Adam turns 3!

Adam is growing to be a loquacious, independent and knowledgeable three year old. He is the smallest of the group (recent height of 3 ft (17%) and weight of 30lb (32%)) and has recently obtained the moniker "Baby Boy." While no longer a baby, he is certainly adored by his older brothers who vie for his attention. They alternately love to hold his hand, help him and carry him and then get upset when he breaks their Legos and swats and kicks them. He prefers to serve his own food, make his sandwiches with Mom or Dad, put his shoes on (on the right feet or not) and loves his soft, blue blankie. He is very loving in his words and spontaneously tells all his family members they love him (while hugging himself with both arms and saying "I love you this much"). He is a few months into preschool and while he still struggles with staying on the rug for all of circle time, he is very independent in his play during work and play time and even visits the art station! He naps most days and goes along with the plans for the day, especially enjoying walking to and from his brother's school. He's a delightful little three year old and is beloved by his family!

Thomas turns 5!

Thomas continues to grow and learn more each day. He now weighs 43 lbs 12 oz (66%) and is 3 ft 7.75 in (59%) tall. He continues to be typically cheery in spirit and loves to sing and play. He especially enjoys playing with Adam in the mornings (pretending to be mice or burrowing under pillows or being Handy Mandy or pretending to shoot or sword fight). He loves to play with his older brothers in the afternoon, particularly with their coveted Legos and running around the alley. He's decidedly left handed and even made a joke about how funny it was to write with his right hand since it felt awkward. He enjoys sharing a room with Adam and they often wake up and get up early together (what a coincidence!). He can't wait to be old enough to watch Star Wars, though he acts like he already knows all about it. He is a cheery delight with a broad, dimpled smile and a terrific cowlick in front. He still self-identifies as Sunshine and has now also accrued the nickname of "T.T."

Superlatives

I was looking at pictures of a new listing in our neighborhood on Zillow. Andrew asked what I was looking at. I said it was a house near the park but I didn't think it had as good of a back yard as we have. He said he thought our house was "the most best that he's ever sawn" so I should just stop looking. Awesome!

Recent favorite quotes

"Daddy, can we eat the dirty bowl that's in front of us when you're done?" - Thomas age 4 (as he helps Daddy bake a cake)

"Mommy, can you ask Google if cavemen came first or Jesus?" - Andrew age 7 (in the wake of a conversation with the boy down the street about the timing of dinosaurs vs bible stories vs amoebas)

Adorable creativity

Sometimes the boys can be incredibly creative and industrious in their play. We are at the tail end of Christmas vacation (they start back tomorrow) and they are busily playing school with Thomas, Andrew, Sam and our neighbor Gabe. I've been inwardly chuckling at the wonderful updates I've gotten as they fetch items from around the house. Andrew to Thomas: "Thomas, I'm going to help you. 1 plus 1 is 2 and 2 plus 2 is 4." Andrew as he goes to the shoe rack: "Mom, it's P.E. and I forgot to get Thomas his shoes." Sam: "Mom, we need a timer. Oh, and can I get this plastic car wet? I need it for science. We're doing sink or float." Then later from Andrew "Mom, can you believe it's already snack time at school?" A while later Andrew gave me a folded piece of paper that said B+ and said it was Thomas's grade. I asked Andrew what Thomas could improve on and without hesitation he answered "Prayer. He could do better with prayer. He was pretty good all day except for the end. And he had gun class taken away." "Guns?", I asked. "Yes" Andrew replied without hesitation. "He took a gun and shot the place up and we're going to have to rebuild it so he had guns taken away." Apparently they've joined the NRA when we weren't looking! Perhaps the influence of so many blasters in The Force Awakens?