Double digit boys

Today Mr. Smoosh himself turns 10 months! In case you didn't know, these first double digits are a huge mile marker in the mommy world. He has 4 teeth, a distinct taste for ice cream, and is entering that mobile and mischievous stage with gusto.

Here's a sweet glimpse of all three boys at 10 months, dare I say Asher is slowly but surely taking on his own unique look. Here's a blast from the past.

Evan at 10 months...

Bennett at 10 months...

Asher at 10 months...

Only two more months to the big "1!"

Easter Best

I do love little boys in bowties. :-)

Bennett turns four!!!

Our sweet and silly Bennett bear turned four years old this Valentines day. My little love is growing quite the large personality and we're so blessed to be his parents, not to mention audience to the hilarious one man show he daily performs. Happy birthday Bennett Shepherd, we love you!!!

In the spirit of turning four, here's 4 things this mama adores about her little in the middle.

1. Bennett is the funniest kid. He has that magical ability to light up a room and make people laugh. He is full of crazy faces, silly voices and all kinds of made up, nonsensical words that could give Dr. Seuss a run for his money.

2. He is giving. Bennett is always willing to share his snacks and never fails to make sure that everyone has equal parts before having something. He shows genuine concern for the needs of others and is quick to meet those needs-in the best way a four year old can express that is. I pray these seeds of compassion would bear much fruit as he grows into a young man.

3. He is just as tender as he is strong. As rough and tumble as he may appear, he is equal parts soft, sweet and gentle. This is obvious in his crazy love for his baby Asher. :-) Which leads me to number four...

4. He is the BEST brother. The greatest gift we ever could have given Evan was Bennett.  "Friend-amies" aside, they really are the best of playmates. I can't imagine one without the other. The two run together, EvanandBennett. And for Asher, he is one lucky little boy to have such a loving big brother as Bennett. He loves to hold and hug and kiss him, and always jumps at the opportunity to help me with all things baby related, from fetching diapers to popping pacis and giving baths. I can't tell you how many times a day he tells me "I love the baby" in that endearing high pitched voice of his. Bennett has always worn his "little brother" shoes so well, and I'm happy to say that he is now rocking the new big brother status.

We are so thankful for you buddy!!!

Last but not least, no Scott boy's birthday is complete without the traditional "year in review" slideshow. The boy has grown up so much this last year, here's to making many more memories!

Bennett is 4! from Rebecca Scott on Vimeo.

Saturday morning photo fun

Happy Halloween!

Now that's my kind of pumpkin decorating!

First Field Trip and Baby Update

Today we took to the big city for our first real field trip and my OB check up for baby #3. We started the day with a visit to one of our favorite libraries, and ended with rainbow sherbet from Baskin Robbins-the boys declared together that it was the "best day ever!!" (As an aside, we have a lot of those lol!)

First stop-the library. After filling our backpacks to the brim with new books to explore (mostly dinosaur related) we enjoyed an awesome storytime program. Aren't these kiddo librarians just about the most energetic, colorful bunch you've ever seen? Engaged kids= thankful me!

From the library and after a quick detour to Kohls, we made our way to a favorite family lunch spot-Pei Wei! I was bound and determined to have it at some point during my birthday week. As usual it did not disappoint, and I'm happy to report that Evan's chopstick skills are improving with each visit. :-)

Thankfully, my doctor's visit was mostly uneventful-just what you want to hear! This was just a routine check up and we were in and out within 20 minutes-praise the Lord. I'm measuring right on schedule(surprisingly), my blood pressure is great, the scale is tipping and little boys heart is beating strong. So far the boys have been to every baby appointment with me, and really enjoy listening to baby brother's heartbeat each time. For myself I'm definitly getting a bit more uncomfortable at this point, and have already begun to experience the lower back and pelvic pain that I *feel like* should be reserved for those last few days and weeks. Ahh the joys of pregnancy round three!

Bennett still thinks it's time for the baby to come out of my tummy every time we go to a doctor's office. I can only imagine how exciting it'll be for him when we can finally say "YES, we're having the baby today."

Our OB's office is just down the street from the NC Art museum, so I couldn't resist planning a trip! I looked online before hand and found this really fun "Tour in a Tote" feature for kids, and knew it would be there perfect guide to our little field trip. The website describes the tote as "A free lending resource for young visitors to explore works of art in the permanent collection through kid-friendly, interactive prompts."

Evan was especially interested in the Egyptian section, but nothing caught his eye quite like this painting of the revolutionary heroes. It was his favorite of the whole museum and I have to say I'm impressed with his taste.

Bennett found himself at home in the colorful modern art section. At one point here Evan made quite the face at one exhibit in particular(a pile of broken glass on a giant serving tray) saying "that's not art...that's a mess." I couldn't help but laugh, he's definitely my budding realist.

To top off our long day we stopped by Baskin Robbins on the way home. I was secretly craving some rainbow sherbert, and didn't think the boys would mind the stop. Talk about cool points.

And now that the day is done and I've got two tired boys tucked into bed, it's time finish off that leftover birthday cake...

Let the games begin!

Today was opening day for our city's baseball and soccer programs, and Bennett's very first kick into sports.

The morning started off bright, cool and early with another great opening ceremony for the baseball teams. Of all the things Wilson may lack, a great sports program is not one of them. I'm continually impressed by the community investment and the volunteer/sponsor efforts every year. Evan is on team "building blocks" this year in the big boy leagues, and I think it'll be a great season of learning for him.

After Opening Ceremony we hopped over to the soccer fields for Bennett's first "smart start" practice.

To be honest I was on the fence about starting the Bennett bear in soccer this season. After we had Evan playing baseball at 2/3 yrs we decided we were cukoo cukoo for cocoa cocoa puffs and that we wouldn't have our kids play sports until at least age 4 or 5. And then came Bennett...what can I say, he's a sporty kind of dude. Plus, bless his soul I couldn't imagine him sitting through all of Evan's games and practices this season without something of his own. All of that to say, I'm happy to report we made the right decision-he had so much fun!!!

And, I was super impressed-though not surprised- at how well he did keeping up and after the ball. He definitely has more of an aggressive(in a good, take initiative sort of way) athletic bent and this is a great outlet for him. The program is totally age appropriate and a great introduction to the basic skills of soccer through super fun stations and an awesome team of mentors and coaches. Plus it's just plain adorable. And, we get to enjoy it with friends which is always a bonus!

 (This pic above was taken by my friend Kaylene-thanks for capturing the moment!)

Bennett was our little soccer star of the morning and was glowing in his Campbell orange jersey. :-) I may be biased but he's got some pretty cool skills for a 3 year old, and I can definitely see more soccer in our future! After his practice we headed over to finish the day with baseball. I was so proud of Evan in his game for trying his best, having a good attitude and flying solo without mommy on the field.

Needless to say, our morning was full and exhausting, but these boys had a ball!

This is their "excited about Roo cups" faces.  Both boys got one for being part of their programs this year, I see many slurpee runs this summer!

#momofboys

Our boys

It's amazing to me how God could gift us with two children that are entirely different from one another. Peanut butter and jelly really. It's a blessing to be at home with them and so intimately familiar with their growing personalities. When I'm not too distracted with lesser things, it's easy to see just how fearfully and wonderfully made they are. Of course, at their tender ages of 2 and 4 these differences are the source of many tears and bring out the referee mom in me daily. Someday though, I know they'll make for the perfect partners in crime. After all, it takes all types to make the world go round, and how good is peanut butter without jelly anyway?

At 4 years old, Evan is my silly, wiggly boy. He is sweet and still very tender hearted. One of our MOPS topics this year was connecting with your kids and their personalities. I did the assessments on both of my boys and surprise-they were pretty much opposite! Evan came out as "Amiable" which I definitely agree with. Laid back, content, happy go lucky....There was a joke made in the video we watched that amiable kids are the ones with the attitude of "why stand when you can sit, why sit when you can lay down." Of course, we all got a good laugh, and all I could picture in my laughter was Evan laying at the top of the stairs pleading "I can't move, my legs are broken...caarrryyy meeee pwease." I did appreciate the point of our talk though, that we can get so wrapped up in stand out negatives that we eclipse the good and miss the great potential to be wielded from those very special personalities. For example, while amiable people are the ones who will usually go for the path of least resistance, they are also the peacemakers. Often times I worry that Evan is sensitive to a fault, but every now and then I'll get a glimpse of this real empathy for others that he has, and think what a compassionate person he is going to be. So maybe being sensitive isn't so bad after all-so long as we can get a grip on the whining that is...

Another interesting facet of his personality I'm seeing lately is his love language-acts of service. He appreciates things I do for him, and I mean REALLY appreciates and notices them. He is quick to offer above and beyond thanks for even the smallest of every day things. It should be said here that I expect my kids to be polite and well mannered but I don't make them say thank you for every little thing. Evan will hug his freshly laundered, warm sheets close to his chest and say with a smile "thank you for washing my sheets mommy." Routine snacks elicit great levels of excitement and wide eyes..."oh thank you for my getting my animal crackers mommy." After cleaning his room... "WOW you're the best cleaner in the whole world." And this to boot, from a mother's day worksheet he filled in at school- "I love my mommy because...she takes me to school." Yes, it's the little, practical things that are big to him-they make me feel pretty big too.

Other things I love about Evan at this age...his HUGE monster laugh, how he says "hey" to most everyone and perpetually mispronounces words like strawberries("Strawbabies") and invention(conventions...as in, "look at my conventions!"). I love his conventions-he continues to be pretty "enginer-y." And, he is really the most friendly thing. I am blown away at how well he's thrived in preschool this past year.

Things we're working on-eye contact, pencil grip, and grumpy mood swings-the last of which I'm convinced is due to his sleeping patterns, either from waking WAY too early in the morning or napping too long/late in the afternoon.

And now, for my fierce and funny Valentine...

I can't imagine our lives without Bennett. He adds so much volume and spice to this house! Oh my B-bear. I think this child will always be my baby. He is a total cheeseball and continually keeps us on our toes. And those blond curls? I melt. Yes, it's safe to say he get's away with murder around here.

As I said before, these brothers are so different! If Evan is my sleeper, then Bennett is my eater. You would never know it looking at his small and mighty frame, but this boy can pack away some food. And, he's no discriminator of food either-I'm praying this sticks! Another stand out difference in my boys is that Evan tends to be more inward and thoughtful(of course, he is 4 and can certainly ham it up with the best of them!), while Bennett is almost always full of expression and all show. And, where Evan prefers his mischief veiled in silence, Bennett has nothing to hide. He is definitely more stubborn and strong willed and fits well into the "Driver" category of the afor mentioned personality assessments. Again I need to remind myself of awesome potential here-leader!

This little one's love language is quality time...which gives me basically no time to do anything alone. One day I 'll miss it. One day I'll miss it. One day I'll miss it...this is the mantra that gets me through unloading the dishwasher with a 27 pound child attached to my leg.

Funny Bennett-isms...he's gotten pretty good at Frozen ballads and loves to give "warm hugs" like Olaf the snowman. He adds an hard "g" ending to most words, making me "Ma-gi" and Chris "Da-gi." Though he doesn't watch much tv for any amount of time, "Despicable Me" is his favorite movie and loves to get down with Yo Gabba Gabba gang. I should add that in spite of his more rough and tumble personality he has a very soft and nurturing side. He's been known to cart around a doll or two outside of this house, and never fails to come out of his room(from waking up) without a stuffed animal. He loves his big brother, and copies his every move-and word. I'm not sure when it happened but it seems like overnight Bennett has started talking in full sentences, and parrots Evan constantly.

And, he loves a good bow-tie.

I love these precious boys so much! They are both so awesome in their own right, and I'm beyond grateful to call them mine. :-)