Night and Day

From 2010-08-12

Have you ever seen a two year old furrow their brow any harder? I can't imagine. This picture displays the difference between these two boys even though they came from the same gene pool. Upfront they are both delightful children to be around (most of the time.) They are both good eaters, good sleepers, and well behaved for the most part. But their temperaments are like the difference between night and day.

Miles takes 15 minutes to wake up in the morning and heaven forbid if you have to wake him from a nap before he is ready. He would rather be in his PJs all day (with no shoes), and will tell me he does not want to go outside. He would rather sit on the couch. Grant wakes up running, and wanting to go out the door - in the car, outside, to the store, to church - anywhere. He wants his shoes on and his "new clothes" on by an hour after he is awake.

Miles has never known a stranger since the day he was born. He loves all people. Waves to everyone at the store. He has never been much of a clinger because he loves being with people. Grant has to get used to people before he is going to even LOOK at you. My grandmother, who we see about once a month, thinks that I have somehow told him stories on her because he will not run up and give her a hug. Grant likes his inner circle of friends and anyone else is going to have to earn his attention.

Miles will sit and watch tv all day. Grant might watch it for 15 minutes. Miles loves reading books. Grant does not have the time for a book.

Miles is not Mr. Independent. He will gladly accept your help, in fact you can do it all for him and he doesn't care. He is very laid back - borderline lazy. Since Grant could speak, he was asserting his independence. If I try to help him into his car seat, he immediately slides out and climbs back in by himself. 

I mentioned they are both pretty good eaters but Miles likes his fruits and veggies (preferrably raw) and pasta. He doesn't care so much for meat. Grant is a meat and potatoes kind of boy. He will eat a few veggies but his portfolio is much more limited than Miles'. Now sit a bowl of mashed potatoes in front of him and he will clean it out for you.

Night and day they are, but I know big things are in store for both of them. I'm praying they can find productive outlets for these traits and that I will figure out how to teach them according to these strengths and weaknesses. 

#2

From 2010-08-14

Grant has officially endured birthday #2. In the middle of the everydayness of parenthood, it has seemed like quite the long journey but on the flip side I can't believe my baby is 2!! When did that happen?

Grant a couple days after he was born ... (THOSE CHEEKS!!!)

Grant on his first birthday...

From 2010-08-14

And here he is at his second birthday party....

Apparently genetics influence more than just the way you look, but your taste buds as well. Grant has received Mason's taste for all things ice cream and we decided to go with an ice cream party to celebrate Grant's birthday. I'm not sure why but Grant's parties are much more low key than Miles' and we had mostly family and a couple friends in attendance. We played, grilled burgers and just enjoyed the company of those we love.

From 2010-08-14

An essential for every child's party is a bouncy house. It is a shame it was 110 outside and we could not enjoy it for a longer period of time.

From 2010-08-14

This is Pop and in case you didn't know it, he hung the moon (according to my boys.)

From 2010-08-14

The spread...

From 2010-08-14

These are our friends Amelia and Mrs Kaky (as Grant calls her). Amelia and Grant are only a couple weeks apart.

This is Amelia at last year's birthday bash. She has changed a lot as well but she is as cute as ever!

From 2010-08-14

No party would be complete without Aunt Kimmie and Matt. (Sorry Matt, they don't call you uncle??)

From 2010-08-14

Singing Happy Birthday to Grant. (I believe I was demonstrating how to blow out the candle.)

From 2010-08-14

Enjoying the cupcakes (and ice cream) with cousin Allison.

From 2010-08-14

Toddlers and cupcakes are always a winning combination.

From 2010-08-14

Amelia's brother Sam and his daddy enjoying a book in the air conditioning.

This is Miles' best friend who is also only a few weeks older than Miles.

From 2010-08-14

From 2010-08-14

It's not a birthday at our house without the birthday banner. Now we have a proper mantle to display it.

From 2010-08-14 We opened a few gifts...

From 2010-08-14

including a Cozy Coupe. It has been quite the hit here.

Happy Birthday Grant. You will always be my baby.

Graduation to the top bunk

Miles has informed us lately that he is "growing big." He means growing up, but we all know what he means. And indeed he is. He has grown up so much over the summer - his demeanor, speech and phrasing, and memory abilities. He has going to the potty down. He is sharing better and following instructions better. And physically he is growing up; shorts that fit at the beginning of the summer are getting looser because he is getting taller and leaner. And now for the icing on the cake, he has graduated to the top bunk.

From 2010-08-08

I pulled out the baby monitor for the first few nights. I was terrified he was going to fall out of bed. I don't know how I thought that was possible with the HUGE bed guard. Worry seems to be a second nature for mothers and as always, it was all in vain. He is a pro at going up and down the ladder and avoiding the ceiling fan. I am sure we will have a misstep somewhere along the way, but it won't be because he is not able.

From 2010-08-08

Words do not express how proud he is of his top bunk. Can you tell it by the picture? Anyone who stops by the house, he pulls into his room and shows them the top bunk. It was his decision. He said he wanted to sleep up there and we put it all together for him. We practiced going up and down the ladder and getting in and out of bed. I asked him over and over if he was sure this is what he wanted to do. He jumped up and down and said "YES, pleeeeeeeeease!"

From 2010-08-08

It has turned out really well. The surprising part was that he chose to do this even after I told him I could not come up there and "snuggle". We have had 30 min (or longer if I fall asleep) snuggle sessions in order to fall asleep. As sweet as it is, it is probably not the best habit to fall into. He told me he understood I could not come up there and was okay with it. He now reads a book until he falls asleep with his lamp or a flashlight. A big boy indeed...