Happy Valentines!

 These were the the boys school Valentines:

Hayden's 3rd Birthday!

Hayden was sick on his Birthday so we celebrated later in the month with a cupcake and a balloon (Kinda lame I know -I'm not much of a party planner). Edward took him to the store to pick out a Birthday present and it was a toss up between a pink Barbie skateboard, and an imaginext r/c batbot.  Hayden was favoring the pink skateboard, but I think his brother helped sway him the other way, and in the end he chose the bat-mobile. (Which happened to be the most expensive toy in the store, but I gotta admit it's pretty cool -I even had fun playing with it.)

 

Turning 3 was a big deal for Hayden because it meant he could go to school.  He has a backpack he'd wear when we'd drop off and pick up Reese from preschool, and he'd beg to stay at school too.   For the longest time we'd tell him "You have to learn how to go potty in the toilet first" to motivate him in that area, but for the last semester since he's been potty trained he's been growing impatient.  He's even told Reese's teacher a couple times "I do go potty in da toilet now!" -like, common...let me in there already -what's the hold up! So now he gets to be in Reese's class and they go to school M,W,F, for 3hrs.  And even though we have to pay for him (Reese gets in free for a speech IEP), it is so worth it! Hayden thrives in any type of learning environment, whether it's at church, school, or home. He's like a sponge and commits things to memory. I'm always amazed at the things he knows, like "That's not a Lizard Mom, dat's a Salamander".  Or "Dat a polar bear Mom and dat a panda bear, see him hab black and white ones and him all white."  I think "Well yeah -you are correct son, but where the heck did you learn that, cuz I sure didn't teach it to you!?"  I thought he might be quite a bit behind the rest of the class, and he is in fine-motor skills since he is the youngest, but as far as his shapes, colors, numbers and letters he is right there if not ahead. 

This video shows some of his gregarious personality:

Hayden is full of determination.  He is stubborn and strong willed but along with that he is a hard worker and when he sets his mind to something he sticks with it till it's accomplished.
When I found him scaling the pantry I asked, "What're ya doin Hayden?"
He nonchalantly answered, "gettin my Gatoraid Mom"

 He can be so independent at times it shocks me a bit. 
Like he loves to cook his own eggs.  He will often just get the carton out of the fridge and skillet out of the cupboard and just start cracking away without asking or alerting me beforehand.  Thankfully he concedes that I need to be present to turn the burners on.

 This boy has TALENT with a ball.  He can kick-throw-toss-catch-pass a ball with incredible accuracy. And there's nothing he'd rather do, except for maybe read books (his other love). When he was little the way he wound his arm and elbow back to throw a ball -you would expect it to go completely caddywhompus to the side, but it would sail straight to you.
While shopping I heard a little voice behind me, "Wanna buy dis Mom."
And when I turned around, this was how he was decked out:

 This is Hayden's "BIG-straw" or his "Five-straw" as he calls it.  He made it himself by connecting a bunch of straws together, and he has to suck hard to get anything out of it -but millimeter by millimeter he drained his water bottle lol. He is very inventive and creative.

 

 After changing into his pajamas (himself) he fell asleep like this.  I feel like this captures another aspect of his personality. He is very poised like his Daddy. Notice his clasped hands.  He always sits very erect with his head held high.  
(Reese and I are more slouchy in general, and likely to have one leg hanging off the couch and bit of drool pooling on our pillow when we conk out lol.) 

 I will admit that of my three children, Hayden is the biggest mystery to me.  From early on he has kept me guessing about what parenting methods are most effective with his personality.  Sometimes nothing I try works. I have the most qualms about my skills as a Mother with him.  Being the middle child he craves attention, and often as much as I give him I don't feel that it's enough, which pangs my heart as I know this sweet cuddly stage he is in won't last forever. He is definitely my most affectionate child, always wanting to hold my hand or rub my arm and be next to me.  I can see in his eyes how much he absolutely adores me, but at the same time sometimes I infuriate him. I am a little afraid for when he's a teenager haha.  But this post is not supposed to be about me and my insecurities.  I know that Hayden will be a force to be reckoned with in this world and will do great things.  I hope and pray that he will choose to follow Christ (and it will have to be his choice -for no amount of compelling on my part can convince him to do anything he does not want to), and strive to do what's right.  If so the very gates of Hell will tremble at his strength and determination.
I love this kid so much more than words could ever express.
It is such a blessing that I get to be his Mom.

 Look at that sweet adorable smile!