I can't believe we don't have a toddler anymore. Charlie is now technically a preschooler. Wow. These past three years have seemed really fast in some ways, yet with so much packed in. So many memories already, yet most likely he won't remember these first three years of his life. Strange. Charlie, who has weighed the same exact weight for the entire year (34 lbs), has gained 4.5" inches (38" tall). Looking back at pictures just a few months ago I'm amazed at how his face has changed from chubby little toddler to maturing little boy. He has had numerous "big boy" haircuts now, but we can't cut all of his curls off just yet... baby steps.
Charlie has gained so many words this year, it's amazing to me. Still, he struggles to communicate what's in his remarkable mind sometimes. We're working on dealing with frustration (definitely got my perfectionism to a degree), patience (and my how we're also working on mine), and the realization that we don't always get what we want. While the "terrible twos" were pretty terrific to us, the past few months of an almost three year old have been the most challenging by far. It definitely forces us back into God's arms, seeking Him for direction and guidance that we know we do not have without Him. Thinking and praying through discipline and instruction for a little soul also gets me thinking about how I need the Lord's discipline and instruction so badly in my own adult life. I often act like a toddler in my sinfulness, but it's masked to seem more sophisticated. Oh, how we need your grace, Lord!
Charlie still gives us a lot of joy and laughs, with the way he words things and the way his mind works. It's fun to see him begin to pretend play, put his stuffed animals to sleep, and sing made up songs.
Charlie's favorites:
Toy houses/ dollhouses/ schoolhouse
Kitchen appliance toys (he got a toaster and a blender for Christmas)
The Jesus Storybook Bible
Nursery at church
Cars
Trains
Routine and for things to work exactly as they should, all of the time
Figuring out how things work (very mechanically minded)
Building towers with blocks
Drumming!! (Drum set for his birthday was a big hit.)
Singing (mostly his own made up songs, but recently fell in love with the Nutcracker Suite, ha.)
Saying the word, "probably" before almost every single sentence. (i.e. "Probably, this is Daddy.")
Giving hugs
Putting his face in Norah's face until she puts her hand on his face and he falls down laughing or pretends to act outraged that she "punched" him.
The Sound of Music movie
Daniel Tiger tv show
Superwhy tv show
Saying his Bible verses, especially Ephesians 6:1 ("Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right!")
Reading books
Watching Mama cook
Broccoli, beans, carrots, frozen peas, coconut oil (yes, off the spoon), bananas, graham crackers, cookies, M&M's, "Floppy" Joe's, chips, dip, peanut butter sandwiches, eggs, cheese, pancakes, nuts, apples, salad, bread, fries, burgers.
His vitamins ("Bears" and "Fishies", "Bitamin D")
Asking, "What is dis called?" about every single object in the house. Or asking, "What is HE called?" about a little girl standing right in front of him. Ha.
Answering "Yes!" enthusiastically about almost everything, even when we ask him "Why?" questions and especially when he doesn't know the answer. Hmmm.
Playing games on Mama's phone
Dislikes:
Things not working as they should
When Mama or Daddy leave to go somewhere without him (exception: Nursery)
Meeting new friends, or children who look like they might be eying his toys...
Unpredictability
Waiting
Tomatoes and green beans
The snot-sucker
We love you, funny boy! :)
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| Thanksgiving, a few days before Charlie's birthday. |
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