So, I have obviously taken a vacation from blogging. I am really missing being able to keep up with stories, though. What keeps me from updating is the time it takes to upload the photos. So, I'm moving toward having more of a narrative blog with some pictures thrown in. Mostly, the blog is to help me remember these precious moments with my children that are just flying by so quickly. While a part of me cannot imagine forgetting them at this age, I know I will, as I have already forgotten so much. So, I hope to capture at least some if it through this journaling. Today, I'm just jumping in with the present.
We've learned that Liam does much better with separation from us (when we have to go to meetings or go see friends, etc) and changes in schedule when we have had ample time to discuss and prepare.
Tuesday night I had a meeting after work. I picked up the kids and Will met me at home and I left soon after. While I had talked to Liam about my meeting on the way home from school, he did not want Mommy to go and was very vocal that this made him unhappy. I assured him I would be there when he woke up in the morning.
This morning, he told me, "I missed you 3 times, last night Mommy." After school in the car, I commented on the sticker he had on his hand. He said, "Daddy gave me the sticker last night when you were gone. I was sad." I said, "You missed mommy?" "Yes," he said (with his sweet little inflection). I said, "I missed you, too." He replied, "We both...I missed Mommy and you missed me." and I said "We missed each other."
He is good at describing what makes him happy, sad or upset. We will regularly hear him comment, "That will make me very, very happy!" He has so much inflection and expression in his voice.
He's also practicing using his phrases and expressions. Recently, I asked him to do something he did not like, like maybe cleaning up toys or something and here's what he said:
"That is NOT my great idea! That makes me upset! That is not my good decision!"
At night during our bedtime routine (which takes forever because he drags it out so much), we go through a ritual of rinsing. So, he fills his cup and counts clumsily with his fingers how many "bites" of water Daddy can have and how many he can have and sometimes how many Mommy can have.
He has figured out if he is sick that he can stay home. He has had a really well year, knock on wood, but woke up one morning and was sick, so we kept him home from school. It was over Christmas when I was out of school, so it wasn't a problem. So, he learned, though, that if he's sick, he doesn't have to go to school. So, now, in the morning, he'll say, "I'm sick."
He also has clear ideas of what will make him feel better, if he knows he won't be able to stay at home. Usually, we hear, "Juice will make me feel better." or "A prize will make me feel better." or "Fruit snacks will make me feel better."
Liam practices great manners. He says, "Thank you" and "You're welcome" and "please" regularly and without being prompted. Allison Solomon told me a story that she saw Liam on the playground and said that she had enjoyed having him over to play at their house recently. She asked if he had fun. He responded, "Yes! Thank you!" He'll say things like "Thank you for peeling my banana, Mommy!" It warms my heart and I hope he continues with it because good manners go a LONG WAY in life.
He has mastered going to the potty and is now convinced that he can wipe himself after he goes poo poo (which he cannot quite master yet). He does insist on "privacy" and closes the door and wants no one in the bathroom with him. He can actually take himself to the bathroom and wash his hands and everything without our help. It's awesome!
He is a wonderful eater. He loves any kind of fruit - pears, apples, apple sauce, blueberries, bananas, grapes, canteloupe, anything. We try to give him fruit every night with supper. He loves yogurt and cereal for breakfast. He also eats veggies pretty well, too, at least the veggies he likes: peas, green beans and especially broccoli! He does NOT like carrots, sweet potato (although Grandma got him to eat some), squash or anything, really, that's not green. He tells us he does NOT like soup, although he never tries it. But, he does eat fish, chicken, pasta meals, eggs, cheese, and loves turkey sandwiches. We are very lucky he's such a great eater.
He still loves to play with my hair. Every day he asks, "Can I play with your hair?" It still sooths him somehow. It's weird, but it's also so sweet. He loves to give us hugs and kisses and to tell us he loves us. Melts my heart. He is just so sweet, sweet right now I wish I could bottle it up forever.
We still rock him every night before bed and I cherish it. I know one day he won't want me to rock him anymore. He just lays on my shoulder just like he did as a baby, but he's much, much bigger now.
So, that's just a little bit about Liam right now. He is so much fun and I am just so grateful every day for this precious boy. We are so, so blessed. I hope to continue posting his stories more regularly so I can remember what a fun little 3 year old he is! I'll get around to Julia, too, at some point!
