3 Years Old!

This hunk of love is 3 today!! 

Ethan is our crazy kid. He's WILD...as a boy should be. We LOVE his spunk and big personality. He has no "medium"...He's either high or low, meaning he's either super happy and silly, or he's cranky and fussy and mean. Ha!

Ethan's favorite things to do are play in dirt with tractors and dump trucks, water activities, and aggravating his sister.  He's never clean and if we have plans in the evening, we can't dress him in what he is supposed to wear that night. It will never make it all day. He's always dirty, sticky or wet.

Ethan's favorite food is chocolate. He will do just about anything for chocolate...except get potty trained. That boy has been stubborn, but he'll get it.  He loves ninja turtles, legos, monster trucks and anything daddy is doing.  He goes to school one day a week. He doesn't like going, but really has fun when he's there.  He's going to start going 2 days a week this fall.  Momma isn't going to know what to do with herself for 2 days a week all alone! 

Ethan is a pretty good eater. He will try most things. His favorites, though, are hot dogs, chips, apples, raisins, fruit snacks, cheese, ham, grilled cheese, mac n cheese, spaghetti,  potatoes and french fries. 

Little guy holds his own with the big kids and it doesn't ever seem to bother him that he's the smallest.

Oh Ethan, my sweet boy.  I just adore you, and you know it.  You get away with anything when I'm around. I'm a sucker for your big brown eyes and sweet voice. You love your momma and pretty much want to be in my arms if I'm around.  You have your cranky days, for sure, but it makes me appreciate your happy days even more.  You keep us laughing ALL THE TIME. You say the funniest things and you are so smart.  You ask questions all day long. You have selective hearing/listening and often times ignore us when we are trying to get your attention.  You will cut your eyes at us when you know you are in trouble and try not to make direct eye contact. It's so funny and makes it hard for us to get on to you.  You know how to work us....just like the baby of the family should :)

We both love you so much. You are an amazing blessing to our family and everyone that meets you.   Your funny facial expressions get you lots of attention with strangers.  Love you, little man! Stop growing! 

5 Years old!

It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years since I first posted about the arrival of my sweet little girl:

Hannah has grown into a beautiful, smart, inquisitive, soft-spoken, shy, sweet girl. She has melted my heart since the day I held her.

She will start kindergarten this fall and she's so thrilled. She is excited to learn  how to read and count to 100.  I think she will do great in school, once she gets past her shy nature.

At 5 years old, Hannah loves playing with little magi-clip dolls (small barbies), she loves swimming (with and without floaties), will not be seen in anything except a dress, is a wonderful big sister, kind to others, loves crafty things and writing "notes" to her friends, and playing outside.  She enjoys riding her bike (with training wheels) and her scooter.  She seems so grown up at times, but is still my baby girl who wants to be held sometimes.  She will only wear night gowns to sleep, and sometimes a t-shirt, with a skirt.  She doesn't own a pair of shorts and would live in her bathing suit if we let her. She does not like winter and the bulky clothes that come with it.

Hannah is still in Mothers Day Out once a week.  We are taking a break this summer and are getting geared up for the long days of school.  I'm afraid it's going to be quite a shock to this night owl/late sleeper, but my prayer is that she adjusts well.

Hannah's favorite food is chicken nuggets - with ranch. If I ever ask her what she wants for lunch or dinner, it's nuggets. She likes yogurt, strawberries, chex-mix, fruit snacks, raisins, mac n cheese, boudain, cheetos, chocolate chip cookies, gumbo, pizza, apples with no skin, bananas, corn, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, pizza lunchables, & CANDY!  She is a decent eater and the older she gets, the more she is willing to try  new foods. I'm hoping we can get more vegetables in her diet!

Oh Hannah, my precious girl.  We have called you our "big girl" ever since you were about 18 months old, and those words are becoming oh so true.  You are growing up. Time is passing quickly and I'm sad that I'll never have those toddler years back with you.  You make my life brighter and I sure laugh when I'm with you.  Your gentleness makes me smile and I pray that the Lord will use your reserved personality "behind the scenes."  I think you and I are getting past the "butting heads" stage and  we are becoming friends.  You have learned to reason and I just have fun with you.  You are a great little partner for me and I love having you by my side each day.  I'm sure going to miss you when you are in kindergarten next year.  I'm not sure your brother will enjoy getting pedicures with me! I wish you could stay little forever, but it's been an amazing joy for me and daddy to watch you grow.  As we sit here, on your 5th birthday, we see so much excitement in your eyes. You are so excited to be a year older. Although we are sad that the years are passing, we are so joyful to see you grow into a beautiful  young lady. We are so very, very proud of you, Hannah Kate!  Daddy and I are your biggest fans.  Love you BIG, BIG BIG!!