Porter is 3 (and another year older for me too)

On February 2, Porter turned 3! Ever since Brooke's birthday a few months ago, he's been so excited for his own celebrations and we tried to make it special for him.  I found a cute idea for a birthday cake on pinterest and copied it :) Porter loved his "Digger" cake.

 He had his special lunch date with Blake at McDonalds and then Honey and Pinch came over for dinner, presents, and cake.

The tractor presents were a big hit!

At 3, Porter loves to tease and be teased. We joke, poke, be silly, and snuggle often. He'll say, "I need you mommy" and want to come sit in my lap and have me hold him tight. He can't wait for daddy to come home so they can wrestle. He has gotten to the age where he doesn't let Brooke boss him around so much. He knows exactly what to do to make Brooke get upset and torments her by running over, snatching a toy she was playing with, and then running away laughing. Of course Brooke screams and runs after him. They have a love/hate (typical sibling) relationship. Sometimes the fighting between those two is enough to drive me crazy! And most of the time I (try to) ignore it and let them work it out. Porter starting to get very independent and doesn't want help from anyone even when he really needs it!

Favorite Shows: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Barney (He says, Barmy), and Toy Story (or Buzz-Ight-ear, as he calls it)
Favorite Toys: his train set and all of his cars/tractors
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese, Tacos, Chicken Nuggets--very healthy, I know
Favorite Activities: playing outside in the dirt, riding the four wheeler or tractor, playing with friends

We've told Porter that our church is Jesus' house. So of corse when we took him in the bathrooms to go potty, he sits on the toilet and says, "This is Jesus' potty?"

This summer I was addicted to getting drinks from 7-11. I pretty much got one everyday. And in our town, there is practically a 7-11 on every corner! It got to the point that every time we'd drive past one, Porter would say, "Mommy drink?" and if I'd pass one without stopping he'd say, "Mommy no drink today!"

He's going through a hitting stage which we're trying to curb, and a stage where he doesn't want to listen or tells me no.  Just recently his sentences have gotten so much better--saying a complete sentence instead of just a phrase with missing words. He also struggles with stuttering which we think is mostly him trying to talk too fast. We are trying to work on slowing him down when he talks so he can think about what he's trying to say.

We love our Porter- "buckwheat"- and love the funny, cute, imaginative little boy you've become!

 Porter has a serious scowl face. I think he even has Brooke beat when it comes to giving dirty looks.

 normal face

 scowl

 normal face

 scowl

Porter loves baby Grant. The older kids are constantly competing for Grant's attention, so when Brooke's at school, the brothers get some time to themselves.

 

 and Grant rolled over! this has made tummy time so much more fun. My other kids didn't roll over until they were about five months old, so I was very surprised how early Grant rolled over (a little over 3 months)

 And a week later, on February 9 it was my birthday--thus ending the 4 month birthday season until October when it will be Grant's turn. For my birthday Blake and I went to lunch without the kids and bummed around town. Blake grilled me some burgers and lobster tails for dinner (so yummy!) and the kids were excited for cake.

 And celebrating my day with Blake and these three yahoos made it the best day ever!

3 Months old!

At the beginning of January, we decided to move Grant into his own room. I was really reluctant to do it since Grant had become my little buddy at night, but I knew we'd both sleep better if he was in a room of his own. Of course, I can't help but peek in on him all the time.
Also at the beginning of January, Grant found his hands. I love this little milestone as it means that he's just discovered a small part of his new world.

 Tummy time!

 At 3 months old, Grant is more into his routine. He takes several short naps and one long nap during the day--he sleeps for about 8 hours at night before he wakes up to eat. He's very good natured and very curious about things. He isn't really a big cuddler, instead he will arch his back and neck and twist to see whatever has grabbed his attention. He sits on my lap totally mesmerized at Brooke's soccer games. His only little baby quirk is that he hates his carseat. Hates it. So unless he's alseep while we're driving, he's usually crying. Luckily Brooke is a great big sister and sits right next to him and is in charge of keeping him happy.

 At 3 months, we're also starting to get some big smiles. laughs, squeals, and coos. Nothing melts my heart like hearing Grant interact with us. He is such a sweet little boy and we love having him in our home.

January Recap

January has come and gone...here's what we've been up to:

The kids (and Blake and I) have loved playing the Richard Scary Busytown game. It's a mix of eye-spy and candyland and it's just a really fun family-friendly game.

The kids adore Grant and it's gotten to the point where I have to tell them to leave him alone. "Get out of his face," I say. "Be soft with him," I'm constantly reminding. "Stop running your trucks all over his face!"

 Brooke loves to do crafts and I'm always impressed by her creativity.She definitely thinks outside the box. She made a umbrella one day and then after watching "How to Train Your Dragon 2" she made a pair of wings--each of these all by herself with no help or guidance at all.

 We signed Brooke up for indoor soccer. This has been our first experience with organized sports. Brooke has liked it okay and it's been a real learning experience for us. The evenings are typically family time at our house, so it's been an adjustment to load everyone up for games and practices.

 This is Brooke and her best pals that live on our street. They can usually be found holding hands while running around the soccer field. Brooke is not very competitive, but I think learning a sport has been good for her confidence.

 Porter has turned into quite the social little guy. He loves to play and have friends over. Porter and S. are only 3 weeks apart and S. is the son of Blake's best friend from high school. It's so fun that they'll grow up together too--the next generation of trouble makers! ;)

 And I finally completed a project that I've wanted to do since Brooke was a baby--what to do with all the hospital keepsakes from each of my children? This shadowbox had pictures and things of Blake and I when we were dating and first married, but I emptied it out and put the kids' things in it instead. The boys each have their shirts, hospital bracelets and hats they wore. Brooke has her hat, booties, hospital bracelet and her little hair bow. Then I made a little card with each of their birth dates and birth information. We have it hanging in the hallway between the kids' rooms and I love how it turned out.