The Ups and Downs of 3

Oh, to live with a three year old....the highs and lows. We'll probably see these emotional and behavioral waves again during the teenage years. Jack's highs are breathtaking: a vivid imagination (see above as Jack role played being a veterinarian), conversations teeming with new words and ideas, an endless curiosity for the world around him, and the joy of witnessing his first true friendships. Our budding musician runs out the door for school, continues to have a love of reading, beams with pride on the soccer field (even when he's miles away from the ball), shows a genuine love for his brother and amazes us with the joy he gets out of each and every thing he encounters.

And then the lows...oh the lows! Jack's mischievous side has been slowly creeping out since his third birthday. He likes to see just how far he can push a limit and even go beyond it at times. Unfortunately, "no" is a word that we are all saying more often these days. Jack loves to dote on his little brother as they play together, but he'll also try to get in a jab here or there, too. I find myself counting "1...2...3" in my sleep and we're wearing out the carpet in the time out spot.

As a counselor, I know this is a developmental phase. In fact Erik Erikson describes this period of toddler hood in the following way:

Toddler: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (2 to 3 years)

• Psychosocial Crisis: Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt
• Virtue: Will

As the child gains control over eliminative functions and motor abilities, they begin to explore their surroundings. The parents still provide a strong base of security from which the child can venture out to assert their will. The parents' patience and encouragement helps foster autonomy in the child. Highly restrictive parents, however, are more likely to instill the child with a sense of doubt and reluctance to attempt new challenges.

Patience, patience, patience, patience. Go forth, Jack...venture out and assert your will. We love you so much, and we'll ride these waves together.

Mr. Mom

Scott and I have a pretty good routine going this fall. He teaches/writes during the day on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and then works on Tuesday evenings. He spends all day with the boys on Tuesdays and Friday while I'm at work. This part-time Mr. Mom amazes me with his creativity, patience and energy...he exudes joy and our two little boys are so lucky to have him as their Daddy. I know Jack and Sawyer are gaining a great deal from this special time with their Dad, and Scott is in hog heaven. Basically, I am going to see my way out of a job or least start getting called Mrs. Dad! :) Scott, thank you for being everything that I could ever ask for in a husband and a father...I love you and the boys do, too.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

I guess it had to happen...Jack finally got busted at school! He may look sweet and innocent in these pics (and he truly is the majority of the time), but he loves to push the limits whenever he gets a chance these days. Despite his "excellent listening" during Circle Time and "best behavior" at Kindermusik, Jack was reminded to not spit on anyone! As someone who works in schools, I was mortified to read this report! :) Scott and I have caught him experimenting with mouth bubbles for the last couple weeks at home (especially when he is in trouble), but I was pretty surprised that he took it to the next level. He is definitely testing out the waters at age three, and is always looking to see what he can get away with. Dear Lord, I pray for patience and creative parenting ideas! And wine...thank you, God, for wine.

Our little red head!

Sawyer's favorite thing to do these days is explore every inch of our apartment...walking around, crawling under things and climbing onto anything and everything. Here's a great series of shots that portray his curious side and his temper! He starts out happy to be under the chair/table, examines the area around him and then is enraged that he's stuck! 95% of the day Sawyer is laid back and rolls with the flow, but watch out for that 5% red headed streak. He's perfecting the art of arching his back in protest, and I'm predicting a few more tantrums out of this little guy...guess he has to be heard over his big brother!

Sleep mode

Jack's naps seem to be a thing of the past. He goes into his room daily for rest time, but despite how tired he may have seemed just moments before he rarely drifts off to sleep anymore. We'll typically hear him in his room reading his books, singing songs or recounting his day (we call it his defragging time). The other day we realized that it was silent in his room, and we walked in to find this scene. I guess his little curious and creative mind needed to go into sleep mode that day!

While Mom was away, the boys did play!!!

So I'm sure they DID miss me, but the boys had a wonderful weekend with Grandma and Daddy. During Grandma's visit they got to go to the library, play at Chick-Fil-A, eat at the Rainforest Cafe, dance/sing at music class and just have a grand old time! As you can see, the boys loved building and playing in their "fire pit" all weekend...they could sense that Type A mommy was gone! :) Scott is such an amazing husband and father, and I can't thank him enough for everything he does in our lives. My boys are blessed with such an amazing role model, and I feel so thankful to have such a wonderful partner in life.

In just four days, Sawyer changed SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much...it's shocking! He's now walking all over the house, pointing to his nose and mouth when asked, blowing kisses, incessantly clapping and making new noises with his lucious lips. I missed the everything about my little boys this weekend, and even the smell of them brought me to tears last night. Home sweet home!

On the road again

Here is a very belated peek at a trip our family took to Chatanooga this summer. We all had an amazing time exploring the city again and visiting the children's museum, the aquariums and a AAA baseball game. I was thinking about some of our travels as a family this afternoon because tomorrow morning I fly out bright and early for my cousin's wedding in Tucson, AZ...by myself! Packing for one and traveling alone will feel so simple! What do people do on airplanes when they don't have children? I know Scott and the boys will do wonderfully this weekend (their blessed to have Grandma here until Friday afternoon) and being with my extended family will be a blast, BUT I am going to miss the smiles, hugs, laughter, questions (!) and company of all three of my boys. Absence...and impending absence...makes the heart grow fonder.

On another note, we're having a wonderful time with Grandma in town! The boys can't get enough of her, and Jack sobbed today when he left for school because he didn't want to be away from Grandma. Thankfully, he calmed down and was thrilled to be discussing apples and bakign apple pies today with his class, but I know both boys (and their parents) can't get enough of Grandma this week. Pictures and stories to come...