It's been way too long since I've blogged, and I have some random stories and thoughts to share.
B2 can appropriately sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" -- both of his top front teeth are missing right now. Daddy helped him pull the first one (it was barely hanging on, and frankly it was gross because it was sticking almost straight forward) and D helped him pull the second one. Yes, that's right, D. It was just after bedtime, and I was catching up on the recent episode of Downton Abbey when B2 came running in to show me his bloody mouth. B2 then told me his brilliant strategy for removing the tooth -- "I took a hanger and bit down on it, and then D pulled as hard as he could and the tooth came flying out! But now I can't find it. Will the tooth fairy still come?" I sat dumbfounded for a second, and then busted up laughing. It was an ingenious strategy, and very effective. After I told B2 to go tell his dad the story, he went back in his room and looked some more, and was able to find the tooth.
A's two most recent developments are the addition of "No" to his vocabulary (though, unfortunately, he predominantly says it in a whiny voice; it's cute now, but it's going to get old fast)--and, with the ability to say no comes the exercise of and insistence on his own will, resulting in some battles now about whether or not he'll eat certain foods or get out of the bath tub--and his love of clapping. He applauds EVERYTHING--the dentist, his brothers, the TV shows, putting away bath toys, and Mommy's cooking (I particularly love this last one). It does make things slower at times though. For example, the other day A was in the bath and I tried to get him to pick up his toys and put them in his basket. He would pick up one, put it in the basket, stop, clap, look expectantly at me, I'd clap, he'd clap again, and then he'd go to the next toy. Sometimes he waits for me to do it so that he can clap for me. I do love getting praised so much for simple things like changing diapers and refilling sippy cups.
Last week was our ward Primary Program. It was phenomenal. The leaders had done a really good job with the kids, who were very well behaved and sang all the words nice and loud. B2 and D both said their lines into the microphone loud enough without screaming, breathing heavily, or spitting on the mic. And, as an added bonus, D entertained the ward by slightly-screaming the songs, waving at us, leading the music, and giving thumbs up after his speaking part. I may or may not have encouraged such behavior... ;)
Baby #4 is growing quickly. I'm getting people saying that I'm popping out, which is both depressing and reassuring (at least I'm not the only one that things I'm getting huge). I still have 13+ weeks to go. We don't know if this baby is a boy or girl, but we are assuming boy simply based on our track record. And, as far as names, I think we are worse off than before. We have barely discussed names, but so far we've only eliminated names (well, more accurately, I've proposed names and B1's shut me down). Since I've picked all but A's middle name, I suppose I should just pick out the names I like and start wearing down B1's resistance.
A absolutely ADORES animals! He loved feeding the goats at the pumpkin patch (he wasn't scared at all!!), and there's a neighborhood dog that looks kinda like a Shih Tzu that he loves to pieces. He screams with excitement every time he sees this dog, and cries the saddest tears when I tell him it's time to go home.
Note: anyone who tries to give A an animal for Christmas will suffer a horrible, terrible fate. You have been warned!
And, last random thought for this post: this Sunday is my niece Nom Nom's baby blessing. Right now my parents and Beez are at Rinz's house having fun together without me. I so wish I could be in Arkansas right now. (There's a phrase I never thought I'd say.) I still haven't seen baby Nom Nom other than through pictures, and she's so dang cute! I have the cutest nieces!!
