This Moment::Typical

T for Two

 While the big kids are in school and Colby is sleeping, the middle child and I enjoy some quality time each afternoon. We paint, read, play army guy and board games. He sits next to me on a computer game while I check email and try to avoid Pinterest. We chat about school, tv shows, and poking out eye balls (his favorite subject).
Today my Tyler T. and I shared tea time. Green Tea is my drink of choice, while Ty indulges in hot chocolate, made with milk of course. We cradled our warm mugs and sat. Content. He described his latest castle drawing with hot lava and "stink butts" to deter enemies. I prodded, unsuccessfully, about school. Then he hopped up and away to do his own thing, and I followed his lead and did the same.

ps. he is MORE than happy to use Drew's mug..."we don't have to tell him, o-tay, mommy?"

In the Details

                             
 While waiting for the bus today, Tyler was sitting on the console next to the driver's seat. I was looking at his face, studying the details. His lashes, his freckles, the way his lips and eyebrows look just like Mike's.  I said, "Ty your eyes are so cool. They have blue, green and gray in them."

From the backseat, Drew said, "They are the same as yours, Mom." 

I flew open the mirror on my visor and peered into my own eyes. Drew was right. Ty smooshed his face into mine for a quick comparison, and quickly concurred. 

How hadn't I known this? How did Drew? 

We checked each other's eyes out and he other three are all the same, pure blue and perfect. 

But Tyler's are all mine and that makes me feel oddly happy and satisfied. I think we all search for ourselves in our kids. In looks and personalities. Sometimes we search for qualities that aren't really there, or discover ones we couldn't possibly see in ourselves (Stubborn? Didn't get that from me!!!) And it makes us proud. Because we made these awesome little beings...and the proof is in the details. 

(there are few things Ty enjoys more than a little photo booth on the computer:) 

T-Bone is Four :)

I love this video...but it is also making me sad right now because we chopped his hair off. I miss his crazy boy hair!!



Tyler at 3 and our all time favorite video, Tyler at 2

This Moment::Wishing

Ty Turns Four

My Dear Tyler T -
I planned to have another baby when the twins started school - you came days before they turned 2. I planned for you on December 17th - you arrived on the 10th. I planned on no epidural - I couldn't get it fast enough. I planned on another baby who was quiet and easy like the 2 before him - you made it clear from day 1 that you had other plans. You see, my T-Boney, you were nothing like I had planned.

And Im so glad and I wouldn't want you any other way!

I love that you march to your own drum. As a mom, I have to attempt to hammer in some manners and rules, but Im trying to do it while preserving your spirit. You are passionate - when you are up, you are sky high happy, when you are down - watch out! You are figuring out your place in the world - tough for a guy sandwiched between twins paving the way and an adorable baby bringing up the rear. But if there is one thing you can do, it is hold your own!

Tyler T, this was an awesome year for you. You have become so independent, adventurous, and even more amazing. Im proud of you everyday.

Happy Birthday my sweet, crazy boy! Love always, your Momma

Two Stories

Two True Stories about Tyler T. 

1. We all went to Plimouth Plantation the day after Thanksgiving - how appropriate of us, don't you think? While in one of the teeny tiny Pilgrim houses, a woman in character was explaining how they cooked as she sat next to the fire. Tyler standing a mere foot from her, looking right in her eye, said "Boring!!" as loud as he could, turned on his heel and walked out. 

2. I sat across from Tyler's 2 preschool teachers in a standard, too serious for preschool, conference. I listened patiently as they went on and on about how Tyler is polite, respectful and quiet. How he raises his hand, follows the rules of the classroom, shares and cleans up better than the other students. I resisted the urge to ask if they were sure they were talking about my son. When I returned home I congratulated Tyler and repeated what the teachers had said. Drew piped up, "Well, why doesn't he act like that at home?!" 

T-Boney

I call him T-Boney most of the time now. Apparently naming Colby with the "y" ending didn't satisfy my need for a cutesy ending. Although "Tyler" or more aptly "TYLER!!!!" may be the word I say shout most during the day.

It makes me a little sad, this bad rap that Ty has. But man, does he earn it sometimes. He has been harassing Colby for 3 straight days. Doing whatever he can to make Colby cry, scream, and freak out. I have to admit it is a little funny. Sometimes all Ty does is walk up and look at Colby's face - and BAM - instant screams!

The good news is that as fresh as he is, he is more cute and funny than anything else. At lunch the other day he was staring at my mother eating clams. He leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, I don't like the clams beechies" (our word for penis, and he was talking about the necks). And he can hug like no one else in this world.

There. Just a little note about my T-Boney.

ps. The hat was in the boys department, but every time I look at it, I think it is for a girl.

These Two

Oh these two. They are going to be trouble, I tell ya. Three mornings a week they rule the roost. Colby, usually left to his own devices while the 3 kids play, is called upon as Tyler's playmate. I use the word "playmate" loosely....maybe "toy" would be more appropriate, or perhaps "victim."

It must be said that Colby is beginning to hold his own against the T-Bone. He yells back at Tyler, pinches his cheeks and tackles him when he is on the floor. He is 14 months old. And that is why we are going to be in trouble. Has Tyler met his match? Only time will tell.

In the meantime Im focusing on the tender moments, like the one above. Sometimes, for a minute, they are sweet together. Loads of kisses and hugs, sharing a love for the snack cabinet, and dancing away to music.

These two...

When You're 3.5

 When you are 3.5 you think you are pretty cool. You know lots and you aren't afraid to share it. Like where animals live, what foods you like, and what your poop looked liked this morning. You sing songs at the top of your lungs with all the wrong words and to the wrong tune.

When you are 3.5 you like to be in charge. You don't like to be told what to do or when to do it. You think you can scooter on a trail for 2 miles. Because when you are 3.5 you think you are 5.5 like your big brother and sister.

But when you are 3.5, sometimes just sometimes, you like to be a little bit like a baby. You cry for the last mile of the scooter ride because your legs are just too tired. You like to be held in the morning and someone to lay with you at night.

And that is why 3.5 is pretty much the perfect age.

Tyler T Goes to School

"Okaay Mommmy!" 

He sang this all morning as I instructed him to brush his teeth, find his shoes, and go to the bathroom one last time. 

If you know Tyler, you know this is not his usual response to any question aside from "do you want ice cream?" But his first morning of Nursery School he was as giddy as could be - it was finally his turn. 

It's funny how things change and how different your own kids can be. Ella and Drew are still nervous about going to school. And I still worry about them while they are gone. But, Ty...he is awesome, no worries. No looking back, no stopping for a hug, no asking how long he has to stay - he loves it. 

He is so proud of himself, and Im so proud of him. I have to admit that I hugged baby Colby a little tighter after I dropped him off...how do they grow up so fast? 

Summer Fun

That's me and my daredevil Tyler at the boardwalk in NJ. 

I haven't laughed that hard in awhile. 

I love having kids :) 

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Great Idea from SouleMama

Grrrr...

 This is what I feel like today. 

Lots of things to do and not getting to any of it. 

Throw an extra kid or two into the mix & a teething baby...I feel like pulling my hair out. 

(what a ridiculous expression!)

I wish a pretzel rod or an extra bouncy bouncy ball could distract me as easily as it does for Ty. 

Oops

 I messed up. 

I promise never to cut his hair again...once it finally grows in. 

I don't even recognize him. 

I miss him and his crazy hair. 

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Great Idea from SouleMama

Sunny Patch

 

Like a cat, he finds the sunny patches. 

To rest, play or hide from big brothers when he steals his toys.

 

Tyler gets a bad rap sometimes. He can throw a good tantrum and he frustrates us all, 

but...he just as easily makes us all laugh. 

And he gives the best hugs.

And his smile is just as bright as a sunny patch on a Winter's day.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Great Idea from SouleMama

Ball Boy

 Want to see my little devil happy?

 Give him a ball.

Too Much:: Take II

I took new videos of the kids this week. Im trying to take a short clip each year to chronicle how they change.

Mike and I were laughing out loud at Tyler's video from last year...so much has changed, but so much hasn't - what a funny kid!! I can't believe how much he grew up in a year.

xoxo