My Michael.

Michael is changing and growing just as quickly as Nicholas these days.  Last weekend I took Michael to the town Christmas parade while Josh stayed home with Nicholas.  It was wonderful to spend an hour with just Michael.  We enjoyed waving to the various fire trucks and boy scout troupes, even though it was freezing cold.  He had a blast running out onto the street to grab pieces of candy, which sounds much more dangerous than it actually was!  

The Christmas spirit is certainly alive in Michael B.  Last week (or, was it the week before?) we went to Michael's for a second time to actually shop for the things that I meant to pick up on that disastrous trip.  While we were shopping I noticed a grungy, rough looking man, probably in his mid sixties, wandering around the store.  Instinctively, I held Michael's hand a little bit tighter due to both the crowds and this gentleman.  When we finished up our shopping, I noticed that my Grandmother was right behind us in the checkout line.  Michael was jabbering away to the cashier, talking a mile a minute, while I caught up with my grandmother.  (He was asking the cashier questions like: Do you like your job?  Why do you work here?  What's your name?)  During this time, I noticed the man staring at Michael and listening to him question the cashier.  Again, I wanted to snatch Michael up, even though we were basically touching, that's how close in proximity we were to one another.  The man stayed and listened to Michael for quite some time, and then moved down to another line at the end of the store.  I kept my eye on him, still feeling a little bit anxious. 

While my grandmother was checking out, I gave Michael some change to put into the Good Will bucket outside of the store.  I explained to him why we were giving money away.  As we were having this conversation the man walked up to us.  He stopped and stared again at Michael.  Michael looked up at him and said, "HI!  I'm Michael!  What's your name?"  Without taking a breath, he began to tell the man about giving money away.  He was so proud of the few pieces of change that I gave him to put into the Good Will collection.  This man then reached into his pocket and gave Michael a few quarters for the Good Will bucket.  He asked Michael if he would put money into the bucket for him, too.  After giving Michael the money, this man looked at me and told me what a special little boy I have.  He said something like there aren't many children who would give money away like that.  I smiled at him and said thank you.  And the man moved on.  My grandmother was paying attention to this conversation and so she pulled out money for Michael to give away.  He was so excited!  

The whole experience scared me a little, quite honestly.  I'm not taking both of boys out by myself until the Christmas season has passed.  Once the stores and malls are empty, I'll try again.  Michael is so incredibly friendly and kind, almost to a fault.  But, at the same time, maybe this man was homeless and lonely.  Listening to Michael may have brought him joy and comfort. Who knows if I should have been terrified or proud?  He is such a special little boy, though, and has such a giving spirit.  

A Special Treat for a Special Boy.

We had to a number of errands this morning, one being a drive forty-five minutes away so that I could return a purchase to Babies R Us.  What fun! Last week I bought a car seat cover thing for Nicholas last week so that I didn't have to load him up with a bazillion blankets every time we leave the house.  Naturally, because it was 30 degrees here over the weekend, the cover turned out to be damaged.  Josh suggested that I return the cover to the Toys R Us in town and then buy the other one online.  I refused to wait another week for this cover, so I loaded up the boys and took them on a trip to Babies R Us. 

Michael was such a good boy throughout the whole trip.  Which is really saying something because he easily could have lost his patience with me a number of times.  Like, when I called our ped and my running friend over a nursing issue.  The phone call had to have lasted a good twenty minutes, at least.  That doesn't include the two phone calls to my physician and the on call pediatrician's office for the boys' pediatrician.   Or, when I had to nurse Nicholas in Panera because it was time for him to eat just as Michael was finishing his meal.  Poor Michael had to sit and color on a napkin for twenty minutes after eating his lunch.  Or, just putting up with the whole annoying trip altogether!  Babies R Us isn't much fun if you're three, trust me!  : ) 

So, his reward for being SUCH a good boy was the opportunity to nap in the baby's room.  We pulled out his sleeping bag and a couple pillows.  Michael was so happy.  He was slightly disappointed that Nicholas wasn't sleeping in his crib when he went down for his nap.  He loves his brother so much.  It's just unbelievable at times.  

**The pictures are from this morning. I've implemented strict TV regulations, which means that I've opened myself up to following Michael around and picking up blankets and pillows ALL DAY LONG.  At least he's not a blob, laying around watching Thomas and Co!  Thomas is more than welcome when I'm showering in the morning and when I'm cooking dinner, otherwise the TV is off!  In these pictures Michael is making a "puppet show" for Moo's party tonight!  We have parties ALL the time for his stuffed animals!  Seriously, ALL THE TIME!  : ) 

Such a Sweetie.

Michael and I had the best day yesterday. (NO fits!! Hurray!!) He stayed in his pj's until after 3 pm because we stayed home pretty much the whole day. We baked a loaf of bread, which was a first for both of us. We also made a warm pot of potato soup for our dinner last evening. Michael worked on making a handprint turkey out of his hands and feet. We still have some work to do on it this evening, as the finishing touches need to be added. Michael was completely content to play with his "monster trucks" and "animals" all day. It was like he re-discovered his toys. Of course I felt guilty that Nicholas needed so much attention yesterday due to his fussiness, but Michael handled it just fine. To top the day off, Josh took Michael to another middle school basketball game. Our home team played against the school where I used to teach. Michael enjoyed the game and the extra time with his daddy.

Lovin' the Library...

Guess who had the best day ever?

Nicholas takes a bath!

Nicholas really enjoys bath time, as long as he is warm!!  Michael loves to help give Nicholas a bath, it's part of his big brother role.  We do bath time with Nicholas on the days Michael B is home with me.  It serves as great entertainment for both of us.  Michael shares all of his bath tub toys, and can't understand why Nicholas has no interest in playing with them!  

Who needs a bumper sticker...

...When Michael B is your son?!?!

It's no secret that Josh and I are Barack Obama supporters, and we've made sure to include Michael in a number of our political conversations. He tries to participate in the conversations, but the majoritity of the time his words come out as gibberish. However, he clearly knows who we will be voting for today, and isn't afraid to shout it from the roof tops. "ROCK-A-BAMA!!!," Michael says!!! We've even been reading a book at night to Michael about the presidential election called Grace Campbell for President. And, to our dismay he listens to every word of this incredibly LONG book about the Electoral College.

Josh took Michael to vote with him this morning before he went into the office. The line was incredibly long, for our initials, while the other line was incredibly short. Imagine waiting in line with a three year old for forty-five minutes; Josh really is a great sport! Josh admitted that he was grateful that Michael did not start spouting off about Barack Obama to a bunch of strangers. Somehow, Michael was able to refrain from expressing his political views to the masses. Josh was happy to see the children's voting booth, but both he and Michael were disappointed to learn that you have to be FIVE to vote. (What a bummer.) Michael still got a sticker, though.

Michael has not missed an election day in all of his three years! Way to go, Michael B!!!

Pictures to come of Nicholas voting later on in the day. : )

Melts my heart...

This morning, while preparing breakfast, I peeked into the playroom to check on Michael and Nicholas.  The baby was strapped in the bouncy seat, trying to sleep.   And, Michael was playing with his cars, or so I thought.  When I stuck my head in the room, there was Michael sitting beside the bouncy seat, reading Nicholas the book "I'll Always Love You".  I quickly tried to find the camera, and couldn't find it quickly enough.  Nicholas started to cry.  And, I heard Michael say something like, "Well, if you're gonna cry, then I'm not going to read to you, Baby." Even though the moment was over,  I laughed to myself and continued to look for the camera.  When I finally walked in, there was Michael B.  trying to console his brother with a little kiss on the forehead.  We then played together, the three of us, by introducing Mr. Nicholas to tummy time and letting him stretch out on the floor .  

These pictures are not from this morning. Once the camera battery is charged, I will be sure to post them!  We're also going to a party on the mountain this afternoon, so I'm very hopeful that we will have a few family photos to share from the celebration!