It's Fun To Stay At The...

Happy Third Birthday, Reeves!

Here we are at your third birthday. I can’t believe it. Only 365 yesterdays ago, I was writing to you on your second birthday, marveling at what a big boy you were becoming, still being able to count the words you were able to say, just getting introduced to your fits, and most importantly, relishing our last days with you as an only child. We have now left all those things in the dust.
Obviously, the biggest change for you has been the introduction of Bennett into our family. Daddy and I were both nervous about the way you would accept your new sibling, but we shouldn’t have worried. You have been an amazing big brother to him. You have never gotten mad at him, never intentionally tried to hurt him, and have loved him unconditionally. I say this because so far, he is the only member of the household to whom you have not said, “I don’t like you no more!” Even now that Bennett is mobile and is able to take the toys you are playing with, you will still go and get him a replacement toy as you retrieve your original toy. I know this happy nirvana of no sibling rivalry will not last forever, but it certainly is nice right now. He is your “Baby Brudder”, and he adores you just as much as you adore him.
Speaking of “Brudder”, this is as good a time as any to discuss your ever expanding vocabulary and your ever increasing ability to actually verbalize those words intelligibly. While your speech has most definitely been slow, you have now, for the most part, caught up to your peers. Your pronunciation still leaves much to the imagination for most, but we understand you pretty well, and, unless you are whining, everyone else seems to also. I am so happy to see that you have finally progressed in this category. I know school helped a lot with this.
It has been so much fun watching you grow and change over this past year. Your new brother, your new school, the fact that I am now staying home. I know all of these things have made lasting impressions on you. You have handled them all very well. There have, naturally, been a number of bumps in the road, but, like all things, these too shall pass. Your temper has certainly blossomed as you have gotten older. Daddy says you get this from me. Probably. You are also quite persistent with your demands. Your memory is like an elephants, and it is taking quite some time for you to realize that you aren’t going to get what you want just by screaming and whining about it. Someday you’ll come around. You’re already starting to make teeny, tiny steps in that direction – the one in which you realize that candy is for after a meal, not in place of it, and you may as well zip it and just go ahead and eat because the faster you do, the closer you are to your “yoyyipop.” It is definitely hard sometimes not to give in to your demands, and occasionally I have a weak moment, but luckily you have learned just to take your temper to your room and lat it work itself out there.
Reeves, you are so loved. At the end of each day, no matter how frustrating it’s been, Daddy and I always thank God for you and Bennett. We are so lucky to have both of you. You are amazing children. I can’t wait to see the new person you will become this year. Such a big boy, but you’ll always be my baby. I love you!

Bennett at Ten Months

Well, Benny Boy, here we are at ten months. I still can't believe how quickly your infancy has flown by - so fast, in fact, that I completely missed your nine month letter. We're ringing in this month with a nice case of pink eye. What fun. Luckily, the only aspect of this that seems to even remtely bother you is the treatment. You scream like I've never heard you scream when I put those drops in. Of course, you being you, you recover from this trauma remarkably fast, and seconds after we're finished, you're off and playing like nothing has happened.

As Murphy would have it, since I didn't post at your ninth month, you spent the majority of the time before that hurtling over milestone after milestone. Your two bottom teeth finally popped in in April. So far, they are the only ones brave enough to make the journey. I think they have warned all the other dental buds that you thouroughly enjoy putting any and everything in your mouth and chomping down. You have mastered the art of opening any flip top with your two little teeth.

While you had been commando crawling for a month or so, you finally made the transition to full fledged crawling. It was as if all of a sudden, one day you figured out that it was much faster and perhaps less painful to go it on your hands and knees. While I find myself doing less laundry now, I am also having to clean the floors more since you are no longer doing your sweeping laps.

On morning of your ninth month, I went in to get you from your crib and found you on your knees, holding onto the railing, looking for me. I couldn't believe it. You were getting vertical on your own. Suddenly, we had to move everything we didn't want you to have up another level. The top of the toy box was no longer a treasure safe zone for Reeves. He has adjusted accordingly and without too many meltdowns. For a few days, once you got to your knees, you were stuck. You couldn't figure out how to get back down. This led to some frantic cries on your part, but once you learned to thump down on your bottom, you were happy as a clam.

On May 20, you stayed out at the country for us to take Reeves to his endoscopy. This started what was to become a five day stay. I came down wth terrible swimmer's ear and could do nothing more than lie in bed 24/7 and wonder, "Whhhyyyy meeee?" When I went to finally see you and Reeves on Friday, I learned that you had apparently decided this was the week you would start pulling up to standing and go from crawling to sitting all by yourself. As much as I hated to miss these firsts, I am so glad you had your grandparents to take care of you for them. Of course, you have never looked back, and while there haven't been any major new developments, you have certainly perfected those you do have.

We have noticed, recently, that while you always loved the little silky blanket with your name on it that Maddelle gave you, it has now, somehow, morphed into a totally necessary security for you to have in order to go to sleep. I can't tell you how precious you are when I put you in your crib, and you grab that blanket, pullit up to your face, and put your thumb in your mouth. I also can't tell you haw terrified I am that something will ever happen to that thing. As insurance, I have bought three similar blankets and had Maddelle embroider them just the way this one is done. These imposters seem to work, but you certainly don't adore them as much as the original. As long as they soothe you off to dreamland, I, and you, seem to be OK with them.

Bennett, you are just about the happiest child I have ever known. You smile all the time, and somehow, when that one dimple appears, you get even cuter. You are, most of the time, easy going, but have no qualms about letting us know how you're really feeling. You adore your daddy and big brother. I like to think you feel the same about me, but since you jump out of my arms to get to either one of them, I'll be content with being #3 in your hierarchy for now.

We say it all the time, but, Benny Boy, we love you more than you'll ever know. You have brought such joy to our lives, we'll have to spend the rest of our time repaying you.

For No Special Reason

I just love impromptu late night family photo shoots. Mom and Dad had watched the boys while I was playing tennis tonight so that Bryant could work late. When we finished tennis, I called B's phone and learned that they were all just sitting down to dinner. While I would have loved to have 30 or 45 minutes in my house alone, I remembered that the double jogger was down there and it wouldn't fit into B's car. I'm so glad I went over there. Dinner was just delicious - sauteed tilapia, spinach, and vidalia onion casserole (to die for!). We got home late because the rain stifled any thoughts of loading boys and gear, and since Bennett had had a power nap at the grandparents', he wasn't quite ready to go right back down when we finally did get home. Bryant got on the floor and played with both boys, and I immediately ran and grabbed the camera. Bennett is often already in bed when Bryant gets home, so this was a really special time. I just love these pictures.One of Bennett's favorite things is a ball attached to this rope. Probably not the safest toy, but he never plays with it unless we're around, and the delight it brings is worth it.He has recently been all about Daddy. I definitely play second fiddle when the Daddy's around.No one is safe when both boys attack! Bennett is really beginning to be able to join in the fun. Thankfully, Reeves doesn't seem to mind too much.Luckily, Daddy survived the attack just fine and was able to regain control.It doesn't get much better than this. All the mommy frustrations just melt away at times like these.

Sheer Agony

Today I feel better than I have all week, and that's not to say I feel great, but I am up to about 75% which is far better than the -50% I was earlier. I have been attacked by the worst swimmer's ear I have ever had, quite possibly the worst swimmer's ear anyone has ever had. (I put that in just for you, Mom!)

On Tuesday morning we took Reeves to the hospital to have his endoscopy. He did perfectly, and the procedure actually took place on time. He recovered quickly from the anesthesia, and, much to my disappointment, didn't feel like he needed to sleep for the rest of the day. Unfortunately for him, my left ear had started hurting worse than ever. I couldn't hear anything out of it, and it was swollen and painful. I didn't have the energy to force him to take his nap. Bennett had spent Monday night with the Bairs, so when Bryant finished his day, he came home and got Reeves to go with him to go get Bennett. So sweet. This would give me time to rest and hopefully recover. No such luck. Two hours after they left, the pain was worse than ever. I called my dad. Through the tears, I asked him if he thought it would be overkill to go to the ER for swimmer's ear. He came and got me. There was something oddly reminiscent about having him take me to the ER. It is a trip he and I have taken many times over the years. I was finally sent home with Lortab, Augmenten, and Cipro drops.

So this is what my days have been since Tuesday - drugs, drops, and sleep. My children stayed out in the country this whole time. I can't thank the Bairs enough for their help with the boys. There was no way I would have been able to take care of either of them. The Lortab was the only thing in those first days that would even touch the pain, and, since they made me dizzy, nauseous, and tired, I just wouldn't have been able to mommy. We're heading out today to see the boys. I miss them more than I thought I would. Bryant has seen them everyday, but somehow, his reports just aren't quite fulfilling enough. I can't wait to have them in my arms.

I've said it before, I would rather give birth without an epidural than have this ear infection. This is by far the most neverending pain I have ever been in.

CSO on DI

Saturday night was a wonderful evening filled with great friends, beatuiful music, gorgeous weather, fabulous food, and a terrific fireworks display to cap everything off. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra played at Smythe Park, and we all set up a tailgate to enjoy the show. Apparently, there was a tailgating competition, but we, of course, weren't even thinking of that when we began our preparations. Yeah, right! We pulled out and dusted off all of our Charleston Cup decor and started our own Daniel Island Yacht Club right there. Despite the throngs of passersby who would have placed bets that we would win, we didn't even get an Honorable Mention. Perhaps it was because they didn't notice us. It's so easy to overlook a 15 foot flagpole complete with four fullsize flags waving in the breeze! Luckily, the oversight on the judges' part did not dissuade us from having a perfectly marvelous time. While we and the Smiths did most of the set up, our wonderful friends provides all the nourishment for the crowd. (Plus some divine pork tenderloin cooked up by Stephen. He truly is a grilling master!) We had everything from pickled shrimp to cucumber sandwiches to peanut butter brownies. It was quite a spread. And, as much as he drives me crazy when it comes to doing stuff like this, Bryant's flowers were just gorgeous, and his ideas always turn out great. They were the last things to be finished, but they really completed the whole layout. We had some of our dearest friends in the spot right next to us. As you can see, their theme was Crazy Mexican, and Jason just couldn't help himself! Yo quiero kaluha ice cream!

The temperature got surprisingly cool as the sun went down. Thanks to Stephen and Matt, however, some of us were able to snuggle up on the Smith's Party Porch furniture under Aileen's blanket. (Honestly, we had WICKER FURNITURE out there, and we still didn't win?) This proved to be the perfect spot to watch the fireworks. The breakdown was pleasantly uneventful and quick. I can't thank everyone enough for all they did to make this night turn out to be such a success, and special props go to Caroline for getting us all involved in the first place. It was a perfect evening spent with friends in a beautiful setting. We look forward to resurrecting the DIYC next year!

Open Wide And Say "AAAHHH!"

Can't believe I didn't put it on the blog right after the appointment, but that's what happens when Mommy decides to take a month off from blogging - important events in the children's lives go undocumented. Oh well. This post will have to suffice.

Reeves had his first dentist's appointment on April 8. Luckily, I'd been preparing him for this day since he was a month old by making fairly regular visits to the office just to go ahead and get him acquainted. Well, that and I suppose visiting his grandfather had something to do with it. Actually, I am convinced that those past visits did indeed get him excited about finally getting into the chair where he has seen his Pops working on so many people.
Like anyone who goes to the dentist, we made sure to brush his teeth right before we went. He first got to watch me get me teeth cleaned. (No cavities, thank you!) Kim, Dad's wonderful hygenist, let Reeves assist her with my cleaning. When it was finally his turn, he jumped right up in the chair, where he got to wear some "pretty tool" sunglasses. She counted his teeth (20) and even polished a few. She told him and showed him everything she was going to do. I can't thank her enough for being so patient with him. It's not really a pediatric dental office, so I'm glad we were able to pull some strings to get in!Reeves thought it was really neat when Pops came in to check out his teeth. And naturally, I thought it was very special that Reeves got to have his grandfather do this.
I was so proud of how brave my all-too-quickly growing boy was. If only each and every dental appointment could go as smoothly as this one did. Thanks Pops and Kim for making a potentially traumatic situation a happy and memorable one!

All clean!

The Boy Box

And you thought there wasn't anything better than a box full of toys! See what happens when you finally clean out all the old toys.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Picnic

I am in shock that Reeves' first year of "school" is almost over. This past Friday (April 25) was the 2's year-end picnic at JICP. It was a perfectly beautiful day for a picnic. All the llittle ones had their t-shirts on with their colorful caterpillars on them. Reeves immediately found Henry, and the two of them set off playing. We were lucky to be able to keep an eye on them at all, and this was no easy feat given the fact that every child was wearing the aforementioned same t-shirts. I lost sight of Reeves once long enough to get me worried, but, like magic, all of a sudden he popped right up. Luckily, I had Aileen and David helping in the search. And Aileen really stepped up to the plate when she took over occupying the children at the end of the picnic with her mad ball tossing skills.

It was so good to see all the children and the parents. I am still in shock that we are about to put this school year in the books. I don't even have to work very hard to remember the little blue sailboat jon-jon we had him in for his first day of school. He has grown so much this year. From the scared little baby who clung to our legs and who cried all through naptime to this confident little boy who runs to his classroom and shows me all the things he has done at school. Each time I pick him up, he runs from wherever he is playing on the playground and hugs me and then his brother. He tells all his friends goodbye and practically counts the minutes until he gets to see them again. And as for that blue jon-jon, well that has long since been put away in a bin for Bennett. Reeves has grown too big for it. Like this first year of school, it is just a memory now, something we got as much out of as we could, but now it's time to move on. I can never thank his teachers, Mrs. Ledbetter, Miss Chapman, and Miss Carpenter enough for all they have done to make this year wonderful for Reeves. He adores them, and I just hope that in some small way, they realize just what a blessing they are to each parent.

The Big PT

It's been over a week, and I am now confident in saying that Reeves is potty trained. When we bought this box of diapera a month ago, I told him that this was the last box of diapers we would be buying.

...

May 13...

OK, so I apparently started this post about a month ago now. Anyway, the above remains true. Reeves is potty trained. Of course, he still has some accidents from time to time, but he only wears diapers at bedtime, and he seems to really enjoy this newfound control. Like all little boys, Reeves would rather peepee outside than inside, and, as such has his one little spot in the yard where he prefers to go. I don't mind since I know right where to avoid when we are doing yard work. And besides, anywhere in the yard is preferable to the initial spot he had chosen which was right off the back steps. I had to nip that one in the bud pretty quickly!

Like moving him into his big boy bed, I had dreaded this milestone. I just knew it was going to make my life so much harder. But, like the big boy bed move, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had thought it was going to be. He has, for the most part, really good bladder control, and ever since I have implemented Jodie's policy of no liquids before or during car rides, I don't really worry about it. It's so interesting to watch your little boy wanting and trying to be a big boy. With each of these milestones we check off the list, he gets that much farther and farther from the teeny tiny infant he was less than three years ago.

I'm so proud of how well he handled this transition. And I'm also pretty pleased with the money we've been saving in wipes!

Bennett at Eight Months

Benny Boy, where does the time go? Somehow your seventh month flew right past us, and here we are two days into your eighth. My, how you have grown and changed in these last two months. We just got back from your (very early) 9 month doctor's appointment, and while you were looking up at the weight charts at six months, I'm happy to report that you are now nicely settled in at the fifth percentile, tipping the scales at 16'4". Honestly, I thought you would be higher than that, but I'm not complaining. You're happy and healthy, and if you give my arm muscles a break for a few more months, who am I to complain?

About three weeks after our initial attempts at solids, you finally relented and are now eating like a champ. Some nights I wish I had three hands because it certainly would keep you a lot happier if I could just shovel those sweet potatoes in, one spoon after another. It is so refreshing to have a child who eats so happily. I hope you keep up these healthy eating habits. Maybe one day your big brother will learn from you that food and mealtimes are not the enemies.

As expected, you have really upped the chatter recently. Your favorite noise is now the squeal. I love it because it is such a wonderful indication of your complete happiness. You will make that noise for me, but you reserve your uninhibited squealing for your brother and your father. Reeves usually squeals back at you, but you know that Daddy will instantly pick you up and snuggle and smooch you, and I think that's why you really do it. You have really started to love your Daddy time. For a while, you were waking up around midnight just to play with him. I know this because you weren't wet or dirty, and you weren't hungry. All you wanted to do was get right in his face and play. Of course, he delighted in those times. I suppose you have gotten your late night fix of him for a while because you are once again sleeping your solid 11-12 hours a night.Speaking of bonding, you and Reeves are, apparently, on your way to becoming best friends. You adore him, and luckily, he appears to feel the same way. He loves to snuggle you and will even share some of his cherished toys with you. Of course, you aren't yet "taking" his toys, so we'll see how long this goodwill lasts, but we're off to a good start. Sometimes when you're fussy (which is rare), I can tell Reeves to go make you happy, and he is successful every time.

Your favorite song is Patty-Cake. You have even perfected your own version of the movements. You clasp your hands together and bounce them off of your mouth, all the while babbling incessantly. Oh, some may say that you're not really doing patty-cake, but you and I know better.

You have become quite the little mover of late, as well. You started sitting on your own right about 7 months. Since then, you have learned to "swim" all around the den. Somehow you manage to get to what you want despite the fact that you only, two days ago, got up on all fours. It is too much fun to see you do this. When some toy catches your eye, you direct yourself towards it with all the excitement and dedication you can muster. How you even have the strength or energy to play with it once you get there is beyond me. You still can't get yourself to a sitting position on your own, but I know that is right around the corner.

Bennett, I can hardly remember life without you. Eight months ago we didn't even realize how incomplete our lives were. You have brought such joy to all of us. We love you more than you'll ever know.