Three?? How can he be?

Three years ago today, at 12:25pm we heard the words "it's a BOY!" - Adam James was here. When I think about the day he was born, lots of snippets come into my mind: I remember looking at his feet first, and so had to ask Jeff if it was a boy or a girl; I remember the exact way his lips were shaped as he was crying; I remember being amazed at how big he was - all 9lbs 15oz of him. Most of all, I remember swelling with pride and loving him instantly - a huge, all-consuming love that only a parent knows.

Fast forward three years. Adam is a smart toddler who is obsessed with all things that have wheels. Construction vehicles. Monster trucks. Dirtbikes. Tractors. ATV's. You name it, he knows what it is, and probably owns a few in miniature form. He's tall - most people assume he's 4 or 5 years old (actual stats will come when he has his doctor appointment this week!). He's sensitive. He's shy. He loves his family. He's cute as can be (most of the time, anyways).

We had a party for him at our house this past Saturday. Everyone was able to come, so that made it a full house - literally. I am kicking myself, however, for forgetting to videotape the exact part of the party that I had set my camera out on the counter to videotape: the singing of "Happy Birthday To You." Believe me when I say that he throughly enjoyed that part of the celebration - he was beaming.

Of course, he also liked eating cake and opening his presents (" I think there's race cars in here!") - you know, typical birthday party fare. He went to bed a very happy boy that night.

There's really nothing like seeing a kid enjoying himself as he's surrounded by those that love him the most in this world. No matter the age, may he always feel as happy, safe and loved.

Happy Birthday, Adam!

UPDATE: Adam measured 42 1/4 inches tall and weighed 37.6lbs at today's appointment. Big boy!

Miles at 6 Months

It's amazing that Miles is 6 months old already! It seems like he's been here forever, yet the past six months have gone by so quickly!

At his appointment this week, he weighed in at 16.1 pounds (26%) and measured 29 1/2 inches long (off the charts!). He found Dr. VanZee very interesting, and was quick to flash him his huge, dimpled smile.

His personality continues to develop, but has maintained his relaxed demeanor. He loves to watch Adam, and his eyes light up anytime he is in view. He can't sit up on his own yet, but he can roll - and roll, and roll. He loves grabbing for things and putting anything and everything in his mouth. Speaking of which, if he isn't chewing on a toy of some sort, he's probably got his fingers in his mouth. Sometimes I think a pacifier is the better way to go, because then you can actually take it away, but Miles never wanted anything to do with a pacifier. He much prefers the index and middle fingers of his left hand. Yum. He is very ticklish, especially under his chin. He's not big on naps, but when he is tired, he'll lay down on his belly without a fight.

In the coming days, we'll experiment with solid foods. Last night's introduction with oatmeal was met with a less-than-hardy welcome. Ha!

School's not in...

September means the start of a new school year. This week I couldn't help but think that this is probably the last year that I won't be getting Adam ready for school in the mornings. Can you believe it? Because he's so tall and therefore looks older than he really is, I often get asked if he's in preschool; To that I reply a) he's only 2 (ok, so he's almost three), and b) i'm not sure if i'm even doing preschool.

I once heard Dr. Laura say that preschool was created to make stay-at-home moms feel inferior - that there is nothing your child learns in preschool that can't be taught at home. Finally, she spouted that children should be enrolled in school no earlier than age 5 - for kindergarten.

I'm not sure I completely agree with her, but it did make me think a bit. I've heard lots of reasons for sending kids to preschool: moms with younger kids send their oldest to preschool because they need a break, moms who think they can't teach them as well as a schoolteacher can, and moms that just do it for socialization.

If we do enroll Adam to preschool next year (and we probably will...) it will be because we think Adam will really benefit from the structure of a few days at school, and want him to be familiar with the idea of a school day before he enters kindergarten (which, may or may not be all-day, depending on the school). Finally, I think he'd really enjoy the interraction with other kids his age on a regular basis.

For this year, I vow to enjoy having my little love at home with me in the mornings. Waking me up in the morning, instead of the other way around ("you up, mommy?"). Not rushing through breakfast. Watching a cartoon or two...or three.

Yes, these mornings should be treasured, because before I know it, i'll be whisking him off to school and crying in the car on the way home wondering where my little baby went...

3 boys and a girl at the beach...

Labor Day 2008

After Jeff came home from work, we scrambled to pack up for a late afternoon trip to the beach. 45 minutes later, the car was loaded up with our gear and we were headed out to PJ Hoffmaster State Park.

Adam was so excited! He was ready to take on the beach.

It's so great to see "old hat" places through the eyes of a child. Adam thought the "wavers" were hilarious. Each time a wave crashed into his little body, he would giggle hysterically. Awesome. God bless his dirtbike; his trusty sidekick with missing handlebars and chipped paint has become his constant companion and prized possession. On this adventure, it traveled through sand ramps and jumped over waves. It was buried in sand, lost, and then (thankfully!) found again.

And Miles. For a kid that refused to take any semblance of a decent nap yesterday, he did awesome. He fell asleep briefly while nursing on the beach, but other than that, he was as happy as can be. Laying on a beach blanket under the shade of Dad's MSU umbrella. Snuggling next to my body wrapped in the Moby. Having his toes dunked in the cool Lake Michigan water. He took it all in.

For us parents, these outings are far from relaxing. The payoff is seeing your kids happy and just really thrilled with their surroundings. Time well spent as a family.

The trip home didn't go as smoothly, but this scenario seems to be par for the course on any trip - no matter how distant the travels. Miles screamed the whole way home, and Adam was whining because he didn't want to leave the beach. A few "serenity now!" thoughts and we were home again, ready to jump back into the ol' "you take Miles, and i'll take Adam" routine of getting the two in bed for the night.

Thank goodness both were tired enough to actually fall asleep and stay asleep.