kids

Caleb: Technically is the firstborn, and totally acts like it.  Thinks he's the boss and frequently needs to be reminded that he needs to just worry about himself and I'll make sure his brothers are doing what they're supposed to.  :)

Logan: On an emotional roller coaster 24/7.  The littlest things (or nothing, it seems...) can set him off, and then watch out (or put in your ear plugs!).  He is also more expressive and sweet.

Levi: Starting to exert his independence.  He's still stinkin' cute, but he can be very defiant and give you quite a scowl when he's upset.  And, he's good at sticking out his bottom lip and blinking back tears with those long eyelashes, making you feel bad for him...

There are PLENTY of moments when the boys are fighting about something and not getting along.  But, over the last couple of weeks, Caleb and Logan have been playing especially nice after lunch time.  So much so that I often delay the commencement of quiet time for them - if they're playing nice (not being loud, not being crazy), and I'm able to get some things done, why not?  For some reason lately they especially like to play "baby", and it drives. me. nuts.  But, since I don't want to stifle their creativity, they are allowed to do it, just not by me.  I've heard enough real crying over the last four years, why should I listen to it when they're playing, too??

Over the last month or so Levi has started being interested in books.  He has a couple favorites - the ones that have a picture of a combine in them.  :)  We might look through a few of the other pages, but he pretty much wants the book open to the combine page.  He'll just keep saying things like, "Combine?  Papa? Ride it?"  Levi talks SO MUCH.  I love it.  He knows tons of words and is putting a few words together into sentences.  For a long time now he has recognized letters - he doesn't know which is which, he just knows when he sees letters (for example, I have a shirt with lettering down the sleeve; he sees that and says, "ABCD!" And, today when we were in the bathroom at Target (FOREVER), he kinda tried to "count" the sinks.

I know there have been tons of other things lately that I've thought of to write about my ever growing and changing boys, but at the moment I'm drawing a blank.  Hopefully it won't be so long before I write again!