Dear our best little friend ever,

Dear buddy,

Today was an interesting day. Thanks for taking us along. We always miss you when you are gone and were glad we got to help make you feel better. We were with you every step of the way today as you got something put in your ears. We think we heard your mommy call them ear tubes. Don't really know what that means, but I don't think you liked it so much. Here's what happened. We drove really far. You held us tight the whole way there. Thanks for that - sometimes we get scared in the car! Then we got out and went into this room. And guess who was there??? Grammy and Pa, Mamaw and Papaw and Aunt Rachie. Of course mommy and daddy too! Big bro didn't come - he got to go play at Aunt Susan's house. So when we got to the room they called your name and we had to go to another place. Your mommy and daddy came too. This lady tried to put something green on your leg and you didn't like it at all. Then, mommy gave you some red medicine. You started getting pretty sleepy and even a little - no a lot! giggly. But the best part... you were super snuggly. You wouldn't let go of us for anything! Your mommy and daddy read us some books and sang some cool songs. Then these people came and got us. We went to a different room without mommy and daddy. We were so scared! But not you - you, our best buddy, were so brave. Then you fell asleep. The doctor came in and worked on your ears a little. It didn't take very long and we were really curious and worried about you. Guess what happened then??? The nurse put some band aids and a mask thingy on us so you would know we were there the whole time! We look super cool. Then, it got kind of interesting. They took us back to the first room and you were still pretty sleepy. Your mommy and daddy came back there and you kind of went crazy. We've known you your entire life and haven't ever seen that from you before. You were screaming and throwing things and practically jumping out of your mommy and daddy's arms. You didn't really even want to hold us. But we understood. Everyone said it was just the medicine and you'd be fine in a few minutes. Well, about 30 minutes later, you were okay. Still grumpy, but at least you talked to us a little. And you got dressed and your mommy and daddy took you outside. We were so worried about you today, but you showed us how to be brave and how to pray to Jesus when we feel scared. We'll definitely be doing that next time we feel afraid. Big Buddy, we sure are glad you chose us to be your friends. We promise that we will love you forever!

Love,

Your best pals, Bear and Monkey

Poor Big Bad Jon

My poor baby is getting tubes in his little ears tomorrow. That's right folks... surgery for my little man. I know its perfectly normal and tons of kiddos have tubes, but the thought of my little guy being taken from me and put to sleep makes me super sad! So, I'm praying that all goes fast and that he's in no pain and is not scared. Not even a little! We have to be there at 8:15 am. Hopefully it'll be fast and pain free! Here's a couple of recent shots of my punkin. Seriously - how can you resist him? I know he's mine, but oh my goodness he is so cute! He is something else. Love love love love love love love you Jonathan! (if he could read and respond, he would say "wuv wu.") He melts my heart when he does that!

Precious

Being a parent is full of ups and downs. More ups than down, thank the Lord! Being a parent stretches you, makes you crazy, brings you to your knees and makes you smile. A lot! Last night was one of those precious moments that we'll never forget. Okay, so last night was a tough night for UK fans - no doubt about that!!! We were watching the game and trying to focus even though our little rugrats were running around wanting all our attention. Jacob announced that he was going to put on his church clothes. Okay, honey. Whatever... game's on. Go on in the other room... So, he proudly walked back in the room in size 18 month pants and an 18 month button up shirt that of course didn't match a lick. Oh and did I mention that they were both size 18 months???? Jacob wears a 4t - AND EVEN SOME OF THOSE ARE TOO SHORT. It was hysterical. Then he proceeded to pretend to be Mr. Blythe, his Sunday School teacher at FBC. It was so cute. He went through the whole routine. It was heartwarming to know that he really is paying attention. He said, "first you can play with anything you want. Even the playdoh." Then he grabbed a magazine and said "okay now it's time for the Bible story. Hmm let's see. Today we're going to learn about Hosanna." Then he said, "okay, now repeat after me." and started to recite a bible verse. Then he closed his eyes to pray. I have a short video - I so hope it works on here. It was really cute. I love this whole imaginative play stage. How fun! Oh and Hosanna! Hosanna! It's Easter season - praying blessings to you!

Three little words

(I totally stole this idea from my cousin in WV...go to www.frominmatestoplaydates.com to get her "daily dose of crazy!" Thanks Julie - may not be as creative as you, but I love this idea!!!!)

Babysitter's kid sick.
My boys too.
Fevers and cough.
Mommy home today.
Doctor's appointments later.
Need to clean.
Want to play.
Had crazy weekend.
Worked both days.
Crashed last night.
DVR is full.
Love the sunshine.
Really I do.
May go outside.
If fevers decrease.
Happy Monday Everyone!

wow...just wow!

Wow. Just wow. Time really does fly! I've heard people say that all my life and sometimes I agreed, just for the sake of being agreeable, but today, I'm having a major case of "oh my gosh I can't believe how fast time has gone" itis. I just got back from (GULP!) registering my sweet little punkin for Preschool. That's right - preschool. My Jacob is going to preschool at FBC this fall. Unbelievable. Really!!!! Any mommy would agree that this moment is a very proud moment. Any mommy would agree that preschool is a very very good thing for kiddos. Any momma in Shelbyville who knows Jan Wonderlich (the preschool director at FBC) knows that you just can't go wrong with FBC preschool. Jan is an amazing woman of God and has been a good friend of ours for many years. Billy and I were fortunate to team-teach with Jan and her sweet dear Roger who passed away a few years ago. They were quite a team. Any momma would also know that this is a huge milestone and will be instrumental in shaping the young man he will become. Any momma will also know that this feels like it should NOT be happening yet. At least this momma feels that way! Part of me is excited and watching Jacob's little eyes light up when we talk about it makes me know it's absolutely the best decision for us. BUT... can't help but feel a little, no a lot, nostalgic today! I really do feel like it was just yesterday that I found out I was preggo with Jacob. And that it was just yesterday that my water broke at the Shelbyville Cinemas and I gave birth (not at the movie theater thankfully!) and instantly fell in love. Now, 3 + years later, we have two sweet babies that keep us super busy and one of them will be getting a backpack and school clothes and (tear) maybe even a favorite teacher that he'll love as much as mommy and daddy... Jacob man, I love you and am so proud to be our momma - keep shining for Jesus baby! I pray that your compassionate little heart will make a mighty impact on FBC preschool next year and the whole world one day. Love you more than you'll ever know!!!!

They take it all in...the GOOD and the bad...

Our Sunday School class is helping with a project called "hope for Haiti," which is collecting buckets full of non-perishable food items to help provide relief to the suffering families in Haiti after the devastating earthquake they endured. Our job was to bring 10 boxes of spaghetti noodles. Yesterday, Daddy and Jacob took a little outing while Jonathan had speech therapy and got the noodles (and some ice cream incidentally...) from Kroger. Well, Daddy must have explained the project to him and he must have been working the details out in his sweet little 3 year old brain for several hours. Later in the day, we were driving to some friends' house to watch the CATS (YEAH!!!), Jacob said, "mommy, where does Leonardo live?" (Leonardo is our little boy we sponsor through Compassion International and we pray every night that he has enough food and that he is healthy). I told him that Leonardo lives in Peru and then he said, "Well, I want to go to Kroger and buy some more spaghetti noodles and then go to Peru and give them to Leonardo so he's not hungry." Oh what a compassionate heart he has. I pray that that never ever goes away and he continues to think about people in need. A good reminder to me that NOW is the perfect time for teachable moments. Moments that will hopefully guide my kiddos to be kind, gentle and compassionate for others. Much more than me, in fact!

Favorites

Okay, so I typically write a monthly letter to each of my boys...I'm going to do something a little different and jot down some of their favorite things (more for me so I never ever forget this time in my life!)

JONATHAN'S FAVS (21 months)

Favorite snack: pretzel sticks

Favorite cartoon character: PETE (hands down!), but Barney is a close second

Favorite book: Thomas the Train - it's so cute...there's a page where Thomas has a sad face and every time Jonathan gets to that page, he tilts his head and gives a pout face - PRECIOUS!!!!!

Favorite song: "Thank You Jesus" (a little song we made up, but he loves it so much!) and "The Wheels on the Bus." Oh and the Veggie Tales song. So cute. One day, Andy McDonald was coming to our house and we call him Andy-Tales (no idea why, but we do....) and Jonathan started singing the veggie tales song when we told him Andy-Tales was coming over.

Favorite cereal: Captain Crunch Berries

Favorite fruit: blueberries

Favorite veggie: peas

Favorite toy: the pretend kitchen and food

Favorite parent: daddy - no contest. :-)

Favorite friend: Jacob (aka BATMAN)

Favorite object: pacis - only for bedtime and naptime now though

Favorite time of day: right before nite nite time - he's become quite the snuggler. We walk him in his room and say " you want me to rock you and sing songs?" He says "mmm, hmmm." It is a wonderful time for us. Daddy and I have to take turns because we both love it so much.

JACOB (3 years, 4 months)

Favorite cartoon: Batman

Favorite toy: Batman stuff

Favorite activity: Playing Batman... (sense a theme here?) Jacob is really into the superhero stuff. He's Batman, Jonathan is Superman, Daddy is Robin and Mommy is Wonderwoman. Not really sure what all that means, but he is so funny right now!

Favorite accomplishment: POTTY TRAINING -Jacob makes sure to call us into the bathroom to "see my pee drops and look how much I pooped."

Favorite food: Macaroni and butter and salt

Favorite treat: Peanut M&Ms (used as treats when he potties!), oreos - which he almost always gets from his Mamaw and Papaw and sprite - which he almost always gets from Grammy and Pa.

Favorite Song: "My God is so Big, So Strong and So Mighty..." a sweet little song he learned at Mrs. Maureen's house.

Favorite friend: Jonathan (aka Superman) - they really get along so well. It's pretty cute. Jacob will even share his treats with Jonathan. He also really enjoys spending time with Ashley, his babysitter's daughter. He even said one day that he was going to marry Ashley when he get big. (oh wait just a minute, young man...you're not getting married until you're 50!) :-) He has lots of other friends too - one of his special friends is is big cousin Taylor. They just love each other.

A very FUN day!

Today was the first annual Valentine's Extravaganza at the Stover house... and it was OH.SO.FUN. I say first annual, because it was so much fun, I hope to make it an annual event! Our house was filled with twelve kiddos 4 and under and lots of heart stickers, crayons, heart animals and glitter. Yes, I said glitter. Oh my goodness, what was I thinking? I'll be finding little pieces of glitter forever. But it was so totally worth it. The kiddos made "heart" mice, and decorated little envelopes to hold their Valentines and then we ate lunch. I even made heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. (okay - so that's not totally true...my mom and dad were here and I couldn't have survived without them!!!!!) My boys had a great time and I had a lot of fun catching up with some super fantastic mommies. It is so great to see all the little kiddos hanging out and being social. It's so good for all of them. It's also a little nostalgic to think that I'll get to watch all these little guys and a few girls grow up together. I pray that they will all love the Lord with all their hearts and will help keep each other out of trouble when they get older! I feel so grateful today - grateful for my boys, grateful for my hubby, grateful for my friends and family...what a blessed woman I am. I thank God for all these blessings and that I can somehow figure out a way to be home more with my boys (part time job where are you???).

the most pitiful little snowman in history!!!

Jacob and Jonathan have so wanted to build a snowman since they were introduced to the beloved Frosty video this holiday season. We've had a few snowy days, but most of it has been that powdery dusty snow that won't make a snow ball. Well, today, it snowed a little bit and it was sticky snow. So.we.tried. We merely got a dusting of snow, so there was little to pick from. But we tried. That's what's important. Mommy did most of the work - Jacob and Jonathan just kept falling and eating the snow. I kept saying - bring me lots of snow, and they just didn't get it. So, with very thin cloth gloves, I got busy. My hands were freezing and I was trying to snap some pics along the way. So, all those excuses=pitiful little snowman, but it made the boys happy. They both gave him a hug (and oops - made his head fall off a few times). Fun times. Here's to no more snow and bring on SPRING!!!!

why I haven't had time to post on my bloggy page...

Well, we've been busy little beavers in this crazy house... between working FULL (yuck!) time, trying to keep up with house work, keeping up with all the great TV right now - seriously, we're into way too many shows - yikes!, stomach bugs all around, exercising (for real), running all over the place chasing my fun and silly boys and potty training. WHAT DID THAT JUST SAY???? Yep, that's right folks, we are 100% knee deep into the whole potty training business. As I've posted before, Jacob has really not been into the whole potty thing. He has said many times that he would never ever go potty or that he'll potty when he's 11... BUT last Saturday we had a major breakthrough! I nonchalantly told him I wanted to give him a treat. He of course was intrigued and asked what it was. I told him I couldn't tell him unless he peed on the potty. Well, son of a gun, it worked! He went pee on the potty!!! It was pretty funny that day - he kept saying he needed to go and would sit on the potty and maybe a drop would come out and he'd say "can I have another M&M??? Well, 7 days later and he's still doing AWESOME!!!!! He's even telling me when he needs to potty. He is so proud. We've done lots of treats and praise and he just beams from ear to ear. We even made a huge deal out of getting him some super hero undies. Jonathan's even gotten in on the action - he sits on his potty too, but he hasn't actually gone pee yet. What about #2 you ask? Some success there too! HOORAY! I think we're finally on our way to having a civilized 3 year old who potties like everyone else in his class at church. What a relief! But I do have to say - it's exhausting - to keep reminding him. Cleaning up the "accidents," keeping lysol handy for the #2 mishaps - sometimes he gets off the potty before the deed is done if you know what I mean. I am soooooooo proud of my very big boy. A little bitter sweet for this momma - I can't believe how big my boys are. They make my world complete. I triple heart each of them so very much.

* since I'm not really down with posting action shots of the whole potty business, I'll leave you with a few shots of the evidence. Where we've been camping out lately (bonus I love my kiddos PB kids bathroom!!!!!) and the sticker chart and several of his big boy underpants.

Pretend Play

Our boys are so much fun right now! It's a whole new world here - toys are great, but honestly it seems like the boys rarely need toys to have a great time. Tonight was no exception. After dinner, Jacob came in the kitchen and asked me, "mommy, can I borrow some of your clothes?" Hmmm..."sure sweetie, I guess." Jacob came out a few minutes later wearing my black boots and one of my t-shirts - a stinky one from yesterday's workout class no less. :) Then, Jonathan came running in and handing me shoe after shoe - to each one of course, I said "thank you so much!" and he thought that was the greatest thing ever. I have a lot of shoes, so this process took a while. Then, the boys decided they were "going to work." They got a whole bunch of Daddy's ties off his tie rack and put them on their necks. Jacob would say, "okay you stay at Mrs. Maureen's and I'll be back." Jonathan would put about 4 ties on and wave bye and blow a kiss. Then he'd come back in the room with a little toy for me. It was so cute! We were having so much fun that I forgot about a pan of spaghetti noodles I had on the stove to put in the chili I made for Billy for tomorrow's lunch. Man, our house smells GROSS with a capitol G! We were probably about 2 minutes away from a smoky house and smoke detector issues. My goodness - at least it was my awesome Pampered Chef pot and even though the noodles were completely burned and stuck to the bottom - it all came out! I love me some Pampered Chef cookware! If it had been any other pan, I would have just. thrown.it.away. Seriously. But I digress - back to the fun... the boys played "work" for about 45 minutes and it was just priceless. Wouldn't trade moments like that for anything in the whole world!

New Era at the Stover House

It seems as though we've entered a new era at our home. I love watching our boys grow and mature and I have to admit - I was really excited when Jacob starting really using his imagination to play. It is really neat to see him learn and grown in this way. Of course, there are good and bad things about imaginative play - not only does he love to pretend the couch is a pirate ship and we're the pirates, or that his microphone stand is a "wazard" (really - I didn't make that up - no idea what a wazard is, but apparently it protects the Stovers), or that his lunch is fueled with superpowers...He also is afraid of monsters and shadows. Funny stuff. I love it. I had a major revelation today though... I am a girly girl through and through and have a lot of work cut out for me for this "boy" stuff to become natural. The newest craze at our house - SUPERHERO play. Now, I had me a cool pair of Wonderwoman Underroos when I was little, but that was the extent of my knowledge on Superheros. :-) I think my mom still has those underroos somewhere. I digress... So, it seems I have some learning to do. Today for instance, Jacob was Batman, Daddy was Robin, mommy was wonderwoman and Jonathan was Spiderman. Cute stuff! Any other boy mommas out there with any superhero advice?

life's lessons

I had a humbling moment tonight in the shower... I know that sounds weird, but I felt like I needed to share this and just get it off my chest. Some of my dear friends know about a difficult situation I've been dealing with at work lately - well, really for several months. I supervise a great number of people across the state, and one of my folks is particularly challenging for me. It's been a long road - I've kept lots of documentation about concerns from other folks about this particular person. I was looking back at my prayer journal and noticed a prayer request from JULY 2009 about this guy - that my attitude would be Christlike with him and that I could be a Godly supervisor to him. Well, last week, it all came to blows. All of you know how much I love conflict, right??? oh gosh - I avoid it at all cost! Anyway - it didn't go well. He was angry and even said the GD word - which I almost came out of my skin and did strongly ask him not to speak like that in my presence. Soooo.... what's the big humbling moment from my quiet time in the shower tonight you say? God reminded me that my difficult employee is a child of His and is deeply loved and respected by the One who matters most and MY JOB is to love him as Christ would. POW! right in the middle of my forehead!!! I have not been good at this with this person - I've said ugly things about him to other people. I've lost focus! Pray for me, ya'll? Please??? I have another meeting with him tomorrow. Thanks!

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is Love!

Dear Santa,

Dearest Santa (or "Ho Ho Ho" as Jonathan says),

We know this is a little late and we do hope you'll accept our tardy thank you note, BUT thanks a whole bunch for all the cool stuff you brought to our house for Christmas. We really like Mickey Mouse and you must have known, because it was like a Mickey Christmas at our house in Shelbbabill. (oh - Shelbyville to the not so "country 3 year olds). Oh and we also love love loved the telescope, drums and jack in the box. Christmas was a very special day! We were very busy, but so excited when we walked downstairs and saw our stockings filled up and a bunch of pretty presents under the tree. Glad you liked your cupcakes we left you. Each year, we make cupcakes for two special birthday boys. First, Uncle Jerry has his big day on Christmas Eve. Then, the other birthday boy is Jesus - the whole reason for Christmas. Mommy and Daddy tell us lots about Him and we even read his birthday story from the Bible first thing that morning. We were especially interested in finding the angel and then we got to put baby Jesus in his manger thingy in the nativity scene. Nativity is such a big word - aren't we smart for knowing it???

Well, Santa - we bet you are still really tired from last week and we bet your belly still hurts from all the cookies. We hope you rest lots and we promise to be good this year so you'll come back to Shelbbabill next year!

lots of love, Jacob and Jonathan

December is full of fun!

December is a fun month for so many reasons - of course - COUNTDOWN to Christmas! We've had so much fun! Jacob and Jonathan got this cool countdown thing - it has little windows for each day and a piece of chocolate is underneath. The very first thing Jacob asks for everyday is "what number do I get to do today???" Thanks Mamaw for this special treat! Jonathan likes the chocolate, but doesn't really get the whole countdown thing... Then we got to go to a Christmas party at my aunt and uncle's in Louisville last weekend. So much fun. Neither of my boys were crazy about Santa, but we managed to get a "sort of" picture. Then to top it off, we traveled to Cave City to celebrate Pa's birthday. Jacob and Tay even helped make homeade biscuits - pa's favorites! I love seeing my dad be a grandfather - such a neat experience. My boys are the apples of his eye and he just loves hanging out with them! We are so blessed! Sometimes its so easy to take for granted all the wonderful things in our lives! May we truly take some time this Christmas season to thank God for all our wonderful blessings and of course - the biggest blessing of all - the birth and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

take one...take two...take twenty

Family pictures are a treasure! But on my goodness, when you have a squirmy and hungry 1 year old and a jumpy, silly-smilin' 3 year old, it's tough! Even with the best photographer (Angela Wisley is one of the best!!!!), it is tough to capture everyone looking right at the camera. Tough to have no eyes closed. Next to impossible to get everyone smiling. Here's the evidence! All things considered, we were VERY pleased with our Christmas pics this year. And we had fun with Angela and Cheri Ann.

A few observations

In lieu of the traditional "letter to my boys" this month, I thought I'd do something different. Here's a few observations about my sweet boys:

Jacob

* Your hair looks like a chia pet. :-) Love it, but seriously, it gets bigger and bigger and bigger.

* You have your daddy wrapped around your little finger..."but daddy..."

* You LOVE Frosty the Snowman - you've seen in 50 times in the last week. You should thank Aunt Carol and Uncle Chris for introducing to your new hero.

* Treats are of utmost importance to you. Your favorite treat is ice cream - a man after my own heart! :-) You're pretty good about not wanting treats before meals, but not so good about not wanting them right.before.bed. ahem!

* You are Mr. Independent - you take your clothes off all by yourself, pick out your clothes, put them on sometimes - you always like to zip your pants, but the button is sometimes tricky for you. You are very opinionated about what you wear and definitely make a distinction between "home clothes, play clothes and church clothes." CUTE!

* You love learning the letters at Ms. Maureen's and always ask her first thing,"what letter are we doing today?"

* You really "get" emotions and are impacted when someone seems sad. You always say,"are you happy?" and then you come give the biggest hugs.

* You think it's hilarious to pass gas or toot as you call it...must be a boy thing.

* You are one strong-willed little guy - especially coming out around your LACK of potty participation.

* You do not like to get your picture taken (unless Angela Wisely is taking your pic!)

* You are a happy little guy. I love your sweet spirit and your inquisitive nature. You are loved beyond imagination. Jesus loves you sweetie and has a wonderful plan for your life! I hope you learn to listen to Him.

Jonathan:

* You are a squirmy little guy and hate getting your clothes or diaper changed.

* You are working so hard to communicate with us and I really appreciate your efforts. Your signs are getting really good and you even said "open" this week and "i want that." Good boy!!!!

* You climbed out of your crib once this month and nearly gave me a heart attack - don't even think about doing that again. Mommy is not ready for the big boy bed trauma to commence again.

* You love your nite nite bear. I love watching you drag him around by his little arm. Sweet!

* You would watch Mickey 24 hours a day if we'd let you! Trust me honey, playing toys is so much more fun! Mickey's okay sometimes, but give mom a break and stop doing that ridiculously cute sign for Mickey.

* You're starting to mimic counting - really cute! You play hide and go seek with your brother and have so much fun! You actually are better at finding us than Jacob is...

* Sometimes, you get so frustrated when you want something and can't get it. I hate to see you frustrated and have to remember that when Jacob was 18 months old, he didn't have to compete with anyone. Be patient little one...we're always here to help you!

* You love ketchup - seriously - if you have ketchup on your plate, you'll eat just about anything. You're a great eater anyway, but the ketchup even helps more. You love to eat hot dogs, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, yogurt, eggs, lima beans, peas...really most anything. Except spaghetti - hello, you are a Stover aren't you???

* You love all the Christmas lights and are doing a great job leaving the ornaments alone. Way to go little man!

* You are so loved and bring so much joy to our family. You are a funny guy and have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. You are the joy of my life and I'm so thankful to be your mommy! Jesus loves you so much and wants your life to be filled with his blessings.

Perfect Spot

Whew - I've been on a bit of a bloggy hiatus - no real reason, just busy busy busy decking the halls and fa-la-la'ing all over the house! We do have everything decorated and I just love Christmas time! I love looking at all our beautiful ornaments and the special memories they bring. I love the little place mat custom made with my boys feet and hand prints into cute little Rudolphs. I love my Precious Moments tree. I love the Mickey tree I created for the boys room. I love it all. I love what Christmas is all about and I'm glad we go "all out" for Jesus' Birthday. But, I have to be honest, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning seeing it through the eyes of my sweet children. This year seems especially exciting - the boys are enjoying the holidays already. The are fascinated with all the decorations and the full little music making stuffed animals we have. Jacob was really into decorating the tree this year - he took special care to put each ornament in the perfect spot. (the picture here shows the "special spot" for several ornaments - the exact same branch.) Wouldn't change it for anything. And today, he was putting on a white church ornament and said "mommy, is this where Obama lives?" hmmm...white church/white house - I can see how he got confused. Jonathan even got into it a little. May each of you take a few minutes to be grateful for all this season means and enjoy the "little moments."

Potty training is a War at the Stover House...

and the potty is the enemy, apparently. Potty training is a tough activity. Jacob is totally ready to potty train and hates to be wet or dirty, but OH MY GOODNESS he won't pee in the potty for anything! He is a very very good boy most of the time - very sweet and obedient (well, at least 90% obedient...) :-) He uses good manners, nice words and even likes his brother. My little Jacob is a very smart young man too...seriously. He can carry on a conversation like he's 30, not 3. Here's an example... Mommy, "Wow, that Elmo Chart you and daddy got today about going to the potty is very cool. I can't wait to put stickers on it." Jacob, "Thanks for getting me the Elmo chart, but you can put those stickers away because I not going to go pee on the potty." Traditional bribes haven't worked either...we tried M&Ms, lots of silly praise and extra kisses... nothing seems to work. Good ole fashioned peer pressure hasn't seemed to have an impact either - ohh, Ashely potties on the potty, Trent potties on the potty, Pierce potties on the potty...you get the drill. Jacob says - "I don't want to." And end of story for him... we'll trying to be patient and just trying to let it happen as it should. I know that a lot of boys don't potty until 3 1/2 -4. I know that it's not worth stressing over or fighting with him right now. I figure if he's still wearing diapers when he's married, it'll be his wife's issue then. :-)

Daddy's Boys

I believe with all my heart that my boys have the best daddy on the planet. Really - he is so active in their lives. So patient with them. Loves to "romp and wrestle" with them - he totally trumps me on this one!!! I am a girly girl to the core. :-) He is a wonderful role model. He loves to read books with them. He loves to play puzzles. He loves to watch TV with them - okay maybe he doesn't love the Wiggles and Mickey, but he sure does tolerate them. He loves to watch them play together. He hates it when they hurt or feel sad. And he (self-admittedly) is somewhat of a softie. :-) So, it's no wonder that my boys are both turning into quite the daddy's boys. Jacob, more so than Jonathan. Seriously - Jacob loves his daddy more than anything in the world!!!!! It's a really precious relationship and I treasure watching them together. And, I have to admit, this daddy's boy phase is working to my advantage some times...especially in the middle of the night. Yes, Jacob still wakes up in the middle of the night almost every night (AAACCCKKK!!!!) and when he does, he screams "DAAAADDDEEEE," which is nice for me, because I can just roll right back over and pretend he didn't wake up. Daddy walks upstairs so patiently and gets him back to sleep and usually falls asleep in the process. So yes, it has its advantages... but selfishly, I must admit, sometimes I wish I was the favorite. Oh I know that sounds terribly selfish, but those sweet mommas boys you hear about...I want that. I really do. There. I said it. Confession from deep in my heart. :-) Bottom line, I love my boys so much and I want the best life has to offer for them and I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that their daddy is that for them and I am so grateful. I'm grateful to share parenthood with him and I'm thankful for the amazing example he is to our boys. Couldn't ask for more in this life...ever!