Progress Reports

BRODE JAMES - 3 Year's Old

Brode, now 3 year's old, is more "boy" than ever. He takes after his daddy and can do pretty much anything athletically. He does NOT like to be corrected if he does something wrong (wonder where he gets that from). Brode likes to dribble a soccer ball across the yard, yelling "GOAL!" when he kicks it into the net. He enjoys swinging a baseball bat. He loves making baskets and will find a "basket" anywhere. And he likes to play catch with a football, too. I can't wait to see which sports he thrives in! However, boys will be boys... he doesn't sit still very long so he's usually off on one adventure to the next. 

Brode thoroughly enjoyed swimming this year. He became very brave and was able to dunk his head under water AND hold his breath while swimming for a few seconds! He has no fear. He'll go down slides, he'll even go down slides backwards, and he'll jump off the diving board or the edge all by himself. 

Brode has a love for Car's, dinosaurs, trucks, riding his trike, etc. My little son takes after me - he is VERY imaginative and creative and will pretend to be a soldier winning a battle, a fireman saving a kitty from a tree, or a boy taking a submarine into unchartered waters!

As of lately, Brode has shown such a huge interest in drawing and letters. His pictures are officially taking on shapes and forms - he likes to draw a sun, bugs, snowman, rainbows for his girl cousins, eyes and noses, etc. He's my little Van Gogh! :) He is also learning his letters AND how to draw them. He gets frustrated when he makes a mistake but I am so proud of his progress... before I know it, he'll be spelling his own name!

Although very strong willed and stubborn at times, Brode is my sweet, kind hearted boy. He'll hand Bryson a toy when he's crying, he'll rub my back when it hurts, he'll stop in the middle of play and tell me he loves me or that I'm cute (he thinks all girls are cute)!  Side note: at a church we visited, I stayed in Brode's Sunday School until he felt comfortable. About half way through, he walks up to me and goes, "What's that girls name, Mom (it was a teacher)?" I said the name. He said, "Oh. She's pretty. You can go now, Mom." You don't want to know the thoughts that went through my head... Definitely not prepared for that but I let him "grow up" and I walked out the door! :(

Brode has definitely come out of his shell over the past year. He loves friends and enjoys interacting with different people.  He typically favors the "older" kids because he can play on their level.  I can't believe my precious firstborn will be off to pre-school next fall. Where has the time gone? 

BRYSON CREW - 16 Month's Old

Oh, where do I begin. Bryson is my ornary one. Although both boys have a strong will, Bryson is definitely more vocal about his. He's learned how do do things - both good and bad - at a younger age than Brode! :)

Little Bryson has been running all over the place now. Of course, it's a wobbly run but it sure is cute! He's learned how to run away from Brode fairly fast, ha ha. He also enjoys playing with everything Brode likes. He'll fly an airplane, drive a truck (all while using sound effects) and he's even learned how to crash into things! 

Bryson sits on the potty chair already b/c he sees big brother doing it (no, he's not going yet). He's already had TWO haircuts b/c his hair grows so stinkin' fast!  He has officially started to "not want to go to bed" b/c big brother is still up.  I swear he'd stay up till 9 o'clock each night if we let him. He's a VERY happy boy. He could miss naps, stay up late, and still adjust. Maybe sucking that thumb helps... :)

Bryson has also started to sleep with his favorite, little puppy. It's darling. I will NOT let him have so many lovies! Brode still sleeps with a dozen, literally! And last but not least, Bryson has started saying words. As of now he can say, "Hi, Dadda (even 'hi dadda') Hot, Uh Oh, Ta-Dah!, ball, etc." He can sign, "more, please, water, and milk." And he can point to body parts when you ask! 

I tell you what... I'd say my boys are pretty well behaved, on a solid schedule, and are staying on track. BUT they sure do wear this Mama out!!  Talk about never sitting still... :)