Two Boys!

When David was a baby, Alex thought it was pretty cool to have a little brother.  He would run up to him, give David a hug and kiss, sometimes accidentally drop a toy on top of baby brother's head, and proudly exclaim:  "TWO boys!!!"

I loved the idea of my sons growing up with each other, just four days shy of two years apart.  But as the boys grew older and more brothers came along, it became clear that their personalities are totally different.  Lately these boys have been fighting like cats and dogs.  I can only describe their relationship these days as the cut-throat rivalry between a couple dramatic teenage girls.  And it often breaks my heart.

So yesterday, I was thrilled to take them out together, to update their annual portraits, have lunch, and to spend some "Big Brother/Mommy Time" together.  And as different as these brothers are in their appearance, their interests, and their personalities, I was delighted that they got along and even seemed to enjoy each other's company.

Here's to my "Two Boys."  Here's to their brotherhood, their individualities, and their love for each other that I know will someday be more obvious.  Here's to my pre-teens.  May God help us in the years ahead...

For more portraits of my handsome young men, follow this link.

My Big Boy, My Baby

In a couple short weeks (or hopefully days), Zachary's thunder will be stolen and he will no longer be the baby of our family.  Soon more attention will be turned towards our littlest one, and Zachy will be the Big Brother.  So before that happens, I wanted to take a moment to remember my sweet Baby Zachary in all his "littleness" while at the same time celebrating the big boy he has become.

Zachary is my baby...
...he still asks me to pick him up and carry him, even though he can run faster than I can waddle.
...he sneaks into our bed and cuddles up with me every night.
...he still lets me hold him and kiss his sweet little head (big brothers have outgrown this, and they're too smelly, anyway.)
...he brings me books and asks me to read to him... all day long.
...he still gulps down milk like there's no tomorrow.
...he still picks his nose (but doesn't eat it anymore.)
...he sucks his tongue when he sleeps, like a newborn nursing his pacifier.
...he is still soooo little!

Zachary is my big boy...
...he knows all his letters, and has, since the age of two.
...he is learning to ride his bike this spring, even though he barely reaches the pedals.
...he wears big boy pants and can even put them on the right way!
...he loves to cook.

...he thinks abstractly and even recalls the exciting dreams he has during naptime.
...he insists on buckling himself in his carseat.
...he counts to twenty (skipping just a couple of the "teens").
...he "reads" his favorite books cover to cover.
...he took to swim lessons without an inkling of fear.

...he thinks he needs "iPod" time each day.
...he visits the dentist for the first time tomorrow, and will take antibiotics beforehand--a staunch reminder of the lifelong cardiac risks he will face.
...he says his prayers daily and at bedtime, asking God to bless and watch over his loved ones and those in need.  He's even getting down the Sign of the Cross!

Zachary, you are a strong, stubborn, and miraculous child.  You will always be my sweet baby, no matter how grown-up you become!

When You Die

On the way home from preschool, I tried to get Sammy to discuss what they did in class today.  He couldn't remember, he said, but instead started his own discussion.

Samuel:  "Mommy, when you die, who will take care of me and be my mom?"

Me:  "Sammy, when I die, Daddy will take good care of you.  And Grandma and Papa and your aunts and uncles, too.  They will all help out.  But hopefully I will die when you're all grown up, and you can take care of yourself!"

Samuel (excitedly):  "So, we can PICK the time we are going to die?!!!"

Me:  "No, we can't pick the time we die.  No one knows when they are going to die.  But I think I'm still pretty healthy, so hopefully it will be when you're all grown up.  And if it's when you're still little, there will be lots of people to love and take good care of you."

I wonder if he knows something I don't.  Maybe he figures I'm about to explode, judging from the size of my belly.  Maybe his teacher got them thinking this morning.  Maybe I need to review my life insurance.

2.20.2000

2-20-2000.  It was a date that forever changed our family.  It was the day we welcomed our First Little Blessing, Alexander Steven, a full month ahead of schedule.  Alex was born early and tiny, weighing just 5 pounds but completely healthy with a STRONG set of lungs!

That first year, Alex taught us so much...

...he taught us that, despite my previously very "organized" life, you can't plan everything.

...he gave us our first real lesson in selflessness.

...he taught us to consult the doctors, but to trust a mother's intuition.

...he reminded us that there are more important aspects to life than money and career.

...he taught us to buy toilet paper in bulk.

...he gave us a better understanding of how children are such a precious gift from God.

And in the blink of an eye, our little Alex is already twelve years old, going on 25.  He is still small for his age, but there is nothing small about the way he thinks.  Alex is our logical, rational child, and he tries to debate nearly every decision that is made or action that is taken in our family.  It drives me batty, but then I realize I was a lot like him at the same age.  Alex is by far the most organized of our brood--a neat freak to say the least.  So naturally, living in a house with four (soon to be five) younger siblings, you can imagine how he often gets frustrated with the State of the Household.

He has developed a voracious appetite, and, at least for now, is lucky his metabolism is keeping up.

And though a head or two shorter than most of his classmates, Alex breezes through school and easily catches on to new concepts.  He is especially informative on current events, and is devising a way to save the environment, rescue the economy, and put down terrorism once and for all.

This year Alex keeps busy with Tae Kwon Do, school band, Robotics Club, and other activities such as altar serving and safety patrol.

And though he often complains, it's obvious he loves being the firstborn, the oldest brother of the pack.  Yet even though he seems so grown-up, he still makes me laugh with the funny things he says.  Well, perhaps I wasn't laughing when he said this, but I know someday soon I will look back with a chuckle...

..."Mom, when you are pregnant, why are you so, uh, lazy?"  "WHAT!!!???  I'm not lazy; I'm TIRED and SICK and working harder than I ever have!"  "No, no, I didn't mean 'lazy'... I just meant, well, you know... uh, well, lazy."

..."I can't believe you are SO BIG with that baby! Your tummy is way bigger than my friend's mom's, and she is six weeks further along!"

We're still working on tact.

Happy birthday to my sweet, almost grown-up twelve year-old Alexander.  We love you more than words can say!

...just don't ask us for another sleepover party next year...

David's a Decade!

Happy Birthday to my sweet, intelligent, handsome, funny, and loving ten year-old David!

David, you have given us ten precious, very special years.  I remember vividly that very day of your arrival, and how our hearts melted with joy the moment we first saw your sweet face and held you in our arms.

We soon learned you have an unstoppable energy and impulsiveness that often get you into trouble...

...and you have a great love for all things dinosaur and nature.

You are a caring son and brother, and seek God in your daily life.

These ten years have not always been easy for you, but you have overcome many obstacles and are growing into a fine young man.  May God continue to bless you today and always, my sweet Davey.