New Tradition

Somewhere I read that a family wraps all their Christmas books at the beginning of December and unwraps one book a night to read as a countdown for Christmas Day. I thought that was a fun idea. But, I only have 12 Christmas books. So, I decided to do the "12 Days of Christmas Stories." Zander and I wrapped all the Christmas books we have and put them in a basket. Each night, the boys pick one book and open it. We then read it before tucking them into bed. It has been fun so far. They are really enjoying it.


This is Zander and Mason unwrapping their book last night.

Sometime they can be so cute for the camera.

Mason LOVES to read!

My Little Cuties

Just a cute picture of my boys all ready for bed :)

Sweet Snacks

My silly little Zander doesn't like ice cream. I know that sounds crazy, but he says it's too cold and usually will not eat it. A couple of weeks ago, while we were grocery shopping, he saw some Super Hero Popsicles and said he wanted them. I decided I would get them and let him try, but I didn't really think he would like them. But, to my surprise he really does! Yesterday after doing some yard work, he asked for one. So, we all had a sweet little treat out on the back porch.

Truck Day #2

Our local library hosted a "Truck Day" for the kids last week. There were all kinds of trucks for the kids to climb in and play with. There was dump trucks, construction vehicles, buses, garbage trucks, moving trucks, and even a mobile news van. Zander had a blast. He was repeating all day long, "It's truck day, truck day, truck day!" I thought it was so cute. Zander and Mason, both, really had a great time climing in all the different trucks pretending to drive them. They also really enjoyed the free popcorn, it always a favorite snack!

Sunny Day

We are so ready for spring!! It was nice out today, so we headed to the park to play for a while this morning. The boys had a great time. I sure hope there won't be too many more cold fronts come our way, cause we love days like this!!!

Bubble Mania

Zander loves to turn on the jets in the tub, and every time we do, it makes millions of bubbles. Maybe that's why he likes it so much. Mason used to hate the jets, so we would have to take him out before turning them on. I think he has changes his mind now, though. As you can see, he was having a blast in all those bubbles with Zander.

For the Love of Your Brother!

While I was pregnant with Mason, Zander always said he didn't want a baby. He changed his mind the 1st time he laid eyes on his little brother & I am so glad for that!

Until Mason was about 8 months old and big enough to get up and go on his own, Zander insisted on holding him every morning. Mason hasn't really sat still very long since than, so Zander doesn't get a chance to hold him very long. The other day, Zander asked to hold him. So, I gave Mason his milk and had Zander sit down so he could "hold" him.

Zander also will not let his brother go to bed without giving him a kiss good night. But, I never dreamed he would be so protective of him at the Doctors office.

Today, Mason went in for his 1 year check up. He had the usual weigh in and measurements and the doctor came to check him out. Then, the nurse came back with his immunizations. There were 3 shots that he had to get. Zander told the nurse that Mason did not want any shots & while he was getting them, Zander was dancing around the room, trying to see his brother on the table, and he wasn't very happy with that nurse. He didn't say much else until she left the room. At that point, he turned to me with a scowl on his face and said, " I told you Mason didn't want any shots." I just told him, "I'm sorry honey, but we all have to have shots so that we don't get sick." I got our stuff together and headed down to have Mason's blood drawn for some tests. (This is a normal procedure to check infants for diseases.) I was dreading this as Mason was not happy with his shots and neither was Zander. We go into the room with the phlebotomist and Zander is asking all kinds of questions about the supplies in the room and telling me Mason doesn't want any shots and neither does he. I asked him to sit down on the stool and please stay out of the way. He did, but he still told the phlebotomist that his brother did not like or want any shots. He was very good after that and sat on the stool like I told him while I had to hold his screaming brother still so they could get some blood. Poor Zander was traumatized and crying. I felt terrible for both my boys. I know it's no fun to get shots or give blood, but it has to be done, and they were both fine after getting some juice and crackers from the phlebotomist. However, I DO NOT recommend taking your 3 year old to your 1 year old's check-up!!

My poor babies on they way home from this traumatic experience.

All Dressed Up

My cute little boys, all dressed up for Church the Sunday before Christmas.

A Little Fun

Before dinner on Monday night, we spent about an hour outside playing. The boys usually love to be outside and it was the perfect weather. Mason really enjoys being let loose to explore and walk all over. Zander loves to get the water out and play with his sand and water pit that Papa gave him. I got some really cute pictures of the two of them playing together.

Rainy Day Comparison

My two boys, both between 9-10 months old, watching the rain from the same sliding glass door. I was looking back at Zander's baby scrapbook and saw this picture of him. It just so happened it was raining that day, so I put Mason in front of this door to get the same picture. I was excited to put the two next to each other to see the similarities and differences in them. (I should have put that same outfit on him, oh well.) To me, they are total opposites, but other people tell me they are similar, so you make your own judgement.

Giggles

Zander loves to tickle Mason. I think Mason loves it, too! This is a video I took of them together in Zander's room on Tuesday evening. I'm sure glad they love each other so much! (most of the time anyway)

Splish Splash Fun

More pictures in the water. Last Friday, we went to the splash park to play. Zander didn't want to go, it seems lately he doesn't want to go anywhere. He had a blast when we got there, which I knew he would, and didn't want to leave. Mason, too, had some fun. He loves water and got really excited when he saw it. I let him sit by the water sprayer and he had a good time waving his hands in it and splashing his face. Be sure to click on the picture so you can see the boys faces.