A few weeks back I promised I would write a post about my boys turning two.
Yeah… about that…
I’ve sat down a few times now to try and write about the continuing Adventures in Fatherhood as we enter our boys third year of life. So many thoughts swirl through my head that finding a place to begin is rather tough.
At the moment, it’s 11:03 on Wednesday night and we have had one heck of day. After a week of stomach viruses hitting our house, my mom has contracted something and was unable to watch the boys today. Thankfully, she and my mother-in-law watch the boys three days a week — including Wednesday when I’m working from home.
Since today was my first day back from vacation, I knew I had a lot of things that needed to be done today to meet several deadlines. I had to try and get as much work done as I could while also keeping an eye on the boys. I just finished those things 30 minutes ago.
(SIDENOTE: A huge thanks to my mother-in-law who came and watched the boys for 3-4 hours this morning so I could really buckle down for a while!)
Whereas a little more than a year ago, I could easily set the boys down and work nearby without worrying to much about what they were up to. That stage is LONG GONE.
Today, if I leave them alone for more than a minute or so, they’re likely to have chairs pulled into the kitchen and leaning over the sink playing with the soap and water when I return.
At other times they’re climbing on top of the table, jumping off the couch, flipping their small recliners over and crawling over the back of them and all around just being boys.
In the words of both boys, it is constant “GO!” at our house.
Both boys are so inquisitive and independent (and as a result — they seem to have picked up a bit of stubbornness from somewhere… we’re still trying to figure that one out ;-).)
If it can be climbed by my three-foot tall boys — it will be climbed.
If it can’t be climbed by my three-foot tall boys — they’ll still attempt it.
If there’s a button to push — it will be pushed.
If there’s a string to be strummed — it will be strummed.
If there’s a surface to be drummed — it will be drummed.
If there are pieces to be placed — they will be organized in a mannerly fashion (several times).
And if there is music — there will be dancing.
—
Both boys continue to amaze us in so many ways.
Hayden with his careful and quiet observation.
Ian with his sweet and tender heart.
Hayden with his cautious exploration.
Ian with his gung-ho jump right in mentality.
We couldn’t ask for more. (Well maybe a little more peace and patience at times… but that’s every parent’s wish isn’t it?)
As I think about the past year, a few things really stand out to me…
Taking the boys to The Hole Thing to enjoy doughnut holes together (both as a family and just me and the boys).
Bursting with pride as we walk into the hardware store or grocery store together, one boy on either side, both grabbing my hand the moment they step out of the car.
Hearing the boys say “buh-bye” as I leave and seeing them rush to meet me in the evenings when I return.
Taking our random Thursday trips to the park together and watching with pride and fear as they both navigate the hurdles that are typically meant for children several years older than them — and trying to convince them that they really don’t need to play on the “older kids playground.”
Carrying each boy on my shoulder around the backyard and laughing as they continually try to throw a ball on the roof just like daddy.
Watching Hayden show us exactly how he climbed out of his crib during his nap time and then watching Ian climb/fall out his own crib the next day.
Playing in the sprinklers for the first time in the backyard.
Playing with shaving cream in the bathtub.
Watching in amazement as Hayden had no trouble figuring out how to blow his birthday candles out — when the previous year he wanted nothing to do with them.
Watching Hayden take such an interest in planes, trains and automobiles, while Ian takes such an interest in animals.
Teaching both boys (mainly Ian) what a lion, bear, monkey, gorilla, dog, cat, snake, mom, dad and grandma say. Hopefully I’ll get that on video soon.
And a couple more that come to mind in just the past few weeks (after they turned two)…
Taking the boys trick-or-treating for the first time.
Holding Hayden much of the night as he continually woke up vomiting from his stomach virus.
Yes, it’s true — covered in vomit and all it was worth it to be there for my son.
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As they say, the years will start to fly by and it causes me to reflect more and more on what really matters.
And as I reflect on what matters, I see how my boys continue to teach me more and more about love and grace and patience.
Sadly, I keep having to remind myself, “If they don’t want it eat it — they’ll be OK.” “They don’t know how to tell you what’s wrong — they’re only two years old.” “Stop what you’re doing and just be present with them.” “Let em play just a little longer.” “There’s nothing more important than what you’re doing with them right now.”
And yet, it doesn’t matter how upset I might get with them, they’re right there with their arms wide open, begging me to grab them up in my arms and hold them close.
The love and trust of a child could teach all of us a lot…
And I can’t wait to learn it right alongside them for years to come.
