Jack is 3 3/4 years old!

Look at that handsome kid.  I've always loved his smile.  As his teacher says, he doesn't smile all the time but, when he does, you know you've earned it.  

But don't be fooled by that smile.  He can be charming one minute and an utter terror the next.  There's lots of talk of "three-nagers" in our playgroup and I totally subscribe to that theory.  When he's great, he's great.  Fantastic.  My buddy.  But when he's not....he can be moody, angry, aggressive, insane, and just a ball of emotions that he doesn't know how to regulate.  Sometimes it's so disheartening but thank goodness I have lots of mom friends who are in the same boat.  Their sons are crazy and hard to manage too.  So it's all just a phase and I enjoy the good times and try to survive the throwing fits and temper tantrums.  :)

I will say that this kid has really come out of his shell.  Our playgroup friends who have known him since he was 6 months can't believe the change.  He used to be so quiet and serious and now he can be so animated and happy with his friends.  It's so fun to see.  Some of it must just be his age but another part of it is definitely his preschool.  He really likes his new preschool and it's really made him more outgoing which is cool.  Not sure he learning much on the reading and writing front...but that's okay.  ;)

Jackie remains my cuddler while his younger brother HATES to be held or cuddled.  Which is why, now when he's going through a co-sleep phase, we indulge him.  He usually wakes up half-way through the night and wants daddy or mommy to come in and sleep next to him.  He just wants a warm body but John enjoys the sweet time with him.  

Sam remains a friend sometimes but nemesis often.  There are brief moments of adorable happiness between the siblings during the day.  A half an hour after dinner, 15 minutes in the morning.  Time when they chase each other and giggle and have fun.  But then the rest of the day I'm pretty much a referee.  Jack seems to just be angered by his presence.  Even when he's not touching his toys.  

Unfortunately there's a lot of hitting and pushing and none of my preventative or discipline methods seem to be working.  I'm hoping it's just a phase but worried it's a decade-long phase.  Yikes!

Regardless, my first born is one heck of a kid.  A fountain-obsessed, planet-loving, crazy kid.  Who is 3 3/4 years old! 

Sam's 12 month doctor's appointment

Sam's 1 year stats!

Weight - 22 pounds, 10 ounces (50th percentile)

Height - 31 inches (80th percentile)

He's only two pounds heavier than Jack was at the same age but he just seems so much more solid.  Solid and healthy!! (and stubborn!)

Sam's 1st Birthday

 

So, proving that second kids often seem to get the short end of the stick, I decided that I didn't want to have a huge party for Sam's 1st birthday. I mean, I'm confident that Sam won't remember his first birthday so why go to a giant expense? We decided to just invite Jack's friends over for a play date. And serve cupcakes of course. Because all I really needed was a picture of Sam stuffing a cupcake into his mouth. And, guess what? I got it. :)

   

 (Birthday hat courtesy of Jack's 1st birthday party if you can believe it.) 

Sam had a great time chasing after the older kids, as usual. It's his favorite activity. And he seemed to enjoy his first cupcake. Though I can't say that he devoured it with the same speed as Jack. So maybe I'll be lucky and have a kid that's not a giant dessert fiend with an insatiable sweet tooth.

Here are some pictures from our fun day!

 

 

 Happy birthday sweet Sam! 

 

Sam is 12 months old!

Well, it's been a whole month since my last post but I wouldn't miss this photo shoot for the world.  Our little Sammy is 1 year old!  Absolutely crazy.  It went by so fast!  (Except for some of those days...yikes.)  

Sam is a seriously active little guy.  He's got a twinkle in his eye and is ready for fun at all times.  His favorite thing to do is chase his big brother.  (Here's Jack at 12 months if you need a refresher).  Sammy just loves watching Jack, imitating Jack, and playing with Jack's toys.  He loves it when Jack's playgroup comes over and we've got 12 three and four year olds running around.  Little Sam is always there in the mix trailing after them.  

At 12 months, Sam is finally sleeping a little better.  He goes to bed early (6:30pm) and, if I'm lucky, sleeps until around 5:30am.  He's definitely a morning person but that's not terrible since I am too.  He's a great eater so far too.  He eats most things and is incredibly adventurous compared to Jack who currently eats about 5 things.  

Love this kids smile!  And his scream!  

And his crazy face!

These two brothers.  Sigh.  If only Jack would stop beating him down.  Because when he stops, they are pretty cute.

I mean...isn't this the most adorable thing ever?  

Happy 12 months Sam!!