "Wow mama, you pretty," he asks, "You go dancing?"

Dancing? I wish! Why dancing? I don't know. I mean, yes my husband and I dance in the kitchen often, but usually I am in a t-shirt and shorts.

I don't know how his little mind thinks, but I was sure greatful for it.

I think maybe I will wear that denim skirt a few more times.

Change my heart

I reacted.
He hurt me and I threw out my hand.
I wasn't thinking.
I felt dreadful.
Talk about Mommy Dearest.
Before you know it my child is going to write a tell all book about how I neglected him by placing him infront of a TV all day and spanked him.

In my defense it was as close to the cute tushie as possible, but somehow ended up in the lower back area. It wasn't hard, but I was remorseful.

Now let me state here that I am a believer in spanking. We give "Pow-pow" in our home and we are advocates for the cause.

I know lots of books and teaching go against spanking, but I believe a good spanking and no nagging afterwards is a good form of discipline.

No, we do not just "hit." We have a system and spanking is only one form of our disicplining. We give one warning and then explain that he is going to receive "pow-pow." We bring him close, cup our hand and spank. Most times, if I just tap his little rear he will be upset. I then explain that he must obey the first time when he is asked to do or stop doing something.

Most of the time, after a spanking he is upset and so he goes off into a corner or another room with Bie and tete in hand. In a few minutes, sometimes seconds, he comes back and apologizes. "I sowy mom." I tell him it's ok but we need to obey and we need to pray and ask Jesus to change his heart.

Sometimes he says no. He can be very strong willed and is not ready to do things you ask. He eventually will come and sit with me and we pray.

Most of the time, he does it right away.

This time, I forgot the steps, warning and all. As soon as I did so, I got down on his level and quickly apologized and held him.

"Baby, mama was wrong for spanking so fast, but you can not hit mama like that (he had been running around and into the couch and as if a light went off in his head, he came and ran into me. Large head into my hip.) You must be careful when you play. I am sorry that I did not give you a warning but you really hurt mama."

He replies, "is ok mama. Jjus change mamas heart. AAAAmen."

"Dear Lord, change my heart. Keep changing it. Every day. Continuously. Even if I am defiant or being strong willed. Help me to be patient and not lose myself. Help me to forgive as easily as my son forgives. And to forget as he does. Father, grant me the wisdom to raise my child to be a man after your own heart. That you will take his precious prayers and change his heart so that he will grow to be like you. So he will surpass all that I am at a young age."

I like Home

Life right now is pretty boring. There's not much going on. I guess its due to these lazy days of summer.

I really don't have much to talk about.

The days are spent doing not much of anything but going to the pool or mall or finding fun things to do.

I hope that once I feel a bit better I can plan some outings to museums and other fun activities.

We'll see.

The thing is, I am a home body. I like to be home. And though yes I love play dates and getting together with friends, at the end of the day I like being home.

I probably should be better at planning things with friends and I am always telling somebody or other that we need to get together, but...I like being home.

In fact, the other day I was planning to take crazy to the mall. He loves the mall. I told him when he was barely out of the womb that he would have to love the mall, he had no choice. Well he does.

Of course I ensure that he enjoys himself. We have our routine of getting a cookie, visiting the elephant at the Rainforest Cafe and then either riding the carosel or playing in the play area.

So, as I was saying, the other day I was planning to go to the mall and I told him to get ready to go. Usually he is all for it, and immediatedly asks if we are going to get a cookie.

Well, on this particular day he looks at me and says, "No thanks. I stay home."

Part of me wanted to say, "Alright, whatever." But, I needed to do some shopping. He finally obliged and was happy when he received his cookie.

I think I have made him into a home body as well. The thing is, he needs entertainment. He's one of those kids that needs to be doing something.

Now let me say that according to personality tests, I am part melacholy, part plegmatic, though I thrive in the company of Sanguines.

What does that mean? I am perfectly content being home and not doing much. But when I want to have a good time I find an outgoing Sanguine to do so.

My son is an outgoing Sanguine. So I have to kinda make myself do things that are fun for him.

It's a little tiring. But I love him for it.

So far we are a perfect pair. He makes me have fun and I make him like home. I wonder what the next one is going to be?

Confession

I have had very few quite times lately.

In fact, to be honest, the last time I had a quiet time was ummm...three weeks ago.

Pretty bad.

Let me list my excuses, because I have a few and it will make me feel better...

1. I'm tired.
2. I'm exhausted.
3. I'm growing a person.
4. My crazy kid is waking up around 6 everyday.
5. I'm nauseous.
6. I have very little energy. Like super little. Pint size. Munchkin little. (you get the picture).

Ok, yeah so those excuses pretty much stink but...I'm so tired!

The thing about it is that not only do I feel bad about it, but I know that my lack of reading and praying result my lack of patience and strength and of course my being open to mind attacks that say, "you're a bad mom," "you are neglecting your family," "how are you gonna deal with two if you can barely handle the one."

And though I fight those thoughts out, my heart hurts.

There's a twinge. Guilt. Sadness.

I hate that.

And what's worse, despite the fact that I have had very little communication with God other than, "God I'm tired," "God give me energy," "God make the nausea go away, PUHLEASE!!!" He is still so full of grace and mercy.

Crazy kid is two. He is strong willed and many times defiant. He is a charmer and hilarious at the same time. He throws fits, he likes having his way, he wants what he wants and he wants it NOW!

Since being pregnant, he has for the most part, held off on the tantrums. He really has been an angel. He has been so good and sweet and patient.

He has become all that I lack right now. Oh my.

He rarely complains about playing by himself. He doesn't mind me laying on the couch for a few hours as he watches TV. He hugs and kisses and even prays for me - "Jejus, help mommy's tummy. It hurts. Amen."

God why are you so good to me? It's not fair. I don't deserve that kind of love.

I'll be in my second trimester in about two weeks...

"Lord I'm hoping for a boost of energy at that time. I'm hoping for revitalization and strength. I'm asking lord for these next few months to be blessed and filled with fun and laughter. Thank you for your mercy and grace and for the precious child you have blessed me with and the other one you are working on. I trust that through all this not only are you teaching me, but you are teaching him and molding him to be a great big brother. You are so good to me."

For more stuff to tackle,, click here.

Yea Me!

Ok, today is a proud day.
Today for the first time in like three weeks I was not only a good mama, but a good housewife.

YEA Me!

Let me tell you what the last few weeks have looked like...

Crazy kid has a new freedom called a "big boy bed." He is waking up around 2:30 every night wanting to play. (At first we made the mistake of rocking him back to sleep and even laying in bed with him. NOT a good idea.) So, now he wakes up and we immediately put him in bed. It's getting better and I am praying that the "newness" of it all will fade and he will sleep through the night like he use to. To add to the crazy midnight awakenings, he now likes to begin his day at about 6:15 to 6:30. Thank God for DVR because Curious George can come on at any hour!

So, here I am, preggo and nauseated, crazy kid is awake and ready to go, I barely am able to make my hubs breakfast (Before I got pregnant God had convicted me about not taking care of my husbands nutritional needs and so I had been getting up to make him Breakfast every morning, now that there is no excuse for my early rising, I am continuing to do so, another Yea me!) I then make crazy kids breakfast and proceed to lie on the couch for a few more episodes of curious George, some Clifford episodes and sesame street. (Yes I know this is over the two hour limit on TV children should be watching, but I am just going to stop typing because I'm thinking not nice things that include asterisks and exclamation points.)

The sad thing is that during all the TV watching I am in and out of sleep, sometimes even a deep sleep. Bad Mommy.

Eventually I get up and maybe we go out, maybe we play and read, but all I really have been doing is lying on the couch.

As far as cleaning the house goes...if no one is coming over then who cares!

BUT...

Today there was a change. A movement. A surge of energy.

This morning I woke up at 6:30. I made breakfast and then I laid on the couch for a little bit. But then, I got dressed and began to clean. I swished and swiped with Windex and pledge and fabulouso. I cleaned my kitchen, washed dishes. Clorox ed the sink. Dusted the living room. Vacuumed. Then, I took my kid to the park and played with him in a never ending game of hind and seek. He slid and swung. I conversed with another mommy. We then walked back home and around the block a few times and I talked to him about what he heard and what he could smell.

And when we finally got home, I continued to clean and do laundry!

YEA me!

So now if I can clean my bedroom, get dinner on the table and make a craft with my kid for his grandmothers I will be mommy of the day!

And then tomorrow I'll go back to lying on the couch and TV!

One of those days

I had one of those days. It was horrible. It was stressful. It was long.

Friends say it's a phase. I'm ready for it to end. I've had enough thank you very much!

It started this morning and did not subside.

My son is two. They say that year is suppose to be "terrible." Well, we've been in it for one month and if it lasts an entire year, I don't think I'm gonna make it. (Some keep telling me three is worse...I'm praying my kid is just advanced.)

Doors are slamming, screams are resounding, there is kicking and hitting, falling on the floor in anger and frustration, beating the Berber carpet with a fist, calling out for anyone to take it away...and the little monster is worse.

I have found that putting him in his room and shutting the door during his tirades works a little. At least it mutes him some, if anything else. He is doing this new thing, where he throws himself back onto the floor ( how he doesn't get a concussion is beyond me) and almost convulses in rage. His whole body shakes and it looks like his whole body is coming off the ground. All the while he is screaming. I'm talking blood curling, clench your face till it hurts screams. You think someone was beating him.

In then end, we both are crying, we both calm down and try to get back to normal. Ten minutes later, it happens again.

So...that was my day.

So my "Works for you Wednesday" is a bit turned around.

There are so many amazing moms out there and I know you have been in my shoes. I know you read this and are smiling and nodding your head thanking God that you are past that "phase." You may be thinking, yeah, that phase is hard, but wait till he gets to be 8 or 14 or 22!My question to you is, Do you want to trade for a day?!?

So I want to know...What works for you? I need serious help! I feel totally lost!

I will tell you one thing that did work for me despite the craziness today (by the way, I found no beauty whatsoever in today. My kid screamed, it was hot and humid, threatening rain that never came and my husband had to work late!), when my husband did finally get home, after hearing me sob on the other line, he comes in with take out, a sushi lunch for tomorrow and a pint of cookies and cream ice cream.

Though the rest is great, the cookies and cream ice cream work best. I think I'm going to enjoy that very soon!

For more tips on what works, go to Works for Me Wednesdays at http://www.rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/

Like Father, Like Son

This is my favorite picture of my boys. I love this picture. I don't know what it is...maybe it is because it's real, sweet and I don't know...how many times will my son and his dad hold hands like this?

They say that boys are suppose to look like thier mommies and girls are to look like their dads ( I don't know who they are, but apparently this is what they say).

Well, I never wanted that.

When we decided to start trying for a child I knew I wanted a boy first and everyone knew my beloved wanted a boy, because he was not ashamed in telling anyone who asked.

In the end it didn't matter because we would have been thrilled either way, but there were a few specifics I did pray for.

I prayed that my child wouldn't have my nose and I specifically remember praying that he would look like his dad and be like his dad.

Boy does God answer prayers. Little one looks just like his dad. Same eyebrows, same facial expressions, same big feet...he came out and I was like, I have a mini him!

Now that he's two, not only does he look like his dad, but he acts like his father. How a two year old can be "metrosexual" is beyond me. As I've said before, the child hates to be dirty. One drop of water or food on his shirt and it comes off. Also, he does not leave the house without his hair being fixed. The other day I was in a hurry and put him in the car and he said, "Mama, hair." So I had to quickly fix his hair. And what two year old picks his own clothes! He has to have choices on his clothing and he will refuse certain shirts if that is not the one he wants.

So all in all, I have two men in my house who are very much the same and I guess that's what I asked for. I just hope that he will grow up to be as kind and smart and goofy as his father. That he will be generous, that he will be faithful in his walk with Christ and that he will love unselfishly like his father.