I looked at my children today and didn't recognize a single one. The boys are suddenly long and lean. Where are their little toddler tummies? Instead of silly games of peek-a-boo, we're suddenly into jigsaw puzzles and board games. How did THAT happen? I watched them assemble a 100-piece puzzle the other day, as they gleefully sang, "I am Iron Man... da da da da da da." Today, Jaxon insisted on playing their new favorite board game, Orchard (which is awesome, by the way), over and over again. I sat quietly, watching them taking turns and explaining the rules to D.R.... and, in that instant, I felt like I had missed the past year or two of their lives. I felt guilty for all the times I counted the hours until bedtime, for all the times I didn't have patience with them when their playing got a little too loud or too rowdy, or when I felt like they would NEVER learn what the word, "No," meant. Sure, there were an equal number of days when I giggled along with them and enjoyed the noise and messes for what they were... but it went so fast. I wish I would have enjoyed more of them.
As sad as I am to see them growing so quickly, however, I have to admit that I love the fact that they continue to take such joy in life, are so excited about learning new things and can finally share their thoughts and feelings with us, even if they're somewhat silly and irrational, at times. :) As cute as the messy eating styles of toddlers can be, I love the fact that they don't rely on us to help them through meals, can clear their own place and can even help with basic kitchen clean-up. As adorable as diaper-clad children are, I am thrilled with the fact that I'm only changing a newborn's diapers!!
Anyway, I'm taking my evening of reminiscing as a reminder that I need to savor these days of sticky fingerprints with every ounce of my being. And, quite appropriately, on this day of sudden growing-up, Shea seemed to have suddenly outgrown all of her 0-3 month jammies. No longer a newborn, I have this pudgy, smiley little girl to dress in her big 3-6 month clothes. Is she going to grow up just as fast as her big brothers? :)
In closing, a few funny things the boys have said recently. While watching the boys play with some of their friends the other day, I observed one little boys grab a train out of Jax's hands. Instead of screaming or hitting, he said, so very calmly, "That's really not cool." Too funny!
To top that, Dexter actually told me to "stop freaking out," the other day. Though we had to have a conversation about what is and isn't appropriate to say to adults (and I had to quietly remind myself that I need to watch what I say, too), I have to admit, I was doing everything I could to stop from giggling. Oh, the things they say!
The boys are into so many fun things, these days. Yesterday, it was Mommy and Daddy's boardgames. They sat in the living room making up their own rules to Backgammon, Scrabble and Monopoly. It was truly hilarious. They decided the Backgammon pieces were money. They arranged them all on the board, then took turns rolling the dice to see how many "coins" they could pick up and put in their own cup. It was so cute to see them come up with their own system of playing! Anyway, there seems to be a checklist that needs to be met for ultimate fun. 1- Common interest: computer, puzzle, boardgame 2- Mutual agreement to do same thing at same time (amazingly, despite the fact that they can bicker over the smallest thing, they continue to adore playing together 90% of the time) 3- Pants must be removed... yes, games are WAY more fun in your underpants!!
And, Shea... our little sleeper... rocking it 80's-style. Love it.
