Life is Unfair

Life is so unfair sometimes, especially if you are 4 and have a younger brother.  I have to take a minute to talk about C.  This poor little guys has been asked twice in the last week to leave something early that he was so excited for, because of N.  I know that disappointment is a part of life, but I hate that kids need to learn it so young.

N is at the age where he's really starting to stretch himself.  He's wanting to go longer between naps, but he still needs them.  If we are out, he will not just fall asleep, he will push himself until he breaks.  This causes meltdown of epic proportion.  My usual happy, smiley, giggly little boy, turns into a screams, crying, red faced little monster.

As a mom, my heart breaks when I have to tell one of my boys no.  I know that they need to hear it, and I tell them no, often.  But, I hate when the reason I am giving is "Because your brother is upset."  I remember being little and hearing that we couldn't do something I wanted, or had been promised to me, because my little sister was tired or didn't want to.  And I was 7 when my little sister was born!  I was old enough to understand that it wasn't just about me.

C is 4, and he is a wonderful, caring big brother, who for the most part understands that when N is upset, we need to leave.  But it still breaks my heart to see his eyes fill with tears when we can't go on the carousal at the mall, or we need to leave the concert early, because his brother is having a meltdown and is tired.  Don't get me wrong, we don't do everything he wants to do all the time just because he wants to, but we do try to do little things that he asks for when we can because they make him happy.

I've been trying to make sure we do a few things that C wants to do.  These are things that won't be affected by N's behavior.  We go to the playground right outside our house, because as long as he's playing N is okay (once we get into the is another story if a snack and drink are not ready ASAP).  We set up "movie pillow" while we watch a movie together so N can run around if needed.  And we give C time on the computer because it's something he enjoys that N can't do yet.

I'm very proud of my big boy.  He is a great big brother, and I just hope that we are able to show him that even though life isn't always fair, it's pretty fun most of the time.

Wordless Wednesday: Balcony Edition

We have a nice big balcony and recently replaced the carpet and cleaned it up.  The boys (and Hubby and I) have really enjoyed being able to play in the fresh air!

Going to the Movies

We had another fun milestone with C last week.  Since I've so so busy with my Montessori Infant/Toddler training, and we've had a lot of personal changes, Hubby and I thought we should do something special with C.  So....we took him to the movies!  He LOVED it!  We talked to him ahead of time about going to the "movie house" and watching the "big TV" that would be very loud.

The new experience started with purchasing tickets...

Then, we had to find out seats!  The theater has these neat little boosters that help hold the seat down and raises them up so they can see better.  (Not sure why he's making funny faces...I think he was deeply engrossed in the commercials and was annoyed we were bothering him!)

No movie experience is complete without snacks!

We saw Cars 2, and C loved it!  He did a great job.  He sat very nicely for the first hour or so, and then realized there was a bathroom nearby (only 5 trips during the 2 hours!).  It was also close to naptime, so around the hour mark, he started to look sleepy and (I think) was doing what he could to stay awake (standing in front of his seat...running to the bathroom...climbing in and out of my lap...)  

We think he really enjoyed the whole movie experience, because every time we see something Cars 2, he gets so excited!  And he's telling people all about it when they ask.  I think it was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait until we take him to the next movie :) 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful little guy!  C is 3 years old today*!  I cannot believe how fast the time has gone.  He's grown up so much this year and has had many changes in his life that he has taken in stride.

*Okay, actually last week, but I had some internet trouble, so let's pretend!

This year his birthday has been so fun because he's starting to get it.  He knows something big is happening, even if he doesn't really understand what it means.  He knows how to open presents now, which is hysterical to watch!  He knows that birthdays equal cupcakes and loves the attention, even if he's a little shy about it!  

Here's some pictures of our awesome little dude:

A couple minutes old.

1 week old.

Right after his first birthday.

At his second birthday party.

First day of school.

Meeting his brother for the first time!

Celebrating his third birthday at school.

With Hubby at his third birthday celebration.

Opening presents.

CUPCAKES!!!!

Our wonderful little family, which would not be complete without him!

Trip to the Firehouse

Last week, a good friend invited us to take a tour of the local firehouse with her, her niece (I'll call her M...I'm just original like that), and her sister.  We had such a great time, and we just might have a couple of future firefighters on our hands!  Lots of pictures:

Listening carefully about the oxygen backpack.

 LOVE that smile!!

What's all this cool stuff?

Not even as tall as the tires!

Feeling the air coming out.

N was fascinated with the fans on the ceiling.

Hanging out in the game room.

Love, love, love this picture!

Being silly outside :)

The kids had a great time, C was so excited to get home and tell Hubby all about it!  

First Snow

We had our first snow!  I LOVE snow!  When C woke up this morning, I opened the blinds and told him to watch for snow.  He promptly stood on the couch and looked out the window, it was very cute!  When it started to snow, I pointed it out to C (he had stopped looking at this point) and he got so excited.  He started yelling "I dee dow!  I dee dow!"  (translation.."I see snow!  I see snow!")  He then gave me my phone and said "Daddy, I dee dow!"  He wanted to call Hubby and tell him, so of course we did.  I announced to C and N that we were having a pajama day, and we did not have to get out of our pj's all day!  I wasn't sure if C really understood, but he got very excited and started running around yelling "Dow!  Dow!" 

Right before nap, I decided to be brave and take the boys out for a few min, figuring maybe it would help C take a nice nap (sneaky, I know!)  I guess C did understand pajama day because when I told him it was time to get ready to outside, he refused to take him pj's off...so, sweat pants and coat went on over his pj's!  He had a great time.  We only stayed out for a couple minutes because I forgot the blanket to put over N's face to help keep the snow off...oops! 

I love winter, and cannot wait for more snow!  (Especially when I go back to work and it means a snow day!)

Hope everyone else was able to enjoy a fun snow day!  Maybe next time we will attempt a little project, any ideas?