The sweetest boy

This little guy will not stop growing, no matter how nicely I ask.

I love the stage he is in - so inquisitive (we are in the thick of the "Why, mom?" phase) and very sensitive and aware of what's going on around him. We are having some success with our recent attempts at potty training, and even a few chuckles. Yesterday he lined up the 2 plastic potty chairs in the family room one in front of the other, and exclaimed "Look, mommy! A potty train!". I am certain that he hears us talk about 'potty training' and is taking the phrase literally.

He is learning how to channel his frustration by using words to articulate emotions he feels, and I often forget that it's only been 2 months since we brought Maddie home. Add in the transition of Ellie sleeping in his room and also being relegated to the 3rd row of seats in the van by his lonesome, and you are bound to have a few rocky moments until the dust settles.

We have noticed that he's become particular about certain things, and I can't tell if it's just the age or his personality (I think maybe a combination of the two?). He refuses to settle down to sleep for the night if his closet doors are not completely closed, if the right combination of blankets are not in his bed with him, if I forget to sing "Holy, Holy, Holy", if Rob and I don't do a group hug with him, etc.

He is definitely Daddy's buddy. I love watching the two of them together, knowing that theirs will be a special relationship and one that I hope remains strong for the rest of their lives. Saturday mornings often present the opportunity for them to run errands together - GBL, to rip off Jersey Shore - ha! (grocery, bank, laundry).

He is such a sweet little guy - quick to offer comfort if one of us seems down or hurt. He loves his aunties and uncles, and cannot get enough of his grandparents.

I love to tell him the story of how we prayed that our first baby would be a boy, and that God gave him to us as the answer to our prayers. About how God has a special plan for his life, and it includes being a great big brother to his little sisters. About how wonderful and special he is. He loves hearing about it too, and I have the feeling we will be retelling this story for the rest of his life.