He’s Growing Up | A Day in Mollywood

Happy 3rd Birthday, Brigham

May 2, 2013 By Molly

Every time I start to write another birthday post I have to stop. Breathe in and out. And admit that no matter what I do my kids will grow up.

Brigham is no exception. He’s growing up.

Today our Brigham is three-years-old. Another awesome year passed and a new one is on the horizon.

I could write so much about him. But instead I will say . . .

I wish you could hear his laugh. When he really gets going it sounds like a witch’s cackle and it’s hilarious. It makes me laugh when he laughs. Sometimes he laughs for no reason other than just pure happiness spilled over.

I wish you could see how silly he is. He has always been a very silly boy. He makes up words. For real. He has his own language. He makes up songs too. I’d like to believe this is all done for my enjoyment. But I think he’s just an entertainer!

I wish you could be there when he flashes one of his famous eye-squinted smiles. He smiles so big, like he is proud of who he is. I hope he never loses that feeling. I hope he always smiles, teeth showing and chin sticking out.

I wish you could hear him sing the alphabet song. Or twinkle twinkle little star. Or the power rangers song. This child is full of pure joy. And he is a joy to be around.

I wish you could witness one of his tantrums. Whew, boy. They are something. We coined him “drama baby” when he was first born. He has quite the flair for drama. I’m glad his tantrums are few and far between because when they happen – they are the sort of tantrum that makes you throw your hands up in the air and sigh. You just have to wait a few minutes and then he’s a cool cat again. But like I said, they are something.

I wish you could feel his sweet hugs. Every mama and daddy deserves to be hugged like this. Although he is a little boy now, in preschool and everything, he still seems like such a baby to me. I suppose he will always be my baby no matter how many birthdays have gone by.

I wish you could hear him whisper, “I love you.” Those words make every day worth living for me. I feel so lucky that I’m the one who gets to hear him say it every night. I’m so lucky that I’m the one that gets to retrieve his lost elmo before he closes his eyes.

I wish you could see him with his big brother. He wants nothing more in life than to be just like him. I watched them as they played together outside the other night. Landon hoisted his foot up on a rock and seconds later, Brigham did the same thing. I hope they grow to always love and respect one another. Right now, there are quite a few squabbles. But at night they stand at their bedroom doors and say, “Night night, buddy.” Then they hug in the middle of the hallway, usually knocking each other down in a fit of laughter. Seeing them together fills my heart so full of love.

Three years ago today I was holding an hours-old, brand new Brigham in my arms, thanking God for giving me another precious gift.

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And today, although he’s a lot bigger than that first morning we spent together, I will do the same thing.

I will hold him and thank God again. His third birthday and every day that follows.

Filed Under: Birthdays, Brigham, he's growing up 2 Comments

Big milestones for our family

January 16, 2013 By Molly

A lot of happenings for our little family.

First, Brigham is kinda sorta potty-trained. We decided it was time to try the potty chair out. A lot of people say not to rush them but his preschool wants them to be potty-trained by three-years-old so they can move up to the next class. Brigham will be three in like three months (holy heck!) and we were feeling the pressure.

When we first got the potty out there was a lot of screaming, crying and running away. We realized we were pushing him too hard. So we put him in undies and waited for him to tell us. After a couple of days (and a lot of accidents) something finally clicked in that cute little head of his. Now he tells us almost every time he has to go. We still have an issue with #2 but I just know he’s going to get it very soon. I’m so proud of him! Less diapers to buy for this family!

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Secondly, we transitioned Brigham’s crib to a toddler bed. I was really dreading this day since I love that crib. I’m attached to it because of course Brigham is still a baby, right? RIGHT? Okay, maybe not. So we changed it over and he did great! Slept like a baby! No getting up in the night or falling out. He also loves it. He feels like such a big boy in it. We do plan on getting him a real bed soon when I redo his room. But this is good practice in the mean time.

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Third, I took Landon to the store because he has already outgrown his 4T pants. They are way too short on him. I think he just went through a growth spurt. So I was perusing in the little kid section and I was so confused because I couldn’t find size 5T. It suddenly dawned on me. He can’t shop in that section anymore! I got a huge lump in my throat as I ventured into the big kid section for the first time. I just can’t believe it. When you’re pregnant you never picture having a 4 1/2 year old. You only picture that snuggly newborn. But they grow up, too quickly I might add, and soon you’re shopping across the way where the big boys shop.

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So, some big milestones for both my boys. It seems unreal to have a four and a 1/2-year-old and an almost three-year-old. I’m so glad they are healthy and growing. But at the same time, this mama’s heart longs for a newborn again. Oh, I love my boys so much it hurts.

Filed Under: Brigham, he's growing up, Landon, Milestones 7 Comments

I love you just like this

December 20, 2012 By Molly

My dear sweet boy, Briggy.

I know it’s time. It’s time to let you grow up and be called a “big boy.”

But I can’t help it. You’re my baby, darn it. I want you to stay that way.

I know it’s time to move you out of the crib. You look ginormous in it and when you sprawl out, your body almost reaches from end to end. But I can’t bring myself to say goodbye to it. Unlike last time, when we switched Landon out and you in, there is no new baby to replace you. So down to the basement storage it will go. Oh, how sad that makes me. For more than four years I’ve looked at this crib every day. I’ve seen a baby in it. Now I won’t.

I know it’s time to stop referring to you as “baby” every time I talk to you. Your daddy says I still treat you like a little baby. And I guess it’s true. My nickname for you is “baby bear” and if you don’t mind, I’ll remind you of this when you’re 16 and 20 and 25 and so on. You’ll forever be my “baby bear.”

I know it’s time to get rid of the diapers and potty train you. I tell most everyone that I’m sick of diapers. But it’s another stage I have to say goodbye to and like everything else we’ve left behind – it hurts a little. I see you in your big boy undies and wow, I just can’t believe it’s time for this. Aren’t you still my 8-pound newborn? Don’t you still fit in my hands?

I still rock you to sleep every night in the rocking chair. We have a quick talk and I tell you how proud I am of you and then I lean back and you settle in, with your head on my shoulder. You barely fit on my lap. But somehow I hold you tight and you hang on. I sing songs and I feel you yawn two or three times.

Then you ask for your bed. That’s probably a good indicator that maybe I should stop rocking. Stop holding. But, man. I just don’t want to. Maybe I’ll rock you until you’re 10-years-old. I don’t know. A mama makes room on her lap no matter how old her babies are.

Oh, baby. My baby. Will you stay this way forever? Or how about for just a little while longer. It takes time for a mama’s heart to let go. I know I need to let you grow up a little.

But sweetness, I love you just like this. My rowdy 2 1/2 year old that only slows down when it’s time to go to sleep. I love you just like this.

Being my baby.

Filed Under: Brigham, he's growing up 1 Comment

Brigham, Brigs, Briggy, Brigadoon

October 4, 2012 By Molly

I thought I would update on how Brigham has been doing lately. Next month he will be two and a half! Seriously? Oh my goodness, where has my baby gone?

His speech is crazy good. Although, on occasion, it’s hard to understand what he’s saying. I can usually decipher it but maybe outsiders can’t. He’s speaking in full sentences, five and six words! He repeats everything we say. We’re so glad he can communicate well because for a long time all he did was squawk and scream to get his way. He is still very loud and still screams (oh, my ears) but not as much as he used to.

He tries to say the alphabet and he knows one through ten but doesn’t always say them in the correct order. He knows his shapes and colors. He loves when we read to him at night. Chica Chica Boom Boom, Go Dog Go and Clifford the Big Red Dog are his favorite books right now.

His big appetite seems to have slowed down a bit. He used to eat anything and cleaned his plate at every meal. Now he is a bit more picky and sometimes refuses to eat. His favorite treat right now would be fruit snacks. He asked for them all the time. But he’ll also eat a whole banana. So it evens out.

He is a big guy, probably about 32 pounds and he’s tall too. He can wear 2T but I think 3T actually fits him better. He has a big round belly so 2T can be tight on him.

As for potty training, I think I was wrong about him. He used to talk about it and want to sit on the potty chair to try to go. But now he wants nothing to do with it. Preschool is working on it and they even have him in pull-ups. But he has never gone on the potty. He’ll sit but he won’t go. It’s the same at home. He sits down but he just can’t (or won’t) go. I decided to put him in big boy undies just to see what happened and he peed all over the floor. He said “uh oh!” and ran to the potty but it was of course, too late. I put him back in a diaper and I think we’ll just wait a little while longer.

He drives his big brother crazy by taking toys away from him. He also copies everything Landon does, which annoys him. I think he wants to be just like Landon and that’s why he does it. But sometimes I think he is just doing it on purpose to bother him. Wrestling and playing in big dirt piles are their favorite things to do together. They also play power rangers or superheros. No matter how many fights they have they can also be very sweet to one another. I’m so glad they have each other.

Brigham definitely has a mind of his own. He doesn’t listen very well and won’t ever do what we ask him to do. This can be dangerous as he will run out into the street during a walk and not listen when we tell him to stop. He is a risk-taker. Always wanting to do big kid stuff that he shouldn’t even know how to do. He is a very spirited child just like his mama was

Parenting a two-year-old may be challenging but Brigham is also a sweet and sensitive boy. He still loves to cuddle and kiss and hug. Here he is, two and a half, and he still requests to be rocked to sleep at night. It is my favorite moment with him. Our nightly rocking sessions. And he is just the happiest guy when he wakes up in the morning. His smile every morning is huge and it always reminds me to thank God for another wonderful day. I mean, he’s happy about it. Why shouldn’t I be as well?

Brigham, mommy and daddy love you so much and we can’t wait to see all that you will do as you make your way to three!

Filed Under: Brigham, Double Trouble, he's growing up, Milestones 1 Comment

Student of the Month

October 3, 2012 By Molly

Last week, when I picked up Landon from preschool his teacher told me he would be Student of the Month for October. My heart soared as we talked about what we could put on his special board that would highlight him for the month. Favorite trip photos, nicknames, likes/dislikes. I was so excited for him!

We’ve been going to this preschool for over year now and the kids really seem to like it. They have a curriculum but I think it’s a little more laid back than other preschools. There is plenty of free time with toys and a dress-up area and they play outside a couple times a day. The outside play area was a big deal to us because my boys love the outdoors and I wanted to make sure it had nice equipment and room to play.

They do lessons a couple times a day. Landon practices writing and I think it’s the hardest thing for him. He still has trouble holding his pencil/crayons correctly so it makes it difficult to write clearly. He says, “I can’t” quite a bit but the teachers reassure him and lead him through it. I think he just needs time and a bit more confidence.

He is always the big helper in his class. He picks up after himself and other kids and helps put out the supplies for any projects they do. He sits nicely and listens to story time. He pays attention to what the teachers are saying. I’m so proud of the little boy he’s becoming. He’s still sensitive at school but at home he tries to run the show!

I just wish he minded at home as well as he does at school

Because Landon was born August 8th he missed the cut-off to begin Kindergarten at age five. He will be one of the kids that begins at age six and I’m beginning to come to terms with it. At first I felt really left out because a lot of my blog friends have kids his age that are starting school next year. But he will be the oldest and the biggest in his class. I think it will be good for him.

We’ve decided to put Landon in a more structured Pre-K class next fall to prepare him for a school schedule. I’ll be sad that we have to switch locations but we think it is for the best.

Regardless of any special month where he is highlighted – he will always be my Student of the Month!

Filed Under: he's growing up, Landon, Milestones 1 Comment

Fall Family Photo Shoot 2012

September 27, 2012 By Molly

Landon is four and Brigham is two and I knew that it was time for a family photo shoot to mark their age. We chose to have Megan take our photos on the first day of fall. She is a long-time blogging buddy of mine (seriously, I can’t remember how long ago I started reading!). We both have two boys that are close in age and she just so happens to have a budding photography business. What better reason to meet in person?!

She was just as sweet and genuine as I imagined and the boys really warmed up to her. Apparently Landon asked her if she could come home with us

What Megan probably doesn’t know is that she has been integral in my journey to strengthen my faith in God. I read her blog, a woman who truly believes in Jesus, and I want to be more like her. Someone that praises Him each day.

Isn’t blogging amazing? I’ve made real connections with awesome people. It just means the world to me.

So thanks, Megan, for encouraging me AND for taking such beautiful photos of our family.

Oh, how blessed I am to have this life and this family.

Filed Under: Blogging, Family, Friends, he's growing up, Naaman, Photography 10 Comments

They’re growing up and I’m okay with that

August 13, 2012 By Molly

There’s something sad about leaving the baby stage behind. My boys haven’t been babies for awhile now. But I still think of those early days with a fond heart. I think about all the baby milestones that came and went. The ones that made your heart go pitter-patter each time they did something new.

Finding their hands and feet, the first smile and laugh, sitting up on their own, feeding themselves, walking . . . all of it so exciting as we watch them grow into toddlers.

I can miss it all I want. But those milestones aren’t the only ones to look forward to in your child’s life. There are many more to come that are just as noteworthy.

I have a two-year-old and a four-year-old now. I am in awe as I type that. When you’re pregnant you think about having a baby. You don’t think about having a two-year-old and a four-year-old. You don’t daydream that far in advance. So when you’re finally there you kind of can’t believe it.

Do I miss the baby stage? Sure, at times. But there is so much goodness happening right now.

I get a full nights sleep. Every night. Be jealous, new moms.

I no longer have to carry a huge diaper bag on my shoulder. Just a couple diapers and some wipes in a small backpack. Awesome.

I can drop them off at daycare guilt-free knowing that they’re actually learning some cool things and doing fun crafts. It’s a little harder to drop them off when they’re so little.

Both of my boys can hold my hand and walk across the parking lot. Landon can even hop up into his carseat and buckle himself in. My back says thank you.

They can entertain themselves and come up with things to do together. Siblings for the win!

I’m not pumping or pureeing or cutting things up very much anymore. They are self-sufficient eaters.

I can go to the park and let them run wild on their own.

We are SO CLOSE to being a potty-trained household. My guess is by the end of the year diapers will be a thing of the past.

Landon can dress himself and put on his own shoes.

I still get cuddles. Without being spit up on.

Okay, so it kind of sounds like I’m bragging. But hey, new mom and dads brag about their babies. Why can’t those with older kids do the same?

These are the things that I think about when baby fever comes and goes. Do I really want to go back to the baby stage? Or is this stage of our lives perfect just the way it is?

For right now anyway. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Filed Under: Brigham, he's growing up, Landon, Mommy Moments 13 Comments

Happy 4th Birthday, Landon!

August 8, 2012 By Molly

My Dearest Landon,

I swear you just turned three yesterday.

But here we are on your fourth birthday. I am so excited for all the growing up you’re doing.

After the day is over and we are having mommy/Landon cuddle time in your bed, I always tell you how proud of you I am. It’s true. I’m so proud of you.

I’m proud when you brush your teeth all on your own. I’m proud when you go potty without me present. I’m proud when I find you reading a book. I’m proud when I see you protect your little brother from the big kids at the bounce house. I’m proud when you tell me 2 + 3 = 5. You’re becoming a little boy right before my very eyes. I’m so proud to have you as my son. For every day of my life that you’re with me, I am more blessed.

As sad as I am for the days that are now only a memory . . . I can’t wait to see what this year brings us. The next step is always so intriguing for a parent. Your first year of preschool went well and you met all the school’s goals for learning.

But you still sometimes say you can’t do things. Every time I hear you say “I can’t” my heart aches a little. Because I know YOU CAN, buddy. You can do anything you try hard enough to do.

You’re such a handsome boy. I know I may be biased but those rich blue eyes get me every time. Never forget that exact eye color from me.

You’re as rough and tumble and daring as ever. I’m still holding my breath on the playground hoping you don’t lose more teeth. But I know, to a point, I have to give you the freedom to go out on your own. I try not to hover but sometimes it’s hard. I just want to protect you. Little perfect you.

Three was tough in the tantrum department. But (knock on wood) things seem to be calming down a bit. I am ever so thankful. People tell me that four is one of their favorite years. I want four to be a year of love and laughter and little boy discoveries. We try to do new things with you. Broaden your horizons. Teach you about the adventures hidden in library books and the wonder of the great outdoors. I want you to explore both inside and out.

You’re finding out who you are in these young years. I watch your eyes and I know how smart you are. I hope we encourage you to do anything you want.

Thank you for the son that you are. The brother that you are. The grandchild, the nephew, the cousin, the friend that you are. Everyone loves you so much.

At night, before you close your eyes to sleep, I say, “Guess how much I love you.” You hold one palm up above you. We taught you that. Only one hand because then . . . our love never ends. Infiniti. Nothing will ever stop my love for you.

Happy 4th Birthday, Landon. Now let’s see you blow out four candles.

Filed Under: Birthdays, he's growing up, Landon 10 Comments

Speaking out against bullying

July 25, 2012 By Molly

This post is sponsored by Chase – a strong supporter of the Bully Project, a program committed to ending bullying and ultimately transforming society. Learn more here: www.jpmorganchase.com

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“Mommy, why is that kid mean to me?” Landon asked looking up at me with confused eyes.

“I don’t know, baby,” I say unable to explain the other child’s behavior.

It’s hard to believe that at the young age of four Landon is already coming up against what I would consider to be bullies. There are a couple kids in his class that name call, push and shove and taunt other children.

It also happens sometimes when we’re on the playground. A bigger kid will shove Landon or call him a name. Landon always backs off. Sometimes he runs to me and buries his head in my lap, completely defeated.

That’s when mama bear comes out. It may not be what I’m supposed to do but if it’s an older child and the parents are nowhere to be found, I will tell them not to do it again. The kids are usually shocked that I would say something. But if there is one thing I am as a parent – it is AWARE.

I believe it’s the parents duty to be aware of their child’s surroundings. We can’t do anything about bullying if we’re not looking.

After someone says or does something mean to Landon I have a heart to heart with him.

I get down on his level, “You know you can stick up for yourself, Landon, right? If someone pushes or hits you, you hold your head high and tell them not to do it again.” He usually nods his head in agreement and rushes off to play with newfound confidence.

I don’t want him to be afraid. But I also want him to know that he can tell me anything. I want to let him know that when someone does something mean to him, at the playground or at school, he should always tell me. We can’t do anything as parents if we don’t know what’s going on. It may just be an innocent incident. But as kids grow older, bullying can have more serious consequences.

And yes, I will probably be that annoying parent who is always reaching out to my sons’ teachers. I will stay on top of how they are doing in school. I will even ask the tough questions. Do they get along with other kids? Is there anything bad happening that I should know about? I will even talk to other parents about their school situation. I think parents sticking together is what can make a big difference in how our kids interact.

Again, I think that’s how we can ultimately combat bullying. By staying on top of what’s going on in our children’s lives. By speaking out when we see or hear something that just isn’t quite right. We have to follow our guts when it comes to bullying and stand up for our children.

After all, we all want the same thing for our children. We want them to be happy and get along. I think we can accomplish that.

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Have you encountered bullying? If so, what did you do think/do about it?

Filed Under: he's growing up, Landon 5 Comments

Let’s talk about tantrums

May 7, 2012 By Molly

At nearly four-years-old Landon is still such a sweet boy. But he certainly has his moments.

When we moved to our new house last year we saw a change in him. The sudden attitude came out of nowhere. He would talk back and keep doing the wrong thing even when we asked him to stop. And the tantrums began. For many people it’s coined the “terrible twos.” Not for us. Two was a breeze compared to three-years-old.

Maybe the transition to a new house and a new daycare was just too much him. Naaman and I thought he would settle in and the tantrums would calm down. But no, they only seem to get more frequent during his time as a three-year-old.

I’m not worried about his behavior. In fact, I’m guessing this is completely normal and a lot of people deal with this change. I’m just one of those dumb parents in la-la-land who thought the tantrums would skip over us. Landon was so easy breezy until right before he turned three. So imagine my surprise the first time he falls on the floor and cries for fifteen minutes over the fact that I gave Brigham the blue sippy cup and not him. I hadn’t dealt with much of that yet so I didn’t (don’t) know how to handle it.

For the most part he is still a sweetheart of a little boy. Hugs and kisses and “I love you’s” are plentiful. They tell me he is the star student at preschool and they never have issues with his behavior. But when he’s with us, every once in awhile, we have an unexpected meltdown. Most recently, in the waiting area of Bob Evans because I wouldn’t buy him candy. Cue end-of-the-world tantrum.

You must not misunderstand me. I love this little dude more than my life. He is usually the sweetest boy. I would do anything to keep him happy. But when he is in the middle of a tantrum it seems like nothing will calm him down. It’s like we have to let him ride it out. It’s maybe ten minutes and then he is his little happy self again.

I feel bad for Brigham. As he often seems to be the source of Landon’s breakdowns. I wish I could say that they are best buds. Brigham wants so much to be just like his big brother. But Landon sometimes seems uninterested in him. Brigham playing with one of his toys or Brigham getting the attention from us can cause a major tantrum. It feels like we stop whatever we’re doing with Brigham in order to deal with Landon. I’m sure Brigham will be just fine. But it still makes me feel bad for him.

Landon can be very emotional. Just like his mama. I understand that three-year-olds don’t yet have the mental capacity to control their emotions all the time. I’m questioning myself though. Am I doing everything I can? Are these tantrums my fault somehow?

And I’d like to know . . . does this get better? Will the tantrums and attitude subside any time soon? Is four-years-old worse or better? Are you laughing at me as I’m as I’m writing this?

I love my Landon so much. This is just a mama venting to other mamas. I know it’s not possible for him to be happy all the time. Just look at this dude. No matter where his range of emotions are he has my heart always.