Day two of our Chattanooga vacation revolved around Will (surprise surprise) and this little guy:
Technically speaking, Asher is Will’s second cousin. And Jeremy’s first cousin once removed. Yuuup…had to google that. Asher is also the first son of Keven, who is Jeremy’s first cousin not removed whatsoever…also known as just a cousin. Keven had help creating the little snow-haired child with his wife Brooke…Hi Girl!
And now I would like to demonstrate the power of a television in a vehicle with two toddlers:
Amazing and awesome utter silence. Will doesn’t even notice the giant camera lens that is literally six inches from his face.
After picking up Asher and Brooke for a fun-filled playdate, we headed back down to Coolidge Park. We had heard that the gorgeous fountains would be up and running but unfortunately the ‘contamination’ issue was lingering…so instead we just grabbed some lunch and found a bench to eat. Note, Will decided his lunch was better served on the sidewalk. And this is right about when I start praying for his immune system.
Can I just tell you about the difference in toddler personalities at this point?
Asher was pleasantly eating lunch on the bench.
Will was attempting to drink the putrid puddle water, stealing the teenagers frisbee and soccer ball, and running all over the several acres of green lawn while I tried to shove sidewalk-cheerios into his mouth.
Yeah…I guess this is when I am supposed to say that independence is a good thing, huh?!
The boys loved this tree.
Will loved it until he saw that Asher had a lawnmower.
And then Will took said lawnmower.
Thanks for sharing Asher.
This was hilarious to me. They seriously acted like they were in charge of the lawn care at the park.
And I’m really glad that Will didn’t act out against his cousin. He tends to do that. Remember how he pooped on Clara twice and then threw a box of toys onto her head? Um yeah. So it’s nice that Will didn’t get all ninja on Asher when he played with his own toy….mostly because Asher has at least five pounds on Will and could lay him out.
After we got all sweaty in the lawn, we headed back inside to catch a ride on the carousel. I didn’t realize this but I learned that this thing is a 100 year old restored antique. Can you even imagine the number of smiles this thing has seen?!
Asher on his appropriately animated green frog…looks straight out of Alice in Wonderland, doesn’t it?
And how cute is this guy with his platinum hair and cheery cheeks?! Like a baby Santa!
And a fake-smiling Will also on an appropriate ride….a wolfdog. That should be Will’s nickname – he’s wild, dangerous, likes to howl, and could possibly have rabies.
Playdates are never overrated. Never. I love them with my whole heart…and this day was no different. I am so glad that the boys got to spend the time together.
That evening, Jer’s folks put together a cookout for all fo us. Yes, that is my plate with both a hotdog and a cheeseburger. I need two entrees. Don’t judge.
And of course, we got more pictures of the boys together.
#1 – yes, the first one reminds me of Austin Powers
#2 – how cute are they holding hands? Cuter than reading a kitten calendar while pregnant!
Haha – only in Tennessee 🙂
This one cracks me up…Will looks like he is thinking ‘I know the camera is out and I know this trick…and it ain’t that funny’. Asher on the other hand hasn’t been exploited for hourly photography sessions…yet.
Seriously…I can’t say how different these two are. Not just in appearance…but in personality. And Keven & Brooke…I’m really really sorry. I’m just apologizing now for the trouble Asher is going to get into when he hangs out with Will. Just want to start early.
I wish I knew what they were laughing about. It was really funny, I’m sure…but for the life of me, I can’t remember.
Sorry for this post – it really is all over the place. I’m trying to remember things…and I am too tired…and I’m two weeks behind with posts….forgive me?
I do recall that that night I had a big ole fat breakdown. Blame it partially on the monthly Witch…who totally bursts my baby-dreams each month – but also because Asher was just so-dang-good. He didn’t try to backhand his mama’s face even once! Whereas Will was attempting to hotwire the riding lawnmower and totally ignored our warnings of No! and went back for more even after he was removed…and basically any kinda of discipline with our little Wolfdog involves at least thirty minutes of crying, screaming, hitting, scratching, pinching, headbanging, and general demonic behavior. So it got to me.
The evening wasn’t all crying though…for me or Will. It was actually really fun.
Gramps (aka Pastor Dad) broke out the hose and the giant baby pool for the boys. And you know Will and his love for hoses….
Asher decided to get in on the fun too…
and then felt the water and decided to get OUT of the fun. Too chilly.
Will however stayed in the entire time.
Two hoses = toddler bliss.
And I should have labeled this as a ‘Windup to throw’ Picture….but the real smile-inducing thing is that diaper. Gotta love it.
And that was it…our second day in Chatt-town. Thanks Brooke & Asher for the playdate. And Asher – don’t listen to those girls who said your hair was from a bottle…they are just jealous 🙂
You take such great photos. I’m always so impressed. And those boys…UH-dorable!
OMG. . .the boys are SO adorable!!!! You’re right, you can totally see the personality differences between them. Will just seems a bit more “spirited”! Not a bad thing, he’s certainly smile/laugh inducing in the cutest way possible!
Looks like a fun day! I hear that little boys are a handful anyway and when they grow up they’re fine. Little girls are pleasant until around middle school (I know that’s true for me)… then they become a handful. So at least you’re getting the tough stuff out of the way now!
PS – the characters on the carousel look so cute! I love anything old.
It makes me giggle when I look at the caption of the pic of the boys on the carousel “Can you even imagine the number of smiles this thing has seen?!” and then I see the lady in the background and she looks like she is about to hurl. Maybe your sub-caption could be “and I wonder how many adults have thrown up on this thing.”
What a pair of cuties! This is a random request, but I would love another Photoshop tutorial post someday. Ya know, when you have nothing better to post on 🙂 The ones you have written in the past were super helpful!
Kissin cousins!
I’m a TN girl, born and raised, and my sister is married to a boy whose family is from Arkansas. I used to always lecture on him on not picking up girls when he went home for family reunions when they were dating.
I’m such a sweet sister in law.
“Will doesn’t even notice the giant camera lens that is literally six inches from his face. ”
I didn’t realize Will was a little person. He looks so normal in all the other photos. But if he literally has 3″ long legs, then he must be tiny in real life! So cute!
Hi Katie, I love reading your blog, but this is my first comment. I was inspired to comment today because of your breakdown over Will’s, uh, livliness. I am here to tell you: I feel your pain! I have two beautiful, healthy, charming, and EXTREMELY difficult children. I too used to get frustrated watching my friends’ compliant little angels obey thier every command follow them around like duckings, while my hell-raisin’ hooligans negotiate, challenge, and button-push at every turn. Then a friend shared with me this advice that I am now sharing with you: “The behaviors our kids exhibit that challenge us most as parents will be the ones that best serve them as adults.” When you look at it that way, I can say that I am proud that my kids are strong-willed and intellectually curious and perseverent in the face of opposition! In the meantime, yes, it is quite emotionally exhausting to deal with people who challenge your parenting resolve at every turn. But they’re stronger people for it (and so am I, lol). Sorry for this long-winded comment, but just wanted to let you know you are not alone, and it does get better! xox
Asher looks like Charlie Bucket!!!!!!!!!! Loved this post 🙂 cute boys! And your hotdog looked amazing…!!
Not only in TN, in MS too 🙂 And my mama is from Arkansas, we didn’t stand a chance!
I second the photoshop tutorials! I have a Canon Rebel and as hard as I try and after switching every ISO, F/whatever, I can’t for the life of me get the stinkin’ pics to get as bright as yours!
PS, my lil man is a cotton-top too and I’m super jealous of him, and I REFUSE to cut his hair. Will’s mullet reminds me alot of my Hayden’s!
Katie, since you loe bacon so much…this one’s for you…
http://www.lolshirts.com/about/win-a-years-supply-of-bacon?utm_source=Tanga+Emails&utm_campaign=fd02f40234-Game_A_Thon_Newsletter_August_1st&utm_medium=email
oops-meant love bacon…haha
WIll reminds me so much of my own son…who pushes down children for lawnmowers and bubbles. Such great pics!
What great pictures! Seems like a fun family day! Will and Asher are adorable!
I love the pic of Keven holding Will & Asher. You would hardly notice Asher is his son, except for the identical expressions, lol, that is so cute!!
And I was worried I was the only one with one of THOSE toddlers. I’m the mom who gets stared at when it’s my kid (I have two boys – 4 and 7) who has the meltdown, takes the toys, tells the teacher he doesn’t like her (yep – week two of preschool), pees outside because it’s “more fun” than going inside and who tells his cousin what to do just to see if he’ll do it (DID NOT work out well this weekend!)
All kidding aside – boys are AWESOME and trust me, it’s more fun to be the parent of the “Wolf Dog” kid because you’ll never get fat. You’ll be too busy running after them and stressing out about their next move! 🙂
I felt a bout of relief when you mentioned the differences between Will and Asher. My 15 month old, to say the least, is a wolfdog. I thought it was my fault but knowing that Will’s personality is similar and you are such a great mom makes me feel so much better!
I love the photo of your father in law and his sister laughing. Pure joy.
Adorable and I giggled at the photo where Will knows your camera tricks but Asher is absolutely mesmerized – I love it.
But, my heart broke when I read about your breakdown – I know how difficult it is to spend the two week wait wishing and praying that its your month only to be let down. Stupid periods.. know I am hoping you get your positive soon Katie, you are a wonderful Mamma to that little boy – even if he doesn’t recognize that yet.
I look forward to your next update 🙂
~ Anne
haha! I’m off to sign up 🙂
xo – kb
They are precious. I’ll take one of each, please!
(Hang in there. As hard as it is, your time (Part Deux) will come! *Hugs*)
Oh yes that evil nasty witch who comes once a month………….I hate her!! We should join forces and show her whose boss!!! Here is to another month wishing…….and hopeing……and praying…..and…….!!!
Oh I love that picture where Asher looks like a little baby santa too!! My husband had hair as light as his when he was a baby……..maybe some day one of my future kids will too…………you know when that nasty witch stops showing up! HA! ~Joanna D.
Ooh, Ooh, Katie, I know this one!!!
I have two very spirited boys and I can not recommend Positive Parenting Solutions highly enough! You can take the first course for free at http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/ The course is taught in short, maybe 5 min videos and she frequently does webinars (my favorite part) where she addresses specific issues. Also, she has weekly (I think) q&a sessions where you actually call and talk with her (haven’t done this). I totally recommend at least following the fb page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/PositiveParentingSolutions cause there is a bunch of good info on there and because they post when they do free introductory webinars (at the intro webinar I attended she gave a coupon code at the end). For real, I love it and I feel so much more empowered as a mommy and not only do I know what to do about behavior problems, I also really feel that I understand now *why* my boys act the way they do (and that it’s normal, lol) and that really helps more than anything.
I also remember loving the book Raising Your Spirited Child: http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Your-Spirited-Child-Rev/dp/0060739665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312215293&sr=8-1 years ago when my oldest, almost 6 year old, was about Will’s age.
Also, I wanted to tell you thanks for the post you did way back when on Stone Mountain Park. We took the boys there fourth of July weekend and had a blast! It’s such a perfect place for little dudes who are not big enough to really enjoy amusement parks yet. We stayed at the Marriott that’s in the park and got 2 one day passes and only used one, so I’m already planning a trip back in the fall.
Asher is adorable. He looks like a grown man in miniature. He will make a very handsome young man.
Thanks for sharing. I currently live in Chattanooga, but I travel so much now that I don’t get to see much of it.
This weekend was a “challenge” for both my husband and I. We were not sure if we were failing as parents (sarcastic a bit yes, but emotions make me sarcastic) or needed to call an excersist. Our almost 2 year old changed overnight! Any “No” is answered with crying, screaming, kicking, scratching, spitting, throwing herself on the ground temper tantrums. I was like, what did we do to make her like this? Is this normal? I need to find other people to ask, but I am the only one of my friends with a kid! So, here comes Monday morning and I read about your WolfDog Boy and feel like I am not a failure of a mother. You seem like an amazing mom, like my internet mom mentor, and if you have a WolfDog its ok I have a girl Wolf Dog. Thank you for the piece of mind!
Hey, even though said “witch” is sooo annoying and depressing each month, can I selfishly say I am so encouraged to hear I am not the only one battling with it? Me and husband are trying and praying…I hope you and I both end up with the results we want soon! Just wanted you to know you’re not alone and I’m glad to know I’m not either.
Hang in there! You are doing a good job momma!
As far as efforts for baby #2 goes… I know you hate to hear it, but stress really does play a factor! My husband and I tried (unsuccessfully) for 2 years on our own. Finally we decided to get some testing done at a fertility clinic, they couldn’t find anything wrong with us… but we didn’t want to wait any longer (as I’m already 32) so we decided to try insemination. Wouldn’t you know it – we got pregnant on our own like 2 weeks before we were set to begin treatments!! They said it happens all the time. Once the stress is lifted… bam! So we’re due Jan 2 with a little girl… meaning my mom, me, and my daughter will all have January birthdays. weird coincidence? maybe. I like to think that this was meant to be my baby, and nothing I can do would “hurry” her along. God has a plan for us all… sometimes its just REALLY hard not knowing what it is. 😉
You’ve got a lot on your plate right now – a new house, a blog, a toddler, a WEDDING – cut yourself some slack. You are a wonderful person and you are doing the best you can! Thats all anyone can ask for. 🙂
What an adorable post.
I stalk…I mean READ your blog every single day. Religiously.
You are doing an amazing job, keep it up.
Those are the cutest boys I have EVER seen…should be little models 🙂
You are such a cool, laid-back mama…Will is very lucky!
Love the photo of the cousins holding hands! I was most impressed by the plate of food, it was gorgeous. Don’t worry, I often eat both a hot dog and hamburger…why should we have to choose one or the other?!
The other day I had an adult tantrum (screaming and stomping my feet) in front of my toddler, which was kind of embarrasing, but she seemed to respond to it. It’s definitely not how I want to act all the time, but toddlers have a way of making you feel completely out of control. My girl can be compliant and nice one moment, and completely defiant the next…it’s like having 2 toddlers in one and never knowing which one is present at any given time! Good luck with your wolfdog, I’d like to say it gets better, but someone please tell me when!!!
This post has inspired me to leave a comment today as well. I always enjoy reading your blog, and it is crazy to me how much I can relate to your life at this very moment…crazy! We have just one child so far, an 18 month old son named Jax, who we love and adore and absolutely tests us beyond our limits every single day!:) He and Will have very similar personalities, to say the least. I often am guilty of comparing Jax to the other kids around us when it seems like he is the only one that wants to climb everything in sight, do the exact opposite of whatever he is told, or throw himself on the ground and go limp when I am trying to “reason with him” in public situations. My husband and I joke with each other that we are going to dress him up as Bam-Bam from the Flinstones for Halloween since he likes to get the biggest thing he can find and hit everything/one with it! Ha! Anyways, I am trying to look to the Lord in all of these situations and instead thank God every day for such a happy and healthy boy that can do all these things, even if they get him in trouble or right now!:) Have you read “Bringing up Boy’s by James Dobson or “Wild at Heart” by not sure who? I haven’t read either but probably will soon!:)
Anyways, thanks for your post! It was definitely a great reminder to all of us moms with boys like Will that we are not alone!:)
You and Jeremy sure do have some good genes in your families! That picture of Jeremy’s cousin made me W.O.L (“Woah” out loud, if you will). Such a cute little boy, too!!
Will is about the same age as my little guy and mine is the same way with the hitting, pinching, smacking and the worst – headbutting! He will eventually respond to No, but not without the crying, whining and possibly one or all of the above mentioned lovable habits ;). Just sayin’ I feel your pain girl.
Your photos are great! They make me want to take another trip down to Chattanooga with my guys, it’s such a great city.
Also hang in there with the wanting more babies thing, God knows where you are with everything in your life. It’ll happen when the time is right, just don’t forget to enjoy right now. You don’t want to look back and say I wish I hadn’t wished it all away. 😀
Ha, love the W.O.L.
I thought the same thing…Dang! Those Bower boys are hot-ta!
The discipline? It gets better. My boys are so freaking well-behaved in public, I get constant compliments. No kidding.
But I paid my dues. I walked out of more Atlanta-area malls, Kohl’s, and Krogers than I can count with a screaming toddler/preschooler in my arms. Lots of time-outs outside. Lots and lots of practice following through on the mommy-threats. It really, really does pay off in the long run.
My goodness – check out that blonde hair! What a cutie!!
BTW Katie, I saw this on Pinterest and thought of you. You must buy this! http://www.clickinmoms.com/store/product.php?productid=17522&cat=0&page=&featured=Y
RIGHT!??!
I saw that a while ago and thought it was worth every penny 🙂
xo – kb
I have read Wild at Heart but not the Bringing up Boys…I’ll have to check it out! Thanks for the title – I need all the help I can get 🙂
xo – kb
haha! I’ll have to tell Brooke – she’ll get a kick out of it, I’m sure…
xo – kb
A friend once said to me, “don’t worry, they won’t be blowing bubbles in their milk when they’re 20”. I think it puts toddler behavior in perspective… I just hope she’s right! xx
Those boys are adorable! I love Asher’s hair (and the name is awesome too!). My daughter has four second cousins, two of which are almost identical in age but are too far away to meet. And I’m all over the second cousins, first cousins-once-removed, third cousins, etc… my family is huge and we get off on a generation so my dad’s first cousin once removed is actually his age, instead of my age, and so my second cousin once removed is my age and blah blah blah, it gets confusing! As many people say in my town, everyone is just “kin” to everyone else. I just call them all cousins, even if they are 20 years older or younger than me. 🙂
Please, please put the car seat chest clip at armpit level. I notice Will’s cousin is wearing his car seat buckle correctly, but Will is not. The chest clip goes on the chest, not the belly. A child can fly out of the car seat upon impact in an accident if the clip is not high up on the chest.
Don’t worry Jennifer, we fixed it shortly after taking the pictures. Granted I was still driving at the time. KIDDING. He was properly buckled in by the time we hit the road…which took roughly only thirty minutes – right after we packed the lunch, loaded up the toys and got spare everything 🙂
Thanks for the concern though – it’s nice to know that other folks are looking out for our little man!
xo – kb
I have also been trying for a baby and that awful Witch came to visit me a few days ago. She turned me into an emotional fool who attacked my boyfriend in a mixture of a meltdown of tears and absolute ridiculousness… is that a word?
Hey KB! I know I wouldnt think that Wills ‘wolfboy’ behavior was funny if he was my ‘wolfbo’…but MAN…when he flashes those big brown eyes I think Id have trouble being stern!!!
ALso, because youre my photography guru, what lens were you shotting the kids with when theyre both in their carseats together? Im having trouble making two subjects completely in focus when they arent DIRECTLY beside each other… THANKYOU for your help!!!
Ok…I have a 18 month old that I swear makes it his daily goal to do the opposite of what I tell him. So I share your tears!!! My hubby made the analogy last night that being a parent has opened his eyes to how God must feel about us when we are disobedient…”Why on earth are you doing THAT again when I told you no!!!” Only difference….my hubby isn’t trying to throw everything in the toilet!!! LOL
I love your blog but usually don’t comment. Like others, I was inspired to today because I can relate to having a beastie boy toddler. In fact, we had a playdate today too, and while the other child is learning how to use possessive nouns, my own child figured out how to go through the dog door. There’s a reason the huz and I call him our dog-baby.
So yeah, sometimes I get frustrated that my boy is so crazy. But honestly–I love his exuberance and enthusiasm for life; I laugh more often and harder since he’s been born than I ever have before. Really, I could learn a couple lessons from him.
Plus, I figure by the time he’s in college he won’t think it’s funny to bite, or throw things, or grab his business (in public).
LOL… I love the “wolfdog” and it also describes my little guy to a tee. I totally get how you’re feeling with Will right now. You love him to death and he’s hilarious I bet… but do you ever sit back and wonder how you guys made a lil guy so full of energy, determination, and mischieviousness??? I wonder that daily!
That has to do with your depth not so much your lens…just boost up your fstop to get more depth in focus (this one was at 4.0 but I could have gone up even higher)…easy & quick fix 🙂
xo – kb
Yup. it surelyness is.
xo – kb
I can sympathize. One of mine was violent from day one, and it was AWFUL! I knew people were looking at me thinking I was hovering and to just let my little precious play – little did they know I was standing guard so hopefully I’d be able to stop him before he beat up any of their little preciouses. But, he grew out of it, he’s 3 1/2 now and only bites his siter, and only then when she is mean to him.
When he’s being crazy reacting to redirection, do you explain to him what you’re doing and why? In simple words and short sentences, but it helped with both mine, well before they could phrase it themselves having me say it for them helped a lot.
I have two boys that were the most passionate tantrum throwers you ever saw, and headbanging is the WORST. I remember feeling so disheartened (also jealous, sad, scared I was doing everything wrong) when other kids ‘used their words’ and mine just went from 0 to freak out in seconds. But hang in there, my boys are 20 and 14 now and they really don’t have tantrums anymore. They are (mostly) pleasant to be around, in fact.
Will is determined and spirited and it will serve him well one day.
Hang in there Katie. My little man was also a very active toddler. I literally spent my days making sure he didn’t kill himself. He would slap me in the face and pull my hair so hard I would cry out. He wouldn’t listen to me and ignored any attempts I made to verbally correct him. I would go to bed completely exhausted. I just tried to be consistent and I prayed that it would one day pay off because I was exhausted and felt like I was failing my kid. He has come around and is almost like a human being :). I have to say I watched super nanny and did everything she said about everything and it totally worked! Hang in there. It will get easier!
We say it…but like I said…he doesn’t talk yet…and doesn’t understand a lot…or so it seems. Like we did the whole “Bring mommy the ball” test and he ended up just throwing it. It’s hard because of the lack of communication. I know it will get easier when he starts to talk more…and when that day comes, I’m sure I will wish he would just shut up for one stinkin’ minute 🙂
xo – kb
Hey, I also just wanted to share a quick carseat tid-bit… I’m not sure if you heard but just in March the American Academy of Pediatrics changed their recommendations for carseats that children remain rear-facing until at least 2 years old or until they’ve maxed out the height/weight requirements of rear-facing. This decreases their risk of death or serious injury by up to 75%, which is obviously huge. Sorry, I’m not trying to be a nosy-nelly, but I know that since this is a newish guideline that many people aren’t aware that they have changed it. But I figured it’s important enough to share. I hope you don’t think I’m trying to be mean… just trying to help!
I love your blog and read it almost daily and think that sweet little guy is cute as a button!
here’s the link for more info…
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Information-for-Families.aspx
I’m glad you said something! Some folks don’t know.
Will reached the maximum height for his rear-facing car seat a while ago…but I seriously wish that they made the rear-facing versions for longer kids…mostly because he could really sleep well in that thing.
xo – kb
Your pictures are so great! I wish I could get pictures like that of Porter. Heck he won’t stay still long enough. Hopefully one day I can get to Charlotte for some pictures. Live in Charleston so if you are in the are let me know and I would love to have you take pictures of Porter.
I have two throwing, pushing, grabbing, kicking, wrestling wild boys of my own so let me tell you you are not alone. My neighbor’s little boy always seems so mild mannered….we went putt putt golfing last week and while her son was trying to learn the game and swing the club gently, my boys were hitting each other with their clubs and trying to jump in the water! I just wanted to cry! Don’t get too discouraged about not having baby #2 yet……God my be doing you a favor by allowing a little more time in between! My two are 14 months apart, and I will warn you, if you think Will is exhausting, multiply that by about 10 times if you’re blessed with another little boy! Good luck!!
“…basically any kinda of discipline with our little Wolfdog involves at least thirty minutes of crying, screaming, hitting, scratching, pinching, headbanging, and general demonic behavior.”
Katie, you could be talking about my son here, too — this totally describes him. I feel your pain!! I just keep trying to remember what everyone says (it’s a phase, all toddlers do it to some extent, that spiritedness will serve him well someday, etc. etc. etc.) and when that doesn’t help, I fall to my knees and pray for strength. I know you do, too. Hang in there — you’re not alone!
Hugs,
Susie
*sigh*
I’m looking into my future. My daughter is only 9 months, and she pulls/grabs/touches/crawls everywhere and everything, refusing to be cuddled or held. Her cousin, on the other hand, sits quietly and smiles at everyone. Isn’t personality a wonderful thing? I know that one day, I will be thankful for her strong spirit … but it probably won’t be a day that falls in the toddler years.
We have the same lawnmower for our son. He LOVES it (and actually panics if it is left outside). The best part is the gas can. All kids love it – we were just looking for one that didn’t require extra “stuff” like batteries/bubbles, etc., because god knows we would always be out of it.
So I’m really surprised they weren’t completely batting each other away from it! It seems to spark big wars at our house when “friends” come to play. 🙂 (He kind of plays along side of other kids, rather than with them at this point – he’s 2 1/2 – so “friends” to him are more like “kids who come and take my toys.”)
Hi Katie! Just have to tell you I feel your pain with often feeling out of control and frustrated when it comes to parenting/disciplining a toddler boy! (Did I read into that? Maybe that’s not exactly how you feel, but it’s very often how i feel!) This motherhood thing is no joke, definitely the most humbling journey I’ve been on yet (with marriage a close second!) Also, at the risk of being TMI, I wanted to recommend a book on fertility. Maybe you’re familiar with it, but it’s called Taking Charge of Your Fertility, by Toni Weschler. I found it to be so helpful, of course take it or leave it! xoxo
love your photos and designs, but I don’t know if you comment on your son’s behaviour as part of your commentry or if you’re really worried/annoyed – if so, don’t give your child so much junk! There is a relation between what you fuel a child with and what it responds with! It’s not necessarily the “terrible twos” or the stage they’re going through.
Will doesn’t get junk…well, that’s not true…he does get it on very special occasions. But for the most part, we eliminated most of the sugar he gets and have stuck to honey and other natural sweeteners like agave. The rare times we allow him to have something sweet – like fruit snacks or ice cream – are so few and far between, I know it’s not the main culprit in his ‘stage’. And honest to goodness, he’s not always bad…it’s just when I want him to be extra good 🙂
xo – kb
Awww Yay! Great pictures, Katie! I love, LOVE, love every one of them! Will is a doll and yes, independence is a great personality trait (even when it’s harder on the mamas!). Remember, you are not perfect and neither is Will, but you are the PERFECT mom for Will, b/c God chose you for each other! Next Chattanooga trip = Creative Discovery Museum + more new adventures. You in???
YES. I can’t wait!
Maybe in the fall…and here’s a question – is there an apple barn? Because I am sortof obsessed with the idea of taking Will to an apple barn. Obviously he will probably throw all the apples…in which case, I will be buying a bushel of apples…but I think the two of them would have a grand time 🙂
xo – kb
p.s. Tell Asher Will says hi!
katie, have you thought of trying sign language? It really helps cut down the frustration and bridge the communication gap. Baby Sign Time videos are great but expensive. My Smart Hands website has free resources. Might help, might not. Thought I’d share.
Hi there. I am new to your blog. I came over because of the Pinterest Challenge that I saw on YHL. I have been following them for a long time and now I have great ideas from your blog too ! Anyway, I watched a DVD today (well part of it) that I got from the library called “Happiest Toddler on the Block”. The DR that made it has a book by the same name and also one about babies. My friend told me about it and swears it works with her twins. I am a single mom to 18 month old twin boys. They can make me exhausted by lunch time !! The basics are simple communication but on a toddler level. Some of it seems like it could make me feel pretty silly – but I am willing to try it for a few more days. I tried the “Toddler-ese” this afternoon after nap and it worked. Pretty much you use repetition and mimic their non-verbals. So when one of my twins was upset because the other took his toy. I said “Not fair, not fair, not fair. He took your toy. He took your toy. He doesn’t want to share with you.” He immediately stopped throwing a fit – and decided to play with something else. When I needed to cook dinner and my Mama’s boy got clingy I did the same sort of thing. It worked for the most part and he watched me from the babygate. Well, I am sorry I wrote a paragraph but I wanted to explain part of what I learned today. It is always worth a shot – right ? Good luck with your strong willed little boy. 🙂
I’ll look into that. I’m already giddy about all the fun “Fall Festivities” we can get into with a toddler! Apple barn, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay rides, bike rides, smores….ok. I’m done dreaming of fall. BUT, looking forward to seeing you guys and your cute, little(tall) sidekick, Will soon! 🙂
Definitely worth a shot. I’ll have to go search for it now!
xo – kb
We do sign…just simple stuff….and it helps…but the main part is that he wants his own way. He wants to suck on the bleach container, or chew the electrical cord, you know…safe stuff. So that’s when he throws the fit. errg.
xo – kb
Nice! My daughter is nine months old, so I’m still in lala land and have no idea what is about to hit me.