Just a couple bums

Based on the rear-view, you'd certainly never know these two were related!
I have a feeling they're going to disown me during their teen years based on my obsession with their adorable cheeks and the frequency at which I've displayed them for the world to see.

Success at Last!

I know this is one of those posts that's much more exciting to me than anyone else, but just indulge me :)
Bennett is officially potty-trained! He's been in strictly underwear since Thursday morning and hasn't had a single accident!! And the most shocking thing to me...he's woken up dry for the last 3 nights too! I can hardly believe we've crossed this milestone. I've been so proud of him. Although, he still doesn't quite have down the social rules of potty-use. I warned them when I dropped him off at Sunday School this morning that this was his first week out in underwear and to just be ready to take him to the bathroom. I heard afterwards that part-way through class he dropped his drawers to his ankles and shouted, "I have to go pee-pee!" (Two weeks baring it all at church...sheesh! People are going to wonder if this boy ever wears clothes at home! Ummm...he doesn't. Ha!) He kind of made up his mind about all of this on his own. For several weeks, I've made him leave his diaper off at home if we happened to be at home all day (this would be maybe one or two days a week) but he usually put up a bit of a fuss and always preferred his diaper. And then, boom, all of a sudden, after a full day at home this past Thursday, and Friday at his Nana and Poppy's, he says, "I don't wear diapers anymore. I wear underwear." And that's that!

3 short years

And so much life. How do you sum up 3 years of life with a child? Tiring, invigorating, stressful, calming, hard, wonderful, emotional, joyful...parenting brings out the best (and often worst) sides of your personality and character. I've realized how methodical and scheduled I am but with enough spontaneity to let a boy be a boy. I've realized how selfish I am when I begrudge my children the fact that I can't eat when I want (or at the temperature at which I prefer my food!) or read or relax when I want. I've realized how strong I can be when I'm beyond exhausted but can muster that last bit of enthusiasm and energy to still have fun and be patient with him. I've realized no matter what life brings, I will still take over an hour to get ready in the morning. People said I'd learn to move faster...I haven't. I'm just later. I've learned how much I love to learn and to teach, because I get the most joy out of watching Bennett learn new things. I've learned how much pride goes into parenting and that watching your child succeed at something is just as satisfying (if not more so) as succeeding at something yourself. I've been confirmed a hundred times over that being a mother is and always has been my greatest calling in life. I hate even working two days a week and feel so loved and fulfilled when every time I've been away for more than 5 minutes, Bennett shouts, "Mom!" when he sees me and runs full force to me and hugs me. These years are hard and I truly look forward to when our kids are a bit older and we can do all kinds of fun things together but with age comes far fewer snuggles and kisses and "Mom, can you sleep with me for a second?". I love consoling Bennett after he gets hurt in the way that only a mother can. I hope he always wants me to read to him. I hope he always needs me. I hope he always knows that he's a part of me- a huge part of my heart walking around on this earth, vulnerable and fragile. He's exactly what I imagined he'd be- wild, sweet, rough, sensitive, smart, funny and caring. And so much more. God created a one of a kind and he's amazing.

1st Birthday

The first time he came out of the bath with curls...I remember trying so hard to get this picture so they'd show!

2nd Birthday

If he had no toys and only books, he'd still be content!

June 6th, 2010. My attempt at a special birthday breakfast in the rush to get to church!

We love you Bennett. More than you'll ever grasp...until you have kids of your own!

Wild Thing, you make my heart sing!

The big day finally came...and went. We had Bennett's third birthday party on Saturday and he officially turned 3 yesterday. I love planning and celebrating birthdays and this year I commissioned my mother-in-law because she's the party theme queen. She's creative and crafty...two areas I can always use help in. We had so much fun planning a Where the Wild Things Are party for my very wild boy. I searched the blogosphere and found some adorable ideas. It started with this (which I copied from here):

My friend, Elizabeth, is my go-to-gal for a lot of things. I knew I could ask her help on making these invites. They turned out perfect. She's pretty much a super-mom. She has 3 kids under 4, and one on the way, which in its own right, qualifies you as super-mom. And yet she does a million other things on the side, including awesome photography. So anyway, maybe she never cleans and sleeps 4 hours a night. I know that's not true, but it'll make the rest of us feel better.

We kicked off the royal rumpus with storytime:

The "wild things" were instructed to roar and gnash teeth and show claws at the appropriate times:

Next was the Pin the Tail on Max game:


Judie outdid herself on the Max costume. I'm sure there won't be any mischief from this sweet thing!:

I love how their personalities came out in this pic:

And the piece de resistance (copied from here):


So proud of himself : )

And some wild presents:

The goody bags with color coordinated candy, of course!:

And then things got even wilder...

I couldn't think of a better way for a 3 (or 30) year old boy to end a birthday party!