Pause Button Please

As we are recovering from our holiday hangover, I am finding myself reminiscent of the year that has passed. If I look back at where we were a year ago, I am shocked, proud and a little saddened at how fast my boys have grown in the short twelve months. My babies, yet still young in age, aren't necessarily babies anymore. So I'm pushing the pause button yet again to remember a few moments that I never want to forget.

Drake,

We are so proud of you. You are turning into this little boy that I always hoped you would be. You are polite. Saying "No Franks" and "Please" often. You are social. We walk into a store and you say "hello" to everyone and wonder why some people don't say "hello" back. I usually tell you that they just didn't hear you so that your feelings don't get hurt. You are inquisitive. You ask at least a hundred questions a day. Always ending the question with "huh?" before I even have a chance to answer you. If I don't answer you promptly, you will ask the question again and again. You love dinosaurs. You know ten times more dinosaurs that I've ever wanted to know. Sometimes I think that you've made up a name, then sure enough, we'll look it up- and there it is. I thank Dino Dan for your dino knowledge. You still love Transformers. And Batman. And Bakugan. Actually, anything that transforms. I'm just happy that you're old enough to transform them yourself. I love ya, but my gosh. I can only transform those things so many times before I want to throw it against a wall. You don't like when I go to work. Unless I give you a lollipop before I leave. Then for whatever reason, your heart doesn't hurt so badly when I leave. Must be the sugar high. You still love chocolate milk more than anything. Although hot chocolate is now a close second. Or maybe it's Bar Beer. That's what you call Root Beer and we have no idea why. Skibbles is another word I love of yours. That what you call Skittles. It gets me every time. You're learning that curse words get our attention. Yesterday you asked- "what in the hell is with all of this traffic?" It's obvious we need to start censoring A LOT more. When Daddy is picking on you, you often tell him to stop being a bully. I love that you stand up for yourself. Never lose that. You make up songs. It usually starts with a song you've learned in school and ends with a verse or two of your own making. A lot of song composing is done while you're on the toilet. When we ask you to sing the song again so we can hear it you politely let us know that you can't- it's a secret. I just hope you know that you can always trust your secrets with us...

Trey Bird,

We still call you Trey Bird. You still are so quiet. You point at everything. It might be something you want or something you just want us to look at. Sometimes you call things "Dat". We can't figure out what it means. Maybe "That"? Whatever it is. It's cute. If you're cranky or really want something, then a "Mama" will come out. That makes my heart smile. You smile all of the time. You just had major surgery on your little man parts, and you still came out smiling. Although quiet, you are incredibly smart. You understand everything we say to you. You love to snuggle. You like warm milk at bedtime. You hate the dark and often have nightmares. You hate your shoes, but love to wear Drake's. You love, love, love lollipops. A ball is your favorite toy. A ball that is thrown is even better. Drake often waits until you're napping or asleep for the night to play games or with his favorite toys so that you don't bug him. While playing, you often make a "roar" sound. Kind of like a little lion. It's super cute. You treat your friend Hazel, like Drake treats you. Anything she has in her hands, you swipe away from her and make her cry. But then you make up for it by planting big open mouth kisses on her and patting her on the head. Katie and I already have your wedding planned. You adore Cougar and love on him often. He tolerates you. Then escapes at the earliest opportunity. You're not a big fan of eating right now, but I blame the six teeth you have coming in at the same time right now.When Daddy wrestles me or Drake you get very protective and cry and push him away. It's super sweet. I hope that you always feel protective of your loved ones...

Boys,

You are our whole world. Please be patient with us as we are learning right along with you. We will do better in this new year to be more patient with you and understanding of your needs. We will always expect the most out of you as we know that your potential is great. We will never allow you to be less than we know you can be. And most of all, we will always love you. Even when you're naughty =)