I think I will start with Oden. Seniority first, right? He will be 5 years old in a month. I cannot believe it. He is in a preschool in downtown Plainfield that he LOVES. There are only 11 other children in his class and there are 2 teachers. I really feel like he's learning at a faster rate because of the amount of individual attention he's getting. His teachers say that he's always very good and well mannered. I was able to have Gramma Dee Dee watch the little boys so I could help with the Thanksgiving feast on the Tuesday before thanksgiving. It was awesome! Another Mom and I cooked for the 4 year old classrooms. I was only able to interact with Oden for a few minutes but it was great to get a feel for his school environment. He's in a great place and that makes us very happy. Oden's Thomas the train obsession has taken a back seat to his new favorite, Mario. Anything and everything Mario. We've even started to play Mariocart with him on our Wii. He's really good. We're trying to teach him good sportsmanship because he tends to gloat when he wins. He will most definitely be a "gamer". When he's not playing some type of Mario he likes to play Memory games. Oden has quite an attitude. I think it's a product of being a very spoiled first child/grandchild. We work on it daily and are grateful that, for the most part, he behaves in front of other people.
Then there's Ramsey, the loner. I call him my Goobey. I'm not sure how that came about, but it has stuck. He prefers to be by himself, he does not prefer sharing. He is a tiny guy. For his two year doctor appointment the doctor was concerned because his weight percentile was in the bottom 3% amongst 2 year olds. I attribute his loss in weight to our Missouri trip this year. We saw the doctor the Monday after our return. He barely ate in MO, he was just too busy/distracted/excited. We were asked to return the next month and he had gained 3lbs, so he was in the clear. But still, he's little. Everyone says he's a mini Jess. He even carries some of Jess's mannerisms. It's bizarre sometimes. Ramsey is now 2 1/2 and has no interest in potty training. We're not pushing the issue either. We have to change baby diapers anyways so it's really no big rush (and he's just not ready). Ramsey has started to talk a lot more, and he has the cutest little boy voice I've ever heard. He still carries his blue blanket around and often has a binky in his mouth. He is our Cars guy. He loves the Cars movies and characters. Anything with wheels will catch his attention.
On to my baby, Lenix. My little buddy. He is a momma's boy, and I love it. I'm holding on to every single baby moment I can, knowing he will be my last baby. He is the sweetest antagonizer you will ever know. He's 15 months old and has mastered his bullying technique. He can make Ramsey cry in an instant. Since a little before his 1st birthday, you could tell he is advanced in his communicating and vocalization. He can say and nod yes and no, in correct context. It's awesome. I can just ask him if he has poop in his diaper, and he responds accurately. Ramsey still refuses to tell us when he goes (frustrating!). Lenny just loves to play. He doesn't have any specific favorites yet, besides his blanket and binky. Yes, he too, is a blankey/binky boy. It so cute though. Oden and Lenix maintain their special connection as big brother, baby brother. Oden always makes sure Lenix is ok. Ramsey has taken a fondness to Lenix recently too. He often rubs his head and tells him not to cry when he's upset. It's amazing watching their interactions, especially with Lenix. The big boys really take on the big brother roles with pride. Lenix is almost the same size as Ramsey, which remember, is not big at all. They wear the same size diapers. When it's time to update wardrobes for season changes, I basically just move Ramsey's clothes into Lenix's drawers. It's a pretty good deal, for me :) As I type, Lenix has ahold of Ramsey's shirt (who is sitting beside me) and is just yanking it for no reason causing Ramsey to whine and whine. My days are very long because of these types of things. My title in this house should be eternal referee. Anyhow, back to Lenix. I believe he is my baby genius. He also has a sporty side to him! He loves to play with sports balls of all varieties. And, he has a cannon of an arm! It's very exciting for the men in the family.
As for Jess and I, we are managing things the best we can. Three kids can surely put a damper on many things, but mainly finances. Being stressed over money is our biggest hurdle. These kids are expensive!! Also, it's difficult to spend time together. We can't afford a babysitter and majority of the time we can't even afford for both of us to do anything anyways. If anyone is looking to give us a really awesome Christmas gift, offer babysitting services!! LOL! I know it's stressful but it would be greatly appreciated!! I may be getting a job, come mid-December at a local restaurant. Keep your fingers crossed for me! A little extra income would help us tremendously.
Even with the stresses of daily life, we know how lucky we are. Having our awesome family under the roof of this awesome house truly is a blessing. I am thankful to be able to stay at home and watch my boys grow. It's a luxury that not everyone can afford. I'm grateful that Jess works so hard to make it possible. I am also thankful for our helpful families. All gestures of help mean the world to us!
This is my first blog from my phone, so I apologize in advance for type-o's. I hope that this works!!! Maybe it means more blogging in my future?! All I know for sure is that I can definitely smell a poopy diaper. Back to my boys I go!
