A Four Year Old

Our four year old! We might have posted this picture before but this picture definitely describes Tucker these days. He is all about the outdoors- camping, hiking, going on animal rescues, finding dinosaur bones (tree limbs and sticks) in our yard, playing with Woody girl (our cat), and helping Daddy in the garden. Tucker also loves his cars and Toy Story toys. He is has a full imagination and is constantly up to something. These days he is becoming more and more independent... Mr. I Can Do It Myself! And if he can't he gets so frustrated and mad because he doesn't want to ask for help... yes, a bit stubborn! And at the same time he is so loving. He LOVES Thomas and can't be around Thomas without wanting to kiss him or touch him or rub his head (to the point if I was Thomas I'd say, "Leave me alone!!"). Tucker will randomly tell us he loves us or ask for a hug or kiss. He is very affectionate and likes to show his love for you! He is full of life, energy and curiousity. Just as all four year olds should be! He still loves playdough, loves to paint, has discovered wet erase markers and loves them, has an office that changes location (from his closet to the corner in his room) and is obsessed with scotch tape, and thinks he can do it all! We continue to work on writing our name (that is like pulling teeth). He knows all his letters and some of the sounds but writing them is another story. Tucker just doesn't care to write or color much. He'll color with markers more than anything but would prefer to just play and never write! We are hoping this changes soon! He still loves his books and loves to be read too. He is very interested in what the words say and how you spell something. Wants to read and is definitely on the right track for that.

And he thinks he is five! Or he is trying to convince us he is because his cousin is five and friends will be five soon! He seriously wanted five candles on his birthday cake- that was a battle in itself! A funny one at that!

He is a growing boy! Went to visit our favorite doctor for the second time in a week (Thomas first...wanted each boy to have his own appointment so I could focus on them) and we received a great report! He remains in the 95th percentile in weight and height (46lbs and 43 inches). He was so proud that he was able to potty in a cup like Mommies and Daddies do (yes, he learned of this with a couple of OB appointments). He had great blood pressure (wasn't too sure of this one but was ok once he realized it would just hug his arm) and had great conversations with Dr. Huie (told him all about his garden with Daddy and the pumpkins he was planting- then asked if Dr. Huie had a garden and told him he should). But when it came to any kind of prick or shot, Lord help us all! It started with the finger pricking. I have never heard Tucker holler and cry like he did. Poor kids in the area were all probably scared to have their finger pricked after that! We then had quite an adventure with shots. I jokingly asked the nurse if she was strong and from there, let's just say we had backup! Mommy held the arms and hands while another nurse held his legs. And the entire office and waiting room most likely heard my child! BUT, after all was said and done, no more shots til 6!!! And Mommy felt so bad she promised in the midst of all the crying two new Cars cars at the store afterwards! Needless to say, we are not fans of shots around here and Mommy is a sucker for crying! :)

So we enter his 5 year of life on this Earth with a bang and can't wait to see what the year has to bring for our wild but wonderful four year old!

Two Months and Growing

Two months and growing very quickly! We visited with our favorite pediatrician today. We love seeing Dr. Huie. And even more, we love hearing good news about our baby boy. Thomas gained two pounds this past month and grew an inch and 1/4. So, he is now 12lbs 7oz and is 23 3/4 inches long. He is definitely growing in many ways! We have seen so many changes in him over the past month. His little personality is starting to come out. Thomas has started smiling. In fact, we are convinced he knows the word smile already! Such a smart boy! :) All you have to do is smile really big and in a squeaky, high-pitched southern voice say "Smile," and you will get a good smile! See... he knows the word (I also firmly believe he understands the word milk). He also smiles just on his own and at random things like the ceiling fan, his newest friend! Thomas has also discovered his hand. One night we awoke to him smacking down on his little fist. Must say it is pretty cute to hear him chewing away on his hands. Thomas likes to talk to us. He is talking more and more- lots of "oooos" and "aaahs". Getting in those vowel sounds. And finally, he can roll over from belly to back! We are working on tummy time as much as we can. Some days we get it in and other days we don't. Thomas has always had great head strength and can keep his head up when he is over our shoulder (his favorite postion). So, we didn't do much tummy time to begin with. Then, guilt took over this Mommy and I started worrying that I wasn't doing as much with Thomas as I had with Tucker, so we have started having daily tummy time!

I wouldn't say that we are totally on a schedule yet. With Tucker, we were able to easily get on a schedule. But now, I must say, Thomas tends to be more on Tucker's schedule than on his own. I think once school starts back up, Thomas will be able to get on more of his schedule. Right now, he tends to eat his last evening meal around 9 or 10pm. He then sleeps til 3 or 4 or 5 depending on the night. He can sleep through the night but we aren't pushing it yet. Then he awakes again around 6 depending on what time he last ate. He then might sleep or might not- depends on if brother is up bothering him or if he is wanting to stay awake for a bit. But he will typically nap in there again before lunch and after. Then come afternoon he tends to have a good stretch of staying awake. By dinner time though, he is worn out and naps again (with much help) and naps on and off during the evenings. Of course all of that is on a good day! We still deal with some fussy times in the evening but feel it is more of being over tired than anything else. Poor boy tries to sleep but his active brother can sometimes alter that sleeping. Plus, Thomas LOVES Tucker and likes to watch what he is doing!

Thomas also had an appointment with an ENT last week. We had his tongue checked out and have decided to have it clipped come 6 mos. Even though he is growing and doing well with his eating, we worry of what the future could bring in terms of Thomas' self image and speech. So, with the advice of a wonderful ENT, we are going to have his "tongue tied" tongue clipped in a few months. Will keep you posted on that as we get closer to time.

Below you'll find a few shots from the past few weeks! The boys on Father's Day

Bath time

Floor gym time

LOVES the musical star on his floor gym! He gets so excited!

Happy 4th Birthday, Tucker James!

The birthday boy- 4 years old!
Making a wish!

Jumping with Abby and Sarah Catherine

Craziness with cousins!

Partial family photo

Exhausted little brother!

He had a busy day with lots of family to hold him!