Henry Scott (Hank) turns 4!

Can you tell this cute boy was excited to have a birthday?! About the week leading up to his birthday, he kept asking if it was his birthday. The day before, he came down the stairs and said, "Mom, wake-up, it's my birsday!" He was disappointed when I told him one more day. Needless to say, the next morning was a repeat of, "Mom, wake-up, it's my birsday!"

This year I took him to Zuchers Party Store and let him pick the theme for his birthday party. He chose Batman...which surprised me because he seems to prefer Spiderman. He often says, "I love Spiderman, he's hilarious." This is in reference to a superhero cartoon he enjoys watching with Hugh.  But, back to the party. He chose a way over-priced Batman piñata, which when it came time for the piñata at the party, Hank had no interest in doing it. He was more interested in the toys he got from his cousins and friends. We did get him to take a swing at it, but when the candy spilled out, he collected none. I guess this really isn't that surprising since Hank's number one interest these days is toys. Nearly every other day he asks to go to Target to pick out a toy. Toys and presents were the real motivation for his birthday to get here. The day after his party, he was asking to get new toys! This kid! And as much as I want him not to care about toys, it really is the way to his heart right now...that and cuddling with him and watching a show (again, something I'm trying to curb...the show part not the cuddle part). 

It was fun to celebrate Henry and the perfect addition he is to our family. After we said goodbye to Hughie, I was hoping to have a little girl sent to our family thinking that it would ease some of the heartache of losing a son. But the moment Hank was born and placed in my arms, I knew he was just what our family needed. And Henry has proven that ever since. Henry also has a real interest in his brother Hughie. He will often ask about him and "when he's going to get alive again?" Recently, Henry even told me he said a prayer for Hughie. There are even times when he gets sad and tells me he just misses Hughie. I love this tender side of Henry and especially his real connection with his brother. 

Henry, I love you! I love your hugs and kisses that you give me so freely...even after I get mad at you (which somedays is more than I'd like). Thanks for being forgiving of my temper and helping me learn the patience I am always trying to get you to learn. You often tell me, "Mom, you just have to be patient." Your smile is gold, and gets me every time! And I love how much you love to cuddle with me. When you get tired during the day you ask for your blankets and for me to cuddle with you. 

You have the best imagination and will often blame your imagination when you get in trouble, "My imagination told me to do it!" You have also been known to tell me your ears are too small, that is why you couldn't hear what I asked you to do. You love to antagonize your sisters, especially Tildy. But you are also quick to comment how cute she is. And lately, you two have been playing so well together, which makes me happy to see you take care of her. I hope you two are always close friends and fierce protectors of one another.

You love the song "Hourglass" by Mindy Gledhill because I told you it was your song. I know she wrote it for her little boy...and it coins so well how I feel about you. 

Hourglass

Little boy, when you speak
I can’t help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could hitch a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don’t forget who you are
And please don’t turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life’s an hourglass
Life’s an hourglass

Story’s read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask

Ode to my three-year-old. We like to call him Rascal Hank. 

He is a fun loving, wild, curious, intense, and sweet little three-year-old. 

He HATES wearing shoes, and when you ask if he needs some his response, "No, I'm fine."

He likes rice and beans, gogurts, otter pops, hot dogs, and crackers. (and up until he turned three, a big bottle of milk...he's been a champ getting rid of it.)

He loves exploring outside, is curious about everything. Likes playing with his little cars and playing inside real cars. 

He is one mean scooter rider and a great little climber. And he doesn't mind being told that "your doing a great job, Hank!" frequently.

He is also king of time-outs. But after a little pout session is quick to bounce back into action.

He insists on having his back and stomach tickled as he falls asleep, and lately prefers sleeping on the floor.

He likes reading books and is always asking "what does that say, mom" when he sees a word anywhere (billboard, sidewalks, street signs....)

We love our fun little rascal!

He keeps getting better and better...

...our Rascal Hank.

How I love this spunky, wild, loving, sweet, rambunctious, tender little two (almost three) year-old of mine. If he isn't driving me crazy he is tearing at my heartstrings. He is a ball of energy but also the best at running to give me a hug and kiss before I leave, and telling me he loves me at the end of the day as I put him to bed. Just the other night after I said, "I love you Henry" he responded, "Thank you...thank you for taking me to the....thank you for taking me to the duck pond and turtles." Another moment I thought my heart might burst. We had been en-route to dinner on our bikes when he spotted the pond and after a little resistance I gave in to his requests to stop at the pond and let Hugh and Ruby pick up the pizza and bring it back. How rewarding as a parent to know such a small concession meant a lot to your two-year-old. 

Just today I looked at Hank and could hardly believe how old he looks. He is a great talker and thinker. I love when I ask him about something and he says, "because..." Or when he tells me his is big enough to do something. Hank is also my animal lover...so any animal reading this you may want to steer clear because his love can be a bit smothering at times. I'm just worried he's going to get himself bit one of these days. He already has some mad razor scooter skills, he zooms down that driveway so fast...yelling yahoo as he goes. And yesterday he smashed a snail with his foot (on purpose) then ran to the garage to find some "tools to fix him". 

He is one cute rascal...I think I'll keep him. 

Rough Patch.

Tonight I am finally trying to catch-up on my photos from the last couple of months. It has been a crazy month...and although moving into our first home has been exciting, it is taking some time for all of us to find our new "normal". I came across this photo tonight and it broke my heart. Look how sweet Hank looks next to his sister. If I remember correctly, he wanted me to "take a picture, mom!" when I snapped this jammie photo. Poor Hank has had a rough week...we both have. He has been so out of sorts and full of emotional tantrums this week. I've been feeling like I'm failing him as a mom because I don't know how to help him and often find my frustration taking over and turning into my own tantrums towards him. In those moments when he is so worked up, I become so upset with him (which I know only makes matters worse, but just can't help it in the moment) instead of giving him the love he needs. I hate this cycle the two of us have been stuck in this week. But after seeing this sweet picture of my little man, I am resolving to be more patient and loving with Hank. He deserves it and just needs some extra love and attention right now. I think our move has really thrown him for a loop. The first week in our new home he would often tell me, "I want to go home."

I love you, Hank. And hope we can get through this rough patch and you back to your usual happy, spunky self. 

1 month and some thoughts.

Time is gong way too fast. As I'm posting these 1 month pics....sweet Tildy is actually almost 2 months.  She is a little sweetheart and such a welcome addition to our family. I love her bright eyes and how she has a furrowed little brow a lot of the time. It is almost as if she is concerned about what that brother of hers might do next...it concerns me too, Tildy :). Although, he does love you. All day he asks, "Where's Tildy, Mom?" and when you cry, "Tildy sad, Mom. I go get her." So he may be rough around the edges, but he sure loves you...just like the rest of us.

Some days I feel overwhelmed by the thought that I am in charge of these three little human beings. The transition to three kids has been busy and exhausting...but it is pictures like this that remind me it is all worth it. I love these kiddos...and I love this picture of them. Hank is being his silly self, Ruby is being her sweet, helpful self, and Tildy is hoping for a nap. After looking at this picture tonight, I hope to have more patience and less frustration with my kids. Life is going too fast not to slow down and enjoy them. They won't be little forever and one day a clean and orderly house will seem way over-rated compared to the joyful chaos of these three youngsters ruling my world. 

Henry Scott turned two!

And he was not pleased...at all.

Seriously, he had a blast!

In true Hank form, we had a little Buzz Lightyear swim party to celebrate. Thanks to our great families for coming and spoiling our little man. He really did enjoy himself. For Hank, nothing is better than Buzz, pizza, swimming, a beach ball, and birthday candles.

We sure love this little man...wildness and all! My favorite thing is putting him to bed at night and after telling him "I love you, Henry" having him say through his binky, "I lub you, mommy." Makes all the crazy moments from the day disappear. He wears two well!

Happy "two august" my little Hank!

Who needs gifts when you have Buzz and gang Pez? 

And a special thanks to my assistant party planner. Putting the party together would not have been nearly as much fun without Ruby's help. She was so excited for Hank's party and even more excited to give him her gift. She wanted to get him a dreamlite because Hank likes hers. We went to Walmart together and picked it out. Such a sweetheart.

This little Hank of mine.

Hank always has a ball with him. Everyday he hands me his shoes and asks to go outside to play with his "boop" (hoop). He would shoot baskets all day long if I let him. And when he gets done practicing his shots, he puts the ball on the ground, pushes me against the wall, and kicks the ball to me. "Sotter" he says. If I go inside for a second, he whines until I come back out either to watch or pass the ball with him. Although it is April, some mornings our winter coats are still needed.

And although Hank is all boy...this kid loves his blankets and binkie like nobody's business. After some morning errands this is where I found Hank...asleep on the floor after trying to pull his blanket from the crib. For whatever reason, he must have both blankets. 

Last week, Hank was sick all week and after two trips to the pediatrician...we finally found that pesky ear infection delaying his recovery. (I had ear infections all the time as a child...I'm starting to think Hank is following suit.) He had a rough time sleeping and found his way into our bed many a night. Most nights, he kept requesting the "toutch" "show" and "buzz". He just wanted to sleep on the couch and watch a show...specifically Toy Story. This quickly turned into a bad habit which has now been nipped in the bud. It was hard to say no to his cute little face and high pitched requests. 

Hank is also loving Go, Dog, Go! Just like Ruby. (This was one of my favorites as a child as well. My dad still talks about me saying, "It's a dog party!"). Surprisingly, Hank will sit through the entire story. 

I sure love this kid. Tantrums and all. Just the other day I wouldn't give him a treat at the grocery store so he had to run away full force until he found a caution cone to kick. This type of thing happens whenever he gets mad. I find it hard not to laugh. But on the other hand, he melts my heart when I hear his sweet "pease" when he wants a bottle of milk and then says "tay too" after I give it to him. Or watching him sleep so peacefully after a long day of playing hard. I also won't forget the smile that spread across his face when I picked him up from nursery a few Sundays back. He was so glad to see me...and I felt so lucky to be the mom that got to scoop him up and take him home. 

 Friday date night...

...with this handsome dude.

Hugh had a BYU soccer game and Miss Ruby has been feeling sick almost the whole week, leaving the night wide open for Hank and me. Initially, I was pretty bummed about the way our night seemed to be shaping up. After having to cancel our fun filled day...easter egg dying with cousins, time with cousin Gwen, and a birthday party for one of Ruby's new "Pleasant Grove" friends as she would say, I felt like maybe we could make dinner with my Dad and sisters to celebrate McCall's birthday. Needless to say, after a long week, I have been looking forward to getting out of the house. But, as the night went on, it was clear that Roo wasn't feeling up for leaving. (I have now realized how selfish I was to be so bummed about the change of plans when Ruby is feeling so rotten.) After watching a few Disney shows, Ruby appeared to be snuggled up in bed for the night at 7pm.

After playing outside on our balcony for most the night, I persuaded Hank to come in for some pizza. So there we sat, just the two of us, enjoying a Costco frozen pizza. And suddenly, all my disappointment about the day and night disappeared and I felt so fortunate to be sitting at the table with my little Hank. The second I brought the camera out he said "cheese" with a mouthful of cheese pizza. So fitting, right?

I'm grateful to be a mom...mostly because of the important lessons it teaches me. Here are the take home messages for me from tonight:

1. Be less selfish and worried about my own needs/wants.

2. Enjoy my kids now, they won't be little forever. And a Friday night spent playing basketball on the balcony (even if Hank MAKES me stand-up the whole time) is time well spent.

3. Go with the flow....learn how to let go of my expectations and make the best of the situation at hand. Especially when things happen out of my control.

**And for memory's sake, Hank LOVES playing with his basketball hoop now that we put it outside. Almost as much as he likes kicking the ball. He would be out there all day if I let him. Today, he brought me his shoes asking to put them on so he could go outside. He is growing up fast. Talking a lot and making me smile a lot. 

My monkey man, Hank.

Trying to get his beloved blankets and binkie 

"Thanks for retrieving my binkie, Mom. Now, how to get these blankets out?"

...

Our sweet Henry Scott will be 18-months-old on the eleventh. I can hardly believe it! He sure keeps things exciting in our house. We have recently nicknamed him "Stitch" after Disney's Lilo and Stitch. He's sweet, destructive, active, mischievous, and oh so funny. His cuteness and darling grin keep his punishments minimal after his naughty shenanigans...(i.e. throwing his food everywhere, dumping water everywhere, throwing balls at the T.V., taking his plastic bat to the T.V.) He is also getting good at saying sorry to his sis. When told to say sorry, he gives a hug and kiss. Just the other day, I told Ruby to say sorry to Hank, and without hesitation Hank went to Ruby with a hug and kiss. Pretty cute. 

Hank is really starting to talk these days...some mornings he can be heard jabbering away in his crib, waiting for someone to get him out. 

Hank's vocab:

mama, dada, mine, ball, fooball, NO!, uby (Ruby), neigh (horse), moo (cow), duck, tat (cat), be (blankie/binkie), me (milk), pease (please), ta to (thank you), go (goal).

I had such a nice mom moment this morning. While getting ready for the day, my heart was full listening to Hugh play some "indoor soccer" with the kids. Hank was squealing with delight and repeating "go" after Hugh and Ruby would shout GOAL! I felt very lucky to be a mom...especially Ruby and Hank's. 

 January Shenanigans...trying to get through this bitter cold!

Cheering on our Utah Jazz! Ruby loves Gordon, and when she sees him playing says, "There's my boy." One morning after a game I told her that the Jazz won last night and that Gordon played great, she responded, "Yes! Thanks for telling me Meg, I wanted to know if they won."

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I couldn't help but smile when I saw that Ruby had found homes/beds for all her mini animals. I love how she so neatly set them up on the book shelf.

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Ruby soliciting us for money. She set this up all on her own. She doesn't mess around when it comes to filling up her piggy bank.

"Mom take a picture!"

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Hank carrying around his box of cereal. This is an on-going obsession for him. It is pretty cute to see him haul over to the pantry, then look at me with his wide eyes (his request to open the door), all so he can pull out the cereal and carry it with him everywhere. One evening, I was busy making dinner when Ruby informs me that we have a problem....kix are everywhere! I should have known Hank couldn't be trusted alone with a cereal box. 

These kids wear me out, and some days take me to my wit's end! But I sure do love them...and wouldn't trade them for anything.

 Hank's Sunday best...

...doesn't keep him from playing hard.

He's got some mad dunking skills, and this kid loves to kick the ball around...he could do it all. day. long. Let's just say, his dad is proud.