This Boy

Naturally, I love this boy to pieces.  But I'll be the first to admit that this boy has always challenged me.  He's a few weeks away from turning 4.  At this age, he's doing some normal things like stretching his imagination in his play and testing limits.  It makes this both a fun and hair pulling age for me.   As far as his imagination goes, he's doing new things every day, but he's also got a few standards that we can count on.  For one, as in these pictures, if he finds a nail or stake protruding in any way, he must find a hammer (this time from daddy's workbench) and get it flush with the wall or ground.  This includes nails that he might find if he takes a picture off the wall.  Also, if he's got a rope or string in his hand and he's letting it hang to the ground in front of him, the chances are VERY high that in his little mind, he's fishing for the big one!  And if you hear a high pitched tweet come out of his mouth, that's because he's probably reffing a soccer game in his mind.  Add in his infectious laugh and it's hard not to enjoy spending time with this boy. 

But at the same time, this boy has always pushed my buttons.  Even as a baby, it's as if he could smell my weaknesses and decided to pounce on them just to see if I could handle it.  And now, in keeping with his 3 year old-ness, there are constant battles throughout the day between his siblings and himself.  "Be nice to your sister."  "Leave your brother alone."  "Do you want her to hit you?"  "Don't touch him.  "He doesn't like that."  "I don't want to hear you say that again."  "Go put that back."  "Get out of the fridge."  "Don't climb in the pantry."  "What are you doing?"  ....some of the things I find myself saying each day--a couple times each day usually.

Lately, he's also becoming a really good helper.  Momma likes that! :-)

I can't imagine not having this little boy in my life.  Sure he's full of challenges, but he's also been a huge blessing to me as well.  As with most challenges, the ones he gives me are not always pleasant at the time, but I can look back on them and see how I have grown from them--both spiritually and as a parent.  So I wouldn't change anything.  Although I probably could have done with a few less sleepless nights bouncing a baby than what he demanded of me. :-)

Only a few more days of being 3 little man, so live it up!  We love you to pieces!

In case you were wondering, in the first few photos he didn't know I was taking pictures of him.  Then he figured it out and did some spontaneous posing.  Yeah for zoom lenses!