the little guys

I started drafting this post months ago and am just finishing it.  And the boys are already different than they were when I started writing it...


... Every now and then I feel the pressure to write a post about the boys.  To write down as much as possible about what they're saying/doing before I forget it all.

They are finally at a stage where they play together.  Which = more messes, chaos, and many toy battles, but I'll take it over Creighton bugging me to hold him all day long.  Creighton is still my biggest fan, but he's getting much better at playing with Beckham, or entertaining himself... which is refreshing for me.  I used to hardly be able to sneak through the room he was in without him following me and wanting held.

And speaking of that needy little Creighton who has been more challenging to parent so far (solely due to personality differences to Beckham... nothing really that challenging)...  well, we've discovered how much he reminds us of me, and Beckham is more like Chad.  So I guess I'm the one to blame. :)

How is Creighton more like me?
he's independent and wants to make the decision/do things himself
he's more of a risk taker
he's carefree and doesn't want to be restrained
he's busy and doesn't want to just sit
he's silly and likes to be the center of attention (not sure how silly I am, but I don't mind attention)
he's kind of a touch-me-not and often doesn't care for his brother's affection (although he loves to cuddle with me?)
he's stubborn and doesn't mind being told "no"/being disciplined... likes to see what he can get away with :)
he's particular and likes things a certain way... has an opinion about his shoes/clothes, how I do things, likes to clean up

How is Beck more like Chad?
he's soft hearted and feels things deeply
he's quick to say sorry and hates to disappoint
he likes to relax
he knows the right/thoughtful thing to say
he's cautious
he likes being taken care of and having things done for him :)

Creighton even looks more like me and Beck more like Chad.  Kind of fun to see them take after one of us.  I'm also predicting their sports are going to follow us... Beck's already into basketball and golf and I'm banking on C being the runner. :)

What else are the boys up to these days?

Creighton is learning new words every day, talking more and more.  When he turned 2 it's like a switch flipped and he knew how to talk.  He says "that" all the time, wanting to know the name of what he's pointing to.  He'll repeat the same word over and over while reading a book.  He loves books, but usually just wants to turn pages quickly and point to various objects, but is sometimes interested in hearing all the words.  He's starting to know his ABC's.
His latest favorite saying is [insert word] first.  Such as "Thomas first" when that's the show he wants to watch.  Or "milk first" when he wants a drink.  "Cheese first" is a common saying at meal times.  I'm waiting for his food palate to mirror mine... although he likes random things like blue cheese.

Beckham is still our our super observant/amazing memory little guy who is quite the smooth talker and always knows the right thing to say at the right time (but it feels genuine too).  He can be super sweet and say things like "I just can't stop loving you mom" or try to manipulate a situation... like "mom, how about you read me three books b/c you love me," or "I have an idea, how about I watch just a little show."
Beck has been very sweet with his brother lately, encouraging him to be obedient or trying to sooth him when he's worked up about something.  Some examples:  coaxing him to try his vegetables at dinner, helping him calm down during a time-out by reading him a book, soothing him while he's scared at the Dr's office, trying to get him to say sorry when he's disobedient. 
He'll say things like
"it's ok Creighton, just calm down"
"just take a bite Creighton, just one bite"
"we need to be obedient to mom and dad Creighton"
"I'm right here Creighton, it's ok"
"Just say sorry Creighton"

Creighton hanging out in the sink at Sheli's house... this is what she does with him while she needs to get things done, like make dinner.  I guess he likes it and asks to go in the sink!

love times like this when they play peacefully together

Creighton has some amazing bed head!

Creighton loves being the frog after bath time and will walk around for a while with this towel on his head

looking all grown up in their matching outfits ... I think it's the comb over :)

glad their sandbox is done so they no longer feel the need to dig in the mulch in our front yard.  it was a little chilly this day, so this is me being lazy and taking a picture from inside.  :)

sharing a hot dog at Costco!

Creighton determined to brush his own teeth.

Might as well suck your fingers and pick your nose at the same time!  I'm pretty sure he wasn't feeling too well in this pic..

This is what frequently happens when I pick Beck up after work and he hasn't taken a nap... falls asleep on the way home and can't wake up for dinner.  Even Chick-fil-A. :)

Ok, what do you think... does Creighton look like me?

Creighton (obviously)

me (even more obvious!)

this is me too :)