ROAR – Kamden-osaurus is FOUR | Personal

Dear Kamden,

What a wonderful day I had with you today, Kam Man! You woke me up as you usually do, and I surprised you with your very own dinosaur bedroom! Not only were you so excited and happy, but you were so appreciative and gracious. You thanked me over and over and told me many times, “I like this!!”

Oh the three’s… I’d be lying if I said the three’s were easier than the two’s. I used to naievely state that the three’s were all how you handled the two’s! I found out the hard way that that is not necessarily the case! Oh, my super smart, strong-willed, action-packed son… you put up a good fight, young one. We had many a rough day as you ventured forth asserting your independence and strong views.

As much as you absolutely adored your baby brother when he came, it was quickly evident how you intensely expressed this big change in your life! Your mighty body has been quite a challenge for you, but you’ve learned to slow down and tame at least most of that wildness. You’ve gained so much compassion toward your brother now and are learning every day how to make him happy and practice being the gentle soul that I know is inside that exuberant little body of yours!

The three’s were indeed a bumpy journey, but we got through it, and I couldn’t be more proud of you today. The maturity, insight, sensitivity, and warmth you’ve shown lately blows me away.

You’ve taught me so much this past year, once again. To always seek out excitement in life. There’s no time for being lazy! Be silly, and be silly often! Make silly faces. Forgive quickly and genuinely. Ask questions. Ask why! Run! Race! Spin! Hit the ball! Goof off with your buddies. Play. Sit together. Tell stories! Laugh loud and long. Tell those you love that you love them as often as you can.

I love loving you, my baby boy. Baby, you’ll move mountains!! I just know it. ❤ Happy 4th Birthday, Kam Man. I love you more. No you! 😉

Love,

Mommy

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Today Was A Good Day | Personal

Today was a good day.

Today I was happy.

Today my 3-year-old son was happy.

Today I didn’t yell.

Today my son didn’t yell.

Today I wasn’t short with him.

Today my son didn’t tantrum.

Today I wasn’t critical of him.

Today my son wasn’t impatient or frustrated.

Today I kindly established boundaries and gave calm warnings.

Today my son didn’t sit in timeout.

Today I praised my son for eating well.

Today my son did a great job eating.

Today I was a goofball with my son.

Today my son laughed and laughed till he was gasping for air.

Today I ran and ran in circles and threw the ball with my son.

Today my son got out all of his energy.

Today I peacefully and patiently got my son ready for bed.

Today my son went to bed easily and early.

Most days are nowhere near perfect. Most days I am grasping for one more ounce of patience. Most days I feel defeated and exhausted. Most days I feel the need to constantly get work done. Most days I feel entitled to relaxing and indulging in social media. Today was not perfect. I wasn’t the perfect mom or and I didn’t do everything right… but today? Today was a good day! IMG_8949 IMG_8952 IMG_8944

Harper Rhea | Fun & Fiesty | Toddler Session

Meet Harper Rhea. 19 months old and quite the beauty!! What makes Harper very unique, in her grandma Emma’s opinion, is that she is one fiesty little girly girl! One look into her gorgeous, piercing blue eyes, and you can see why this little one is totally spoiled by her grandma! Emma states that every time little Harper comes over to her house, she looks into the closet to search for new pretty clothes and shoes to wear!!!

Harper had a total blast exploring Mt. Trashmore (a former landfill) with us, and it was hard for me to see her infamous fiestiness while she was completely consumed with smelling the flowers, falling in the mulch, and asking sweetly for more “snacks!” I have been warned, however, that she is not always as perfectly sweet. Having a high-energy toddler of my own who often behaves wonderfully in public when he’s occupied by being out, I understand this phenomenon completely.

Fierce boldness aside, little Miss Harper was a total joy (for me), and I got to see her express her artistic side while she painted (finger-painted/finger-smeared/glitter-paint-squirted) a beautiful masterpiece of her own atop the Mt. Trashmore man-made mountain. A piece almost as beautiful as her sweet face. She also took a brief safari with some jungle animals! Take a look!!

Oh, and her gorgeous self definitely did not help my baby fever… I decided that I would absolutely love to have a baby girl that looks just like her!! 😉

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